Selecting the right art print size can transform a wall from empty to extraordinary. But with several sizes to choose from — especially popular formats like 16×20, 18×24, and 24×36 — it can be difficult to know which one suits your space best.
This guide will help you understand how each size works, what types of rooms they complement, and how to choose the perfect dimensions for your home. Whether you're updating a gallery wall or creating a single statement piece, the right size makes all the difference.
Why Art Print Size Matters
The size of an art print affects:
- how balanced a wall feels
- how much visual impact the piece creates
- how well it complements furniture
- how spacious or grounded a room appears
A print that’s too small can feel lost.
A print that’s too large can overwhelm a room.
Choosing the right size ensures your artwork feels intentional and harmonious within your space.
16×20 Art Prints: Versatile & Perfect for Small to Medium Spaces
Best for:
- bedrooms
- hallways
- entryways
- small living room walls
- above nightstands
- gallery walls
The 16×20 size is one of the most versatile options. It’s large enough to stand alone on a small wall, yet compact enough to work beautifully as part of a gallery arrangement.
Why choose 16×20?
- easy to style
- works well in pairs
- does not overwhelm small rooms
- ideal for renters or smaller spaces
- most affordable large-format option
When to avoid it:
If the wall is large or part of a main living area, 16×20 may feel too modest as a standalone piece.
18×24 Art Prints: The Most Balanced, All-Around Size
Best for:
- living rooms
- dining rooms
- bedrooms
- above consoles and dressers
- medium to large walls
18×24 is the ideal middle-ground — large enough to create presence, yet still flexible in tighter spaces. It’s the most popular “statement” size for single artwork or symmetrical pairs.
Why choose 18×24?
- bold but not overpowering
- works beautifully above furniture
- ideal focal point for medium walls
- clean, modern proportions
- excellent for minimalist and Japandi/Scandi interiors
When to avoid it:
If your wall is very small, the piece may dominate the space.
24×36 Art Prints: Bold, Dramatic & Perfect for Large Walls
Best for:
- large living rooms
- dining rooms
- open floor plans
- above sofas
- above beds
- tall or wide walls
If you want impact, 24×36 is the size that delivers. Its generous dimensions make it perfect for creating a single statement piece that anchors a room.
Why choose 24×36?
- the most dramatic and gallery-like
- ideal for large furniture pairings
- excellent for feature walls
- brings visual weight to open spaces
When to avoid it:
If your furniture is small-scale or the wall is narrow, 24×36 may feel top-heavy.
Comparing the Three Sizes at a Glance
|
Size |
Best For |
Visual Impact |
Room Type |
|
16×20 |
small/medium walls |
subtle, versatile |
bedrooms, hallways |
|
18×24 |
medium walls |
balanced, modern |
living rooms, dining rooms |
|
24×36 |
large walls |
bold, dramatic |
open spaces, statement areas |
How to Pick the Perfect Size for Your Space
1. Measure your wall
A quick measurement helps you avoid choosing something too small or too large. The artwork should fill roughly ½ to ⅔ of the available wall space.
2. Consider the furniture underneath
Artwork should not be wider than the furniture below it. As a rule:
- above a sofa → artwork should be ⅔ the sofa width
- above a bed → centered, not wider than the headboard
- above a console table → leave 4–8 inches of space
3. Think about viewing distance
Larger pieces work better when you can step back and admire them. Smaller pieces shine in close, intimate spaces.
4. Use multiple prints for large walls
If you love 16×20 or 18×24 but have a large wall, consider:
- symmetrical pairs
- a triptych
- a minimalist gallery wall
This creates depth without overwhelming the space.
5. Use Painter’s Tape to Visualize the Size on Your Wall
One of the easiest and most effective ways to choose the right art print size is to outline the dimensions on your wall using painter’s tape. This instantly helps you understand how each size will feel in your space before committing.
How to do it:
- Measure the artwork size (16×20, 18×24, or 24×36).
- Use painter’s tape to outline that exact rectangle on your wall.
- Step back and view it from different angles in the room.
- Try taping out multiple sizes one at a time to compare scale.
- Ensure the outlined shape feels balanced with your furniture and décor.
Why it works:
- Gives a true sense of proportion
- Helps determine whether a size feels too small or too dominating
- Works incredibly well for deciding between 18×24 and 24×36
- Builds confidence in your final choice
This small step can make the whole process much easier and more intuitive.
Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose 16×20 if you prefer versatility and subtlety.
Choose 18×24 for the most balanced and universally appealing option.
Choose 24×36 if you want a bold, dramatic focal point.
All three sizes bring beauty into the home — it simply depends on the story you want the wall to tell.
Art Prints That Fit Every Space
Whether you love Scandi, Japandi, vintage Scandinavian, or vintage Japanese designs, choosing the right size will help your artwork shine. Explore prints in all three dimensions in our curated collections:
Find the size that brings balance, beauty, and intention to your home.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the perfect art print size doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your space, furniture proportions, and how different sizes create different moods, you can confidently choose artwork that feels harmonious and expressive.
The right piece — in the right size — can completely transform a wall, a room, or even the atmosphere of your home.