We hear painting needs some space around it to breathe and can look cramped if the space around it is too small . On the other hand, a small painting above a sofa or sideboard or on a huge wall can look lost and a bit awkward.
I want to help, so I’ve done a little research and have found that there are some guidelines which I can share as well as my own opinion .
How big above furniture?
If you’re hanging a painting above furniture, like a sofa, the experts recommend that the width of the artwork is around 2/3 to 3/4 of the width of the furniture. So if your sofa is 200cm wide this would be a painting measuring a minimum of 130cm. It doesn’t need to be exact but if you’re unsure this is a good guide.
If in doubt - Go Big!
Most of the guides I looked at advise going as large as you can with the artwork you select, in order to bring the room together. A piece that’s too small can look awkward hanging in all that space.
Here are two photos to test out these guidelines . I have to admit, the one on the right does have more impact , but I like the space above the sofa because generally, that’s where people’s heads are going to be.
Other walls
It’s a good idea to consider the proportions of the wall in relation to the size and proportion of the artwork .
Is it tall and narrow ? A portrait orientation should usually work better than landscape.
Again, if you’re not sure you can make the artwork cover 2/3 to 3/4 of the available space.
A Tip for getting the size right before you buy
Cut out a piece of wrapping paper or newspaper to the size of the painting and blue tac it to your wall. This should give you a better idea of how much space the painting will take up and if there's enough blank space surrounding it.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules
Don’t be afraid to break the rules though. If you find a painting that excites you and reflects your taste, hang with confidence -it’s probably going to fit right in among the other things you have chosen in your room.
Living room with square painting above it
I think an artwork off centre like this can give an interesting look and I find that square paintings seem to fit in everywhere, so long as they have some space around them.
If you are lucky enough to see a painting that you can’t stop thinking about then that’s a clue you should buy it and find a place for it later. You don’t even need to have it in one particular place, nothing like moving around the artworks when you feel like you need a change.
An original artwork is something that will last longer than a lifetime and will go along with you on any future house moves.
Square painting above a sofa with cushions