What Size Artwork Should You Hang Behind a Sofa?
Choosing the right artwork size for behind a sofa can elevate your entire living room—but it’s one of the most common design mistakes homeowners make. At Cara Interiors, we help clients in South Surrey and White Rock get the proportions right the first time, so every space feels perfectly balanced.
General Guidelines for Artwork Sizing
Before you hammer in that nail, keep these professional design principles in mind:
- Width: Your artwork or grouping should span 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the sofa for proper scale and balance.
Example: If your sofa is 90” wide, your artwork should be approximately 60” wide.
- Height: Consider ceiling height and overall wall space:
- For 8’ ceilings, artwork should be around 30–36” tall.
- For 9’+ ceilings, you can go larger—40”+ works well if space allows.
- Placement: The bottom of the artwork should sit 6–10” above the sofa back—this keeps the piece visually anchored to the furniture.
Single Artwork vs. Gallery Wall
Not sure whether to hang one big piece or create a gallery wall? Here’s how to decide:
- Single Large Artwork: Ideal for a clean, minimal look. A statement piece around 60” wide x 36” tall often works beautifully over a standard sofa.
- Gallery Wall: Combine 3–6 smaller frames with consistent spacing (2–3” apart). Treat the arrangement as a single unit, and follow the same width and height guidelines.
Pro Tip for Proportion
Step back and visualize the wall as a whole. The negative space around the artwork matters as much as the piece itself. Think in terms of overall composition, not just frame size.
Want Help Getting It Just Right?
At Cara Interiors, we provide full-service space planning and styling guidance for homeowners across South Surrey, White Rock, and Langley. Whether you’re selecting art, custom furniture, or planning a full home renovation—we help you avoid costly guesswork and get it right the first time.
Let’s Design Your Dream Space
Book a complimentary discovery call and talk to our design team about your space planning or renovation goals.
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Serving: South Surrey, White Rock, Crescent Beach, Ocean Park, Langley
