Buying Artwork: Is Bigger Better?

When It Comes to Artwork, Does Size Matter?

The simple answer is YES. When it comes to purchasing wall art, size does matter. In our last blog post, we discussed the differences between prints and canvases, so now you may ask what size artwork should I order.

Rule 1: Go Big

Artwork has the power to bring a space to life. Hanging art in your environment allows you to showcase your personality, and sometimes, wall art can even become the focal point of the room. It's important to choose the right size for your artwork; if it's too small, it can get lost in the space, while if it's too large, it can be overwhelming.

The first thing to consider is where the art will be placed. Once you determine its location, it will be much easier to find the correct size for your needs.

Rule # 2: Hang Artwork at Eye Level

A good rule of thumb for hanging art is to position the center of the piece at eye level. I know many of you might think this is too low but consider this: if the artwork is being hung above a piece of furniture, you should leave some space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the artwork. A distance of 6 to 12 inches works well when hanging art over a sofa. Hanging it any higher than that can make it feel out of place.

Rule 3: Remember Proportion

When Hanging Art Over Furniture

When hanging artwork above a piece of furniture, such as a bed or sofa, ensure that the art is at least 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture it is placed over. This guideline applies to both individual pieces and groupings of artwork.

What About a Dining Room?

When hanging art in a dining room, consider the viewing angle. Since you will be seated, hang the art low enough to be appreciated from that position.

What if the wall is Blank?

If the wall is large and doesn't have any furniture or details, such as a fireplace, consider filling the space with oversized wall art. Wall art can occupy 60% to 75% of the area. You might think that sounds excessive, but remember that you can also arrange groupings of smaller pieces to create a stunning visual impact. And that leads us to our next rule of thumb…

Rule #4: Group Artwork together

Arrange artwork together to occupy larger spaces effectively. Consider creating a gallery wall by hanging complementary pieces of art.

Rule #5: Measure

Always measure your space. I cannot stress this enough – always measure your space. When in doubt, choose a larger option. Do not assume that the art will fit well; measure, measure, measure.

Still having trouble visualizing? Check out my visual from a previous blog - What Size Should My Artword Be?

And finally, follow your instincts. As Dorothy Draper (the first person to professionalize the career of interior design) once said: “If it looks right, it is right.”

Artwork is an investment so buy what you love and make sure you buy the right size for your space.

Hope you found these tips helpful. If you enjoyed this and want to read similar articles in the future, be sure to sign up below. In addition, you will get a 10% coupon towards items here and in my Etsy shop.

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time…

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Susan Newberry

Hi, I’m Susan! I’ve spent the last 10 years building my online company. I’ve always loved everything to do with design. In fact, after raising my kids, I decided to go to school and get my degree in Interior Design. While running my own interior design company, I started teaching and found that teaching was what I really loved. Combine that with Interior Design and well, you could say I was on cloud nine. I always loved the technical side of design which led me to graphic design and after studying graphic design, I was encouraged to open an Etsy shop to sell some of my creations. With my attention to detail and being somewhat of a perfectionist, graphic design made perfect sense. In December of 2018, I decided to retire from teaching and devote myself full time to my business and I haven’t looked back since! I love designing art for the home and would love to create something special for you.

It’s true what they say, “Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.”

https://www.susannewberrydesigns.com/
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Artwork: Should I Add a Frame?

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