Can’t decide what size print to put on your wall? You’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions I hear from clients. The right print size can completely transform a space, make a room feel balanced, and even change how your furniture and walls come together. But figuring it out can feel intimidating, especially when you want everything to look just right.
That’s exactly why I put together this guide. Here, you’ll get simple, practical tips for choosing the perfect print size for your living room, bedroom, hallway, or office. We’ll cover small, medium, and large formats, show examples of how they work in real spaces, and give you the confidence to pick a size that makes your walls sing — without second-guessing yourself. By the end of this page, you’ll know exactly which size fine art prints will feel right for your space and how to make your walls look thoughtfully curated.
Click a question below to jump to the answer:
- What size print should I buy?
- What’s the difference between a statement piece and an accent print?
- What size works best in my room?
- How do I tell if a print is too big or too small?
Statement Piece vs Accent Print
Start by thinking about the impact you want the artwork to have. Is this going to be the main focal point of the room? Or an piece that compliments the overall design of the room? That leads us to two helpful categories:
Statement pieces are the dominant artwork in a room — they catch your eye first and help define the space.
Accent prints complement other elements without overpowering.
Recommended Sizes by Room
Here are simple size ranges that work beautifully in the most common spaces:
| Room | Statement Size | Accent Size |
| Living Room | 30″ × 40″ – 40″ × 60″ | 18″ × 24″, 16″ × 20″ |
| Dining Room | 30″ × 40″ | 16″ × 20″, 18″ × 24″ |
| Kitchen | 24″ × 36″ | 12″ × 18″, 16″ × 20″ |
| Bedroom | 24″ × 36″ – 30″ × 40″ | 16″ × 20″, 12″ × 18″ |
| Bathroom | 16″ × 24″ | 11″ × 14″ |
These size ranges fill wall space in a way that feels balanced and luxurious — not too empty, not cramped.
👉 A quick rule of thumb for statement pieces: aim for about 60–75% of the width of the furniture or wall where it lives.
Mike’s Take on Size
I tend to believe that bigger is better.
One of the reasons I love metal prints is that they don’t need a mat or a frame to feel complete. The image stands on its own. It owns the wall.
A traditional frame can gently contain an image — which is why many collectors prefer paper fine art prints for classic spaces.
A metal print floating off the wall does something different. It expands into the space. It becomes part of the room rather than something simply hanging on it.
A large metal print doesn’t whisper. It arrives. Like a diva. And honestly? Sometimes a room needs that kind of presence.
A glimpse of my solo gallery exhibit, featuring 16×20 inch fine art prints.
How Do I Tell If a Print Is Too Big or Too Small?
This is where most people hesitate. Here’s an easy way to judge:
- Too Small: It looks like a “postage stamp” on the wall or feels like it’s floating alone.
- Too Big: It overwhelms other elements, crowds furniture, or makes the room feel off-balance.
Pro tip: Cut out kraft paper or use painter’s tape to outline the size on your wall and live with it for a day or two. Your eye will tell you more than any ruler.
Sharing a moment with one of my prints at Providence Picture Frame.
Do I Need Matting or Framing?
Matting and framing aren’t just decorative, they serve an important purpose. They protect your print and make it feel finished.
Matting gives your artwork breathing room and a classic look. Framing protects edges and helps the print last longer.
If you’d like professional matting and framing, my friends at Providence Picture Frame have decades of experience (over 100 years!) making art look amazing and stand the test of time.
I love a classic framed print. A clean white mat, with a simple black frame. To me it says elegance, sophistication. I have a mix of both metal and paper prints in a traditional black frame.
Putting the final touches on a print with the team before it heads to its new home.