How to Choose the Right Print Size for Your Space (The Complete Guide for Australian Homes)

How to Choose the Right Print Size for Your Space (The Complete Guide for Australian Homes)

How to Choose the Right Print Size for Your Space (The Complete Guide for Australian Homes)

By Jordan Gibson Photo – Premium Coastal & Aerial Wall Art

Choosing the right size for your wall art can completely transform a room. The artwork itself might be stunning — but if it’s the wrong size, it loses impact. Whether you’re styling a living room, bedroom, home office or Airbnb, the right print size makes the entire space feel more balanced, intentional and visually appealing.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the ideal size for your space, along with examples, tips and my most commonly recommended sizes for Australian homes.

Why Print Size Matters More Than Most People Think

Great wall art does two things:

  1. Fills the space proportionally
  2. Creates a focal point without feeling overwhelming

Too small → the art looks lost.
Too large → it feels crowded.

Choosing the right size helps your artwork feel integrated into the room rather than just “placed” on a wall.

 

1. Measure Your Wall First (This Is Essential)

Before choosing any print, start with a quick measurement of the wall or area you’re decorating.

✔ Measure width
✔ Measure height
✔ Note any furniture under the artwork

You don’t need to be overly precise — even rough measurements guide you to the right size.

 

2. Follow the 60–75% Rule

A simple design rule:

Your artwork should be 60–75% the width of the furniture beneath it.

So if your couch is 200cm wide:
→ A print between 120cm–150cm wide is ideal.

If your bed is 160cm wide (queen):
→ Choose artwork 90cm–120cm wide.

This rule guarantees balance — the artwork never looks too small or too large.

 

3. Best Print Sizes for Common Rooms

Above a Couch

Ideal sizes:

  • 100x70cm
  • 120x80cm
  • 140x93cm

Or a panoramic piece:

  • 120x60cm or 150x75cm

These sizes create a strong focal point without overpowering the room.

 

Above a Bed

The bed is a natural anchor point, so choose:

  • 90x60cm
  • 100x70cm
  • 120x80cm

For king beds, go bigger:

  • 140x93cm or 150x100cm

Try to centre the print midway between the bedhead and the ceiling.

 

Hallways & Narrow Walls

For tight or long spaces:

  • A3 (29.7x42cm)
  • A2 (42x59.4cm)
  • A1 (59.4×84.1cm)

Or choose a tall vertical print like 50x75cm to create drama.

 

Dining Rooms & Large Walls

Bigger walls call for bolder prints.

Top picks:

  • 120x80cm
  • 140x93cm
  • 150x100cm

For extra impact, pair two or three prints as a series.

4. Go Big When in Doubt (Most People Choose Too Small)

The most common mistake I see as a photographer?

👉 Choosing a print that’s too small for the space.

Australians often underestimate wall size — especially above beds, couches and dining tables.

Bigger prints look premium, fill the space beautifully and make your room feel more intentional.

 

5. Consider the Room’s Purpose

Living Rooms

Choose a statement piece that sets the mood.
Coastal aerials and wave shots work beautifully here.

Bedrooms

Choose calmer, softer colours and sizes that sit comfortably above the headboard.

Home Offices

Use art that inspires yet doesn’t distract.
A medium print (A2 or A1) works well.

Airbnbs

Go larger — prints photograph better and elevate the listing dramatically.

 

6. Use Painter’s Tape to Visualise the Size

This is a simple trick that works wonders.

Do this:

  1. On your wall, tape out the size you’re considering (e.g., 100x70cm)
  2. Step back and look at it

This gives you a real-life preview before buying.

 

7. Framed, Canvas or Acrylic? Size Influences the Look

Your choice of format affects how the size feels.

Framed Print

Looks premium and clean.
Larger frames fill space beautifully.

Canvas

Lightweight and great for big statement pieces.

Acrylic Print

High-gloss and modern — perfect for large walls or coastal interiors.

 

8. My Most Popular Print Sizes (Based on Real Customer Orders)

For large walls

  • 120x80cm
  • 140x93cm
  • 150x100cm

For medium walls

  • 100x70cm
  • 90x60cm
  • A1

For small walls / hallways

  • A2
  • A3

These sizes consistently look great in almost any room.

 

9. Quick Size Guide Cheat Sheet

Keep this handy:

  • Small spaces: A3 – A2
  • Medium spaces: A2 – A1 – 90x60
  • Large spaces: 100x70 – 120x80
  • Statement pieces: 140x93 – 150x100

 

Final Tip — Choose Art That Fits the Feeling of the Room

Size matters, but so does mood.

For coastal homes or anyone who loves the ocean, aerial and wave prints bring freshness, calm and connection to nature.
For contemporary homes, bold colours or minimal scenes work beautifully.
For Airbnbs, bright coastal prints photograph extremely well in listings — meaning more bookings.

 

Looking for the Perfect Print?

Explore premium Australian coastal, aerial and landscape prints at:

👉 https://jordangibsonphoto.com.au

Available in:

  • Framed prints
  • Canvas
  • Acrylic
  • Fine art photo prints

Handmade to order and delivered Australia-wide.

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