Wall Art

Two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa's width, so for a 200 cm sofa a single piece or a grouping of 130–150 cm wide. Hang the lower edge 15–25 cm above the sofa back so the art and sofa read together. A single piece that is too small is the most common mistake; a pair or a grid can fill the width instead.

Centre a picture or grouping at about 145–155 cm from the floor, the height most galleries use. Above furniture, the space between the furniture and the frame matters more, so keep the lower edge 15–25 cm above the surface. In rooms where you mainly sit, such as a dining room, hang art slightly lower.

Lay the frames on the floor first, or cut paper templates and tape them to the wall to test the arrangement. Keep 5–8 cm between frames, anchor the grouping with the largest piece and repeat one frame finish or mount colour for cohesion. Starting from the centre and working outwards keeps the arrangement balanced.

Prints are the most affordable and easy to frame or change. Canvas suits large sizes without the cost of a frame. Originals and limited editions cost more but are unique and can hold their value. Many rooms work best with a mix: one larger original or statement piece supported by framed prints.

A mount, the card border inside the frame, gives a print room to breathe and lends it a more finished, gallery look, especially for smaller works. Choose a frame 5–10 cm larger than the print on each side when using a mount. Acid-free mount board protects the artwork from discolouring over time.

Across this range, framed prints start at around £40–£160, large canvas and plexiglass pieces typically cost £850–£3,500, and original paintings can reach several thousand pounds. Spend most on the piece that anchors the room, usually above the sofa, bed or fireplace, and build around it with more affordable prints. Framing costs can add up quickly.