Picking out the perfect piece of art isn’t just about choosing an image that speaks to you; it’s also about finding the right size for your space. The size of your wall art can dramatically influence its impact on the atmosphere of the room and the mood of its occupants.
Through this post, we will guide you through understanding different print sizes, factors to consider when choosing a print size, and how to visualize different sizes in your space.
Table of Contents
Understanding Photo Print Sizes
In photography, print sizes are typically referred to in inches, measuring the width and height of the print. The first number in a print size refers to the shortest edge, while the second refers to the longest.
For example, a print that is labeled 12×18″ means it is 12 inches wide and 18 inches high (or vice versa, if the image is displayed vertically.)
There are many different print sizes available. At Mountains and Treasures, we use these standard sizes:
| Print Size | Size Comparison | Best Fit Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12×18″ | A little larger than a laptop | Small rooms, gallery walls |
| 16×24″ | Medium-sized suitcase | Smaller rooms or accent walls |
| 20×30″ | Bar fridge | Small to medium sized rooms |
| 24×36″ | Width of a twin-sized mattress | Medium sized rooms |
| 30×45″ | Width of a standard office desk | Medium to large rooms, above bed décor |
| 40×60″ | Large couch | Large rooms, as a centerpiece |
- 12×18″: Roughly the size of a small poster or a large laptop, this print size is the perfect fit for a small space like a home office or stairway. Also great for gallery walls with multiple pieces of wall art.
- 16×24″: Approximately the size of a medium-sized suitcase, this print can draw in some attention and tie the look of your room together without overwhelming the space.
- 20×30″: Similar to the size of an average bar fridge, this size is more substantial and can become the centerpiece in a small to medium-sized room. Great for displaying over a desk or dining room table.
- 24×36″: This print is about the size of a twin-sized mattress headboard. It’s a larger print that goes nicely over a TV, dining room table or love seat.
- 30×45″: Comparable to the length of an office desk, this print size can make a significant visual impact in a medium to large room, like a bedroom or living room. This size displays nicely over an average sized couch or a fireplace.
- 40×60″: This size of print really has that “wow!” factor that draws attention as soon as you walk into a room.
Surprisingly, a larger size of print can actually make a room look bigger, creating a sense of depth and visual interest.
Choosing the Right Size: Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing the right print size for your space, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. Here, we’ve listed the most important aspects that will influence your decision:
- Wall Space: The first thing to consider is the size of your wall. Larger walls can accommodate bigger prints, but be cautious of overcrowding smaller spaces. Leaving some wall space around the print lets it breathe and stand out. Alternatively, choosing a piece that takes up most of the wall makes for a dramatic and eye-catching display.
- Room Size: Larger rooms generally require larger prints to balance the space, whereas smaller rooms might benefit from a collection of smaller prints, like a gallery wall. Placing a series of three images together (called a triptych) either vertically or horizontally can also make for a striking combination.
- Furniture Scale: The size of your furniture plays a role in selecting print size. Consider the types of furniture you’ll be hanging the print near or above, to balance out the overall look of the room.
- Viewing Distance: Think about where you’ll be viewing the art from. Larger prints are more effective in areas where you’ll be viewing the art from a distance, like across a living room. Smaller prints are perfect for areas where you’ll be closer, like in a hallway or near a reading chair.
- Print Orientation: Consider the shape of your wall space. Wider wall spaces benefit from horizontal prints, or a series of vertical prints together. While taller, narrower spaces (like stairwells or in between windows) could suit vertical prints better.
- Purpose of the Print: If you’re looking to make a bold statement, opt for a larger size. A grand 40×60″ print of a majestic landscape or a striking wildlife can be a great conversation starter, so pick an image with a story behind it! On the other hand, smaller prints can contribute to a more eclectic and maximalist room feel, especially when curated as a gallery wall.
How to Choose the Right Size by Room
Choosing the right print size can seem daunting, but it’s easier if you break it down room by room or space by space. Consider the role of each space, its dimensions, and how people interact with it.
Print Sizes for Small Spaces (12×18″ and 16×24″)
Small spaces like bathrooms, hallways, or cozy reading nooks can be the perfect spots to hang smaller prints like 12×18″ and 16×24″. These sizes won’t overwhelm the space but rather add an element of interest and personality – something to ponder and dream about.
In a small home office, a 16×24″ print behind the desk can serve as a calming focal point. Vertical prints can be particularly effective in small spaces, drawing the eye upward and creating the illusion of a taller ceiling.
Print Sizes for Medium Rooms (20×30″ and 24×36″)
Medium rooms like bedrooms, kitchens, and small living rooms work well with 20×30″ and 24×36″ prints. They are large enough to create an impact without overpowering the room.
A 20×30″ landscape print could bring serenity to your bedroom or a dynamic wildlife scene in a 24×36″ print could energize your kitchen.
Always consider the furniture’s scale in the room. The print should not be wider than any furniture piece it hangs above.
Print Sizes for Large Walls (30×45″ and 40×60″)
Large spaces like spacious living rooms, open plan dining areas, or high-ceilinged entryways can accommodate larger print sizes such as 30×45″ and 40×60″. Large prints in these areas can make a bold statement, become the focal point of the room and create conversation.
Visualizing Different Print Sizes with your Room Décor
Visualizing how different print sizes will look in your space before making a purchase can save you from any sizing disappointments and make hanging them when they arrive much easier. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to preview wall art size:
The Masking Tape Method
One simple and effective way to visualize different print sizes in your space is to use masking tape. Measure out the dimensions of your prospective print and mark the corners on your wall with the tape. This allows you to see the scale of the artwork in your room and how it fits with your existing décor.
Paper Cutouts
Another low-tech method is to use paper or cardboard cutouts in the size of the prints you’re considering. Just like the masking tape method, this gives you a clear visual representation of how the print will fill your space. Plus, with a paper cutout, you can easily move it around to different walls to see where it feels most at home.
Digital Previews
Ask the photographer to do a digital mock-up of the print hanging in your room. They will likely ask you to take a face-on picture of the wall you want to hang it on, and to measure the length of your wall and distance from different pieces of furniture. Using this method also helps the photographer make recommendations about which pieces would best complement your existing décor.
Conclusion
Picking out the perfect piece of wall art goes beyond room aesthetics. It’s about creating an atmosphere that inspires and makes you happy to come home to!
From intimate 12×18″ prints, suitable for smaller spaces, to grand 40×60″ prints that turn an empty wall into a vibrant landscape, each size caters to specific needs and effects.
Whether you’re seeking to bring the vibrant colors of a sunset into your living room, or the dramatic vista of a mountain range into your office, our collection of wildlife and landscape photography prints has something for every nature lover.
