How to Choose the Right Size Canvas for Your Space

Choosing wall art is exciting, but figuring out the right size can be tricky. If the canvas is too small, it disappears on the wall. If it is too large, it takes over the entire room. The goal is to find a size that feels balanced and looks like it belongs. Here are a few simple ways to make the choice easier.

1. Measure Your Wall

Start with the wall itself. A useful guideline is that art should fill about two-thirds of the available space.

• Above furniture (like a sofa or bed): your canvas should be roughly the same width as the furniture or a little smaller. For example, with a sofa that is 84 inches wide, look for a canvas that is around 56 to 72 inches.
• On empty walls: you have more freedom, but sticking to the two-thirds rule usually gives the best balance.

2. Match the Room Size

The scale of the room matters. A large open living room can handle oversized pieces, while smaller areas feel better with more modest prints.

• Large rooms: oversized canvases or sets of prints work well.
• Medium rooms: a 24 by 36 canvas often looks just right.
• Smaller spaces: 12 by 18 or a pair of small canvases adds character without crowding the room.

3. Think About How You See It

Consider the distance between the viewer and the wall. In hallways or tight spaces, smaller prints work because they are seen up close. In larger rooms, where you look at the canvas from across the space, a bigger size helps the details stand out.

4. Placement Above Furniture

If you are hanging a canvas above a sofa, a headboard, or a dining table, leave about 6 to 12 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the canvas. This creates a natural connection between the art and the furniture without making the wall look cramped.

5. Try a Gallery Wall

If you are unsure about one large piece, consider a gallery wall. Several smaller canvases arranged together can create the same impact. You might center a medium-sized canvas, then build around it with smaller prints for a personal and creative look.

6. Test It First

Before you order, make a paper cut-out the size of the canvas you are considering and tape it to the wall. Step back and look at it from different angles. This quick test helps you decide if the size feels right.

7. Go With What You Like

Guidelines are helpful, but your taste matters most. If you love a large, dramatic canvas, choose it. If you prefer smaller, subtle prints, that is just as valid. Your wall art should reflect your style.

Ready to Print?

At Impressia, we offer canvases in sizes that work for every kind of space. From 12 by 18 to 36 by 54, you can find the format that makes your photos stand out. Upload your image today and let us turn it into a canvas that fits your home perfectly.

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