Choosing Wall Art for Your Home: The Complete Size, Style & Framing Guide
Beautiful wall art does more than fill an empty wall. It brings personality, colour and balance to a room. But how do you choose the right size, finish and style?
At Attica House Art Studio, we help Australian homeowners find artwork that feels perfectly at home in their space. Whether you're choosing a statement piece above a sofa, framed prints for a bedroom or contemporary art for a hallway, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Canvas, Glass or Perspex: Which Wall Art Finish Is Best?
The finish you choose can dramatically change how artwork looks in your home. Each offers a different visual effect, so consider the artwork's style, the room's lighting and where it will hang.
Canvas Wall Art: Soft, Textured & Contemporary
Canvas prints feature artwork reproduced on textured fabric, typically stretched over a timber frame. The matte surface reduces reflections, while the subtle weave creates a softer, more painterly appearance.
Canvas is particularly beautiful for abstract wall art, organic compositions and contemporary interiors where colour and texture take centre stage.
Best for: Abstract artwork, modern living rooms, bedrooms and spaces with strong natural light.
Glass Framed Wall Art: Crisp, Refined & Sophisticated
Glass-framed prints offer sharp detail, clear contrast and a polished finish. They're especially effective for photography, monochrome artwork and intricate designs where clarity matters.
Our fashion wall art collection is a beautiful example of how framed photographic prints can introduce personality and sophistication to a room.
Best for: Fashion photography, architectural prints, black-and-white artwork and statement pieces.
Perspex Wall Art: Lightweight & Contemporary
Perspex, also known as acrylic glazing, provides a clear, refined presentation similar to glass but with significantly less weight and greater impact resistance.
It's an excellent option for larger framed artworks, busy family homes and spaces where weight or breakage is a consideration. Both glass and Perspex can reflect light, although the amount of glare depends on the room conditions.
Best for: Oversized framed prints, bedrooms, hallways and contemporary interiors.
Our recommendation: Choose canvas for a softer, textured appearance. For photographic coastal wall art, fashion prints and detailed imagery, glass or Perspex generally delivers a sharper finish.
Wall Art Size Guide: How Big Should Your Artwork Be?
One of the most common decorating mistakes is choosing artwork that's too small for the wall or furniture beneath it.
As a general guide, artwork above furniture should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the furniture's width. This creates visual balance without overwhelming the room.
- Above a 2m sofa: 130–150cm wide
- Above a queen bed: 100–130cm wide
- Above a king bed: 120–140cm wide
- Above a 1.8m buffet: 120–135cm wide
- Above a 1.5m console: 100–115cm wide
- Hallways and smaller walls: 50–80cm wide, depending on available space
These measurements are guidelines rather than strict rules. Ceiling height, furniture proportions, artwork orientation and surrounding décor will all influence the ideal size.
For multiple artworks, consider their combined width, including the gaps between frames, rather than measuring each piece individually.
Pairs instead of one large piece: Two square artworks, or two portraits hung side by side, can replace a single landscape artwork. Leave 5–8cm between the frames and measure the pair's combined width against the furniture below.
How High Should You Hang Wall Art?
The ideal hanging height depends on whether your artwork sits on an open wall or above furniture.
For an open wall, position the centre of the artwork approximately 145–150cm above the floor. This places it around average eye level and creates a comfortable viewing height.
When hanging artwork above a sofa, bedhead, buffet or console, aim for approximately 15–25cm between the furniture and the bottom of the frame. The objective is to make the artwork feel connected to the furniture beneath it, rather than floating independently on the wall.
Choosing Wall Art for Different Rooms
Living Room Wall Art
For living rooms, consider one large statement artwork or a carefully arranged pair above the sofa. Abstract prints introduce colour and movement, while monochrome photography creates a more refined, architectural look.
Bedroom Wall Art
Bedrooms often benefit from softer compositions, calming colours and balanced proportions. Artwork above the bed should complement the bedhead rather than dominate it. Secure installation is particularly important for large framed pieces.
Dining Room Wall Art
A dining room is an ideal place to introduce something expressive. Oversized abstracts, contemporary photography and sculptural compositions can give the space a distinctive personality.
Hallway and Entryway Art
Hallways are perfect for portrait-oriented artwork, framed photographic prints and curated pairs. In an entryway, a statement piece above a console can create an immediate focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Wall Art
What size artwork should go above a 2 metre sofa?
For a 2 metre sofa, choose artwork approximately 130–150cm wide. This can be one oversized piece, two complementary prints or a coordinated set of three. Keep the overall arrangement proportional to the sofa and hang it approximately 15–25cm above the backrest.
What size wall art looks best above a king bed?
An Australian king bed is approximately 183cm wide. Artwork around 120–140cm wide generally creates a balanced look, although larger pieces can work with an oversized bedhead. A single landscape artwork or two coordinated prints are both attractive options.
How high should artwork hang above a buffet or sideboard?
Position the bottom of the artwork approximately 15–25cm above the buffet. For a 180cm-wide buffet, artwork around 120–135cm wide generally creates pleasing proportions. Allow sufficient space for decorative objects and table lamps.
Is canvas or framed wall art better for a living room?
Both can work beautifully. Canvas is ideal for abstract and painterly artwork because its textured, matte surface creates a softer appearance. Framed prints behind glass or Perspex are particularly effective for photography, fashion imagery and artwork with fine detail.
Is Perspex better than glass for large framed artwork?
Perspex is considerably lighter and more impact-resistant than standard glass, making it a practical option for oversized framed prints. Glass offers excellent optical clarity and a traditional framed appearance. Neither is completely glare-free, and Perspex can be more susceptible to scratching.
Does Perspex wall art reflect light?
Yes. Standard clear Perspex can reflect windows, downlights and other light sources, much like glass. If glare is a concern, think about where the artwork will hang, or choose a matte canvas finish.
Should wall art match the colour of my furniture?
Not necessarily. Artwork doesn't need to match your furniture exactly, but repeating one or two colours from the room can create a cohesive look. Alternatively, contrasting artwork can become the focal point of a neutral interior.
Is one large artwork better than several smaller prints?
A single oversized artwork often creates a cleaner, more dramatic statement, particularly above a sofa or buffet. Multiple prints offer flexibility and can introduce rhythm and personality. The best choice depends on the wall's proportions and the overall style of the room.
Can I hang framed wall art in a bathroom?
Framed artwork can work in a well-ventilated bathroom, provided it is protected from direct moisture and excessive humidity. Avoid placing standard canvas or framed prints where condensation and water exposure are frequent.
Where can I buy contemporary wall art online in Australia?
Attica House Art Studio offers a curated collection of contemporary wall art for Australian homes, including abstract canvas prints, fashion photography, coastal artwork and framed statement pieces. Explore artwork in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes, with framing prepared by skilled artisans in Melbourne.
Discover Art Studio at Attica House
From oversized abstracts to beautifully framed photographic prints, Attica House Art Studio brings together distinctive artwork designed to transform the way a room looks and feels. Explore our collection of contemporary wall art and discover a piece that feels unmistakably yours.
