The Appropriate Portrait Size for Your Wall

With the New Year, it might be time to give your walls a new look with wall art. Here are some tips for decorating your home with portraits of the appropriate size.

Appropriate Wall Art Sizes At a Glance:

Figuring out what size print to choose for your printed portraits can be overwhelming.  Size matters, at least regarding what hangs on the wall! It’s hard to know what frames will look too big or too small. Here is a brief run-down of the most common sizes.

• 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 frames are meant for tabletops or desktops.
• 11x14 and more significant sizes are for the walls.
• 20x30 and 30x40 are perfect above a couch, staircase, or on a larger wall.
• Remember that adding a mat to a frame can add to its visual weight and overall size.

Wall Art Clusters and Collages

You might even consider a cluster or collage of larger wall portraits. My families and wedding couples love this look because of the creativity you can use when decorating your home. As a bonus, you can move the wall art around to create a new look on your wall. You can add items other than portraits to the cluster, like mirrors, art pieces, or even pieces of art your children create. The possibilities are limitless.

When thinking about hanging wall art, make sure to consider the size and shape of the wall as well.  A large wall will need either a larger single piece or a larger collection of smaller pieces.  Balance is key when it comes to hanging pictures.

If you’re using some pictures that are the same size, try to arrange them in a symmetrical design. Consider an asymmetrical arrangement when using prints in different sizes, textures, or mediums; rather than having the other sizes not line up correctly at the top or bottom, an asymmetrical layout allows for a more eclectic look and feel.

There are so many different textiles that your photos can be printed on. Wall art doesn’t only have to be printed photos in frames. Consider using a large canvas or a cluster of smaller canvases as wall art. Consider a metal print or cluster for wall décor for a more industrial, modern, and eclectic look.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you print out your pictures and get them up on the walls. It’s far easier to enjoy your pictures on the wall than on a computer. Start enjoying your memories by printing them out to share as beautiful art around your home.  Need more advice on how to get high-quality prints for your home? Make sure to contact me, and I’ll be happy to help.