The right motif on the wrong size can easily end up wobbling in the middle of a large wall or cramped in a corner. Size often determines whether a painting feels well thought out or hung at random. Here's a simple size guide to help you choose the right format for the room and wall.
The basic rule: fill the wall adequately
A single painting should cover approximately 60–75 percent of the free wall space or of the furniture it hangs over. Smaller than that and the painting looks forgotten; larger and it can feel cramped. Also consider the distance you usually view the painting from – the further away, the larger it can comfortably be.
Above the sofa
Aim for a painting, or a collection, that is approximately two-thirds of the sofa's width. For a standard sofa around 200–220 cm, this means a large painting of about 70x100 cm, or several smaller ones that together fill the same area. Hang it so that the center is at eye level, about a hand's breadth above the backrest.
Above the bed
The same principle applies here: keep the width within the bed's width, preferably centered above the headboard. Above a double bed, a large painting around 70x100 cm works well, or two 50x70 side-by-side. Hang it slightly lower than in the living room, as you will mostly view it while sitting or lying down.
In the hallway and on narrow walls
Narrow walls benefit from portrait formats. One or two paintings in 30x40 or 50x70 cm will bring life to a hallway without feeling intrusive. Several smaller ones of the same size in a row create rhythm in a long corridor.
For a gallery wall
For a collection, it's the interplay that counts, not the individual size. Feel free to vary – a larger painting as an anchor (for example, 50x70) surrounded by smaller ones (21x30 and 30x40) – and keep a few centimeters of even spacing between them. Plan the layout on the floor or with paper cutouts on the wall before you start hanging.
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Format and material
Consider the orientation: portrait formats suit portraits, tall rooms, and narrow walls; landscape formats suit landscapes and wide walls above the sofa. When designing your painting, you can freely choose between formats and sizes and preview the motif – ideally against a photo of your own wall – before ordering, in poster, canvas, metal, or plexiglass.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a painting above the sofa be?
Approximately two-thirds of the sofa's width. For a sofa around 200 cm, a large painting of about 70x100 cm or several smaller ones that fill the same area is suitable.
How high should the painting hang?
With the center at eye level, around 145–150 cm from the floor, or about a hand's breadth above a piece of furniture it hangs over.
Portrait or landscape format?
Portrait for portraits, tall rooms, and narrow walls; landscape for landscapes and wide walls.
What sizes can I choose?
You choose from several formats and sizes when designing the painting, and can preview before ordering.
With the right size, the painting will be in balance with the room – and make the motif look exactly as you intended.
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