Size does matter:
THE ART OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROPORTIONS
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like something was just off?
Maybe it felt cluttered or disorganised, or maybe it just didn't feel quite right. Chances are, the problem wasn't the furniture or the decor – it was the proportions. When it comes to decorating with artwork, getting the proportions just right is crucial for creating a space that feels harmonious and visually engaging.
By understanding the principles of proportion and applying them to your art selection, you can create a display that feels perfectly balanced and visually engaging. The principle of proportion tells us that your art should take up between 60% and 75% of the available wall space (the space that's not already taken up by furniture or moldings).
Not sure where to start?
We've got you covered with two easy rules to follow in order to determine the ideal size for your space.
Rule #1:
do the math
Follow these steps and you'll be armed with the ideal size range for your artwork.
1. Measure the available wall space where you want to display your artwork, you’ll need a measurement for the height and the width. (Inches will be easiest to work)
2. Calculate the minimum and maximum size artwork for the space by multiplying your measurements in step 1 by 0.6 to get the minimum size, and 0.75 to get the maximum size.
RULE #2:
WHEN FURNITURE ENTERS THE EQUATION
When hanging your art over a piece of furniture you still want to keep proportions in mind, what changes is the proportions are now relative to the available wall space directly above that piece of furniture.
Follow the same steps as above to find out the ideal size range for your artwork, except this time your width is going to be determined by the width of the piece of furniture you're hanging the artwork over and the height will be measured from the top of that piece of furniture to the ceiling (or bottom of the molding.)
When it's time to hang your artwork you'll want to hang it so the bottom of the frame is between 6 to 12 inches above the top of the furniture.
Rule #3:
Fireplaces change the equation
When hanging above a fireplace, the principle of proportion is still the key to ensuring your artwork looks at home. However, you'll want your artwork to take up around 80% of the available space.
That means when doing your calculations you'll multiply your wall measurements by 0.8 to get to your ideal art size.
If your fireplace mantel is also home to items you want to keep on display, be sure to take those into account when measuring and start your available wall space directly above those items.
Finally, you'll want to hang your art no less than 6 inches and no more than 12 inches above the mantel or firebox.
