Large canvas painting or several small ones – how to choose the right size for your wall
The question comes up every week at Artiley: should you invest in a large canvas that captures the entire room – or build a collection of smaller works? The right size is rarely just about the dimensions of the wall. It's about how the art directs the eye, creates balance and reinforces what you want the room to say.
Start with the wall and distance
We always base our decisions on three simple measurement rules when helping customers choose formats:
- Over a sofa or sideboard: let the width of the painting be about 60–80% of the width of the furniture. A 200 cm sofa often looks good with a painting around 120–160 cm wide or a painting wall of the same width.
- Hanging height: aim for about 145 cm from the floor to the center of the painting. This puts the art at natural eye level.
- Distance between several works: 5–8 cm between pieces allows breathing without the whole falling apart.
As a rule of thumb for larger works, a viewing distance of 1.5–2 times the diagonal of the painting also works. If you have a seating distance of 3–3.5 meters, a 120–140 cm wide canvas painting may feel perfect.
When a large canvas painting lifts the room
A large canvas works as a room carrier. It sets the tone for color, direction, and pace. In open-plan spaces, we often see a larger piece that brings the space together and adds weight where furniture would otherwise “float.” A concrete example: a large, bright, yet textured abstraction can calm a colorful dining area without stealing light. Here’s a favorite from our range: Muted Elegance . The soft palette and subtle texture tie together wood tones and natural textiles, allowing the room’s hues to take their cue from the piece—not the other way around.
Our experience in the studio: larger formats require the right light and surface area but reward you with a clear focal point. The canvas edge captures light in a way that adds depth – especially on textured subjects. Choose a matte surface if you have a window opposite, then you will avoid glare that disturbs the subject.
When several smaller ones create rhythm and movement
A group of smaller paintings provides flexibility and rhythm. We often use a 2x2 or 3x2 grid when the wall needs order, or an asymmetrical salon hanging when the room needs more energy. Let one work be the “captain” – the one that first catches the eye – and compose the other works as supporting contrasts in color, scale or texture.
The choice of color should be based on the art. Pick a main tone from one of the works and let other motifs carry tone-on-tone variations or clear complements. The effect is that the whole feels curated, not picked up. When the customer asks how pillows or rugs should match, we always answer: start with the painting. If the works have muted beige and gray scales, let the textiles reflect the shades – then the room feels collected and the art continues to be the protagonist.
How to try on size before buying
- Tape up measurements: mark the outer edge of the intended painting with masking tape. Feel for different hanging heights and widths.
- Create paper templates: use newspaper or cardboard in the desired dimensions. Back up 2–3 meters and feel your balance.
- Start with the “captain”: in a picture wall – place the main work first at eye level, adding in 5–8 cm intervals.
- Think weight, not area: a dark, contrasting motif feels visually heavier than a light one of the same size. Feel free to reduce or increase dimensions according to the intensity of the motif.
Common pitfalls we see
- Too small works on large walls: the room feels unfinished, even with nice furniture. Go up a size or combine several works.
- Pictures hung too high: the eye loses contact. Keep the center around 145 cm unless the room requires otherwise.
- Messy palette without an anchor: let one work determine the main scale. Build against it.
- Gap against furniture: if a work hangs over a sofa, let the bottom edge come down closer to the backrest (10–20 cm) so that the furniture and art read as one block.
Room-specific tips from our studio
Living room: do you have 240–260 cm ceiling height and a three-seater sofa? Try a 100x140 cm vertical painting to draw the eye upwards and give the room more height, or two 70x100 cm in a row for a leisurely pace.
Hall: a narrow wall benefits from a vertical series of 40x60 cm with 6 cm intervals. This leads the visitor forward and creates movement.
Bedroom: choose a calm scale above the bed – preferably a horizontal 50x70 triple for soft rhythm or a solitaire in 80x120 cm for collected peace. Delve into more bedroom choices here:The art of choosing the perfect canvas print for your bedroom .
Conclusion: let art lead the room
A large painting gives direction and weight; several small ones give variety and pace. Regardless of the path – let the paintings be the starting point. Choose colors, textures and materials that respond to what the work says, and you will have a room that feels truly well thought out.
Do you need help deciding on a size? At Artiley, we test designs in several formats in our studio before they reach the store – precisely so that you can choose with confidence.