The usual rule for hanging art over furniture is simple: the picture, or group of pictures, should be about two-thirds the width of the sofa or bed beneath it. That rule is for one big piece. A single pet portrait often works best as part of a small group, or in a spot where it's the focus. Here's how to choose.
Our three sizes
- Small, 12 × 16 in (30 × 41 cm): hallways, desks, shelves, bedside walls and small gaps.
- Large, 16 × 20 in (41 × 51 cm): above a console, sideboard or bedside table, or on a wall by itself.
- Extra Large, 24 × 32 in (61 × 81 cm): the biggest piece in the room, above a sofa, bed or fireplace as the centre of a small group.
Every size is available portrait or landscape, as a Framed Canvas or Framed Print. See the prices and sizing guide.
Above a sofa
A three-seat sofa is around 200 cm wide, so the two-thirds rule suggests about 130 cm of art. Our largest portrait is 61 × 81 cm, so on its own it will look small over a full sofa. Two ways round that:
- Hang the Extra Large landscape in the centre with a smaller frame on each side, so the group fills the width.
- Or put the portrait above a console, sideboard or narrow table, where the width matches better.
Above a bed
The same rule applies. A queen bed is about 150 to 160 cm wide. An Extra Large portrait works as the centre of a pair or trio. A single Large portrait suits the wall above a bedside table.
Above a fireplace or on a feature wall
Over a mantel, the Extra Large in portrait or landscape works well, centred on the fireplace. Leave a gap of around 15 to 25 cm above the mantel shelf.
A few simple tips
- Hang the centre at eye level: about 145 to 150 cm from the floor.
- Above furniture, leave 15 to 25 cm between the bottom of the frame and the top of the sofa or bed.
- Portrait or landscape: a tall wall suits portrait. A wide space suits landscape.
- Tape it out first. Mark the size on the wall with painter's tape and live with it for a day.
Choosing the finish
Not sure whether to choose a Framed Canvas or Framed Print? Here's a guide to Framed Canvas or Framed Print. And your Instant free portrait preview shows how it looks before you decide anything.