Buying the Right Size Artwork

Sizing your Artwork: Tips & Advice

When you buy art, your main criterion is your personal taste. You see an artwork, fall in love with it and you acquire it for your home. You have an empty wall that needs filling and more often than not, you go for the first painting you like, only to realize it is either too big or too small for the space you had in mind for it. If this is the case, it is not a problem as you can always place your artwork in a different spot to the one you initially wanted.  However, if you find it hard to visualize how your space will look like once the artwork is hung prior to having the actual piece to test, this article will explore different ways in which you can get a feel for the size. 

Besides the size of the artwork, there are other factors to take into consideration: the shape of the artwork, the size and shape of the room/wall as well as the surrounding furniture. Let’s see how your artwork may look in different rooms and what to avoid thus making sure the artwork you buy will be suitable.

 

Q.1) Spot the Difference: Which size looks better?

 

 

In the images above, the two on the right look far more suitable that the two on the left. While the one is too small, looking lost, the other one is too overbearing for the wall. However, in reality there is really no ‘right’ way and it is very much down to personal preference, but at the same time, you do want to create a harmonious ambiance.

 

Consider the Room Size….

 

Square Rooms

If your room is square, it is best to avoid square paintings as this will make the room appear too boxy and controlled. A portrait or a landscape painting will break up the space making it more inviting.

 

 

 

Narrow Rooms

It is a good idea to hang an artwork in a narrow room as it will bring the walls closer together. While a square shape painting is the best choice for such room, it is advisable to avoid landscape or portrait paintings; the former will make the room narrower while the latter will look out of place.

 

High Ceilings

If you have high ceilings, both square and landscape paintings will enhance the room. Avoid portrait painting as these will make the room appear even higher.

 

 

 

Q.2) How can we test which size works best without the physical work?

Going back to the initial concern on how can you know if an artwork is suitable for your room without having the actual painting to test it, here are a couple of tips to consider:

1. Using editing programs such as Photoshop to place the artwork into the space. If you prefer, we can do this for you at Art2Arts; we only require a room photo and the dimensions of the space.
2. Cutting up some newspapers to the required size and blue tack them to the wall. This allows you to play with different sizes and shapes and you can step back and have a look from different angles to see how it fits within the space.

Q.3) What other considerations are there?

1. The furniture in the room. If you want to place a painting above the bed, sofa or side units, you will need to take into consideration the wall space from the furniture to the ceiling and not the entire wall.  Choose your painting accordingly while making sure you place it fairly central.
2. Other obstructions in the room such as doorways, windows and radiators. You don’t want them to get in the way of your artwork being noticed and admired so make the painting the focal point of the room and don’t hide it behind a door that opens and closes regularly throughout the day.

 

I hope this article has been helpful when thinking about what to consider when it comes to size. If you require any further help please don’t hesitate to contact me: michelle@art2arts.co.uk - good luck!