I've had this conversation more times than I can count. Someone loves a print, they're ready to buy, and then they hit the size dropdown and freeze. Should they go Medium? Large? Will XL be too much? I get it. Choosing the right size wall art is tricky when you're staring at a screen, trying to imagine how it'll look on your actual wall.
So let me break it down for you. I've been shooting and printing coastal art for years now, and I've learned a thing or two about what works where. This isn't about rules, it's about making sure you get a print that fits your space and actually makes an impact.
Start With Your Wall Space
First things first. Measure your wall. I know it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip this step and just guess. Grab a tape measure and figure out how much space you're actually working with.
A good rule of thumb is to fill about two-thirds to three-quarters of your available wall width. So if you've got a 2-metre wide wall, you're looking at prints somewhere between 1.3m and 1.5m wide. That means our EPIC size at 1.5m wide would be perfect. If your wall is smaller, say 1.2 metres, then an L size at 84cm wide hits that sweet spot.
Here's the thing though. It's almost always better to go bigger than you think. A print that's too small just gets lost on the wall and ends up looking like an afterthought. A print that fills the space properly becomes a feature.
Match The Print To The Room
Different rooms need different approaches. In a living room with high ceilings and plenty of space, you can absolutely go big. I'm talking L or XL sizes, even EPIC if you've got a big blank wall that needs filling. Something like the Point Addis Art Print I in EPIC size makes a serious statement.
Bedrooms usually work better with M or L sizes above the bed. You want something substantial enough to anchor the space, but not so massive it overwhelms the room. For a hallway or bathroom, S or M is usually the way to go.
And if you're decorating an Airbnb or holiday rental? Go bigger. Guests love bold coastal prints that capture the local vibe. A large Barwon Heads Art Print I in the living area sets the whole tone for a beach house stay.
Consider Your Furniture
If you're hanging a print above a couch, console table, or bed, the furniture width matters. Your print should be at least half to two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. So if your couch is 2 metres wide, you want a print that's at least 1 metre wide, ideally closer to 1.3 or 1.5 metres.
A tiny print floating above a big couch just looks awkward. It needs to feel connected to the furniture, not randomly placed above it.
When In Doubt, Use Our Size Guide
Look, I know this is a lot to think about. That's why I put together a proper size guide with room mockups and measurements. You can check it out at localbreaks.com.au/pages/size-guide-1. It shows you exactly how each size looks in different rooms, which makes the whole decision a lot easier.
And if you're still not sure? Send me a message with a photo of your wall and the measurements. I'm happy to give you my honest recommendation. I'd rather you get the right size the first time than end up with something that doesn't work.
Take The Coast Home
Every print I shoot is about bringing that coastal feeling into your everyday life. Whether it's the turquoise water at Point Addis or the golden light at Barwon Heads, these aren't just pretty pictures. They're places I know, moments I've lived, and memories you can hang on your wall.
All my prints come ready to hang with free shipping Australia-wide, and every frame is made from FSC certified timber. You can choose from unframed prints if you've got your own framing sorted, or go with classic framed, canvas, or shadow box options. Check out the full range at localbreaks.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wall art should I get for a living room?
For most living rooms, Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) works best, especially if you're hanging above a couch or console. If you have a large feature wall with high ceilings, the EPIC size at 1.5m wide creates a real focal point. Measure your wall width and aim for a print that's about two-thirds to three-quarters of that width.
What size print should I hang above a queen bed?
A Medium (42x59.4cm) or Large (59.4x84.1cm) print works well above a queen bed. Queen beds are typically 150-160cm wide, so you want your print to be at least 60-80cm wide to look proportional. Going with an L size gives you that nice anchoring effect without overwhelming the space.
Is it better to go bigger or smaller with wall art?
Almost always bigger. A print that's too small disappears on the wall and looks like you weren't quite sure what to do with the space. A properly sized print that fills the wall creates impact and becomes a genuine feature of the room. If you're tossing up between two sizes, go with the larger one.
How do I know if a print will be too big for my wall?
Measure your wall space and make sure the print takes up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width. If your wall is 1 metre wide, an EPIC print at 1.5m wide would be too big. But if your wall is 2 metres wide, that same EPIC print would be perfect. You can also tape out the dimensions on your wall with painter's tape to visualise the size before you buy.
Still stuck? I'm here to help. Just reach out and we'll get you sorted.
