How to Choose the Right Size & Placement for Your Wall Art

A modern living room with a gradient abstract painting hung above a light grey sofa, illustrating ideal wall art size and placement.

Designed to Belong: A Guide to Sizing & Placing Your Canvas Art

Art isn’t just about what you see — it’s about what you feel when you walk into the room. One of the most overlooked (but powerful) aspects of custom artwork is size and placement. Whether you’re decorating a quiet reading nook or designing a statement wall, the way you size and position your canvas can elevate a space from “nice” to “this feels like home.”

Here’s our simple guide to help you get it right:

1. Measure the Space First

Before you even think about style or color, take a step back. How big is the wall? What furniture sits beneath it?

Pro Tip: For above-sofa pieces, aim for a canvas that is around two-thirds the width of the sofa. This creates balance and flow.

  • Small spaces: Try one medium-sized piece or a vertical orientation to draw the eye upward.
  • Large walls: Go bold. A large-scale horizontal piece or a gallery of two or three canvases can create a stunning impact.

2. Consider Eye Level (and Heart Level)

A common mistake is hanging artwork too high. Always start by aiming for eye level (about 145 cm from the floor to the center of the artwork).

But at Forma, we like to say: hang it at heart level. Because this isn’t just decoration — it’s your story on canvas.

3. Let the Art Breathe

Negative space is your friend. A canvas that’s too tight against furniture or cornered in a wall feels awkward. Leave a little room around it. Give it space to speak.

4. Think in Pairs or Triptychs

Sometimes a single canvas can feel lost on a large wall. Consider:

  • Diptych (2 pieces): Works great over beds or wide console tables
  • Triptych (3 pieces): Ideal for dining or living rooms where you want rhythm and flow

Forma can create these as a single narrative or interconnected emotional themes.

5. Trust Your Instincts (and Your Artist)

You don’t have to get it perfect on the first try. That’s why we offer mockups during your consultation, helping you visualize different sizes and placements in your actual space.

Every home is different. Every story is personal. And we’re here to guide you through it.

Need Help Choosing?

We offer free sizing advice as part of every custom art inquiry. Let’s find the right dimensions that make your space feel grounded, alive, and unmistakably yours.

Commission your custom piece today → Contact Us

Forma Fine Art | Designed to Belong