I've spent way too much time standing in empty rooms trying to work out if a print is too small, too big, or just right. It's harder than it looks, especially when you're shopping online and all you've got is a tape measure and a dream.
Here's what I've learned from hanging hundreds of my own prints in different spaces, and from hearing back from customers about what works (and what doesn't). This is your practical guide to choosing the right size coastal wall art for every room in your home.
Living Room: Go Bigger Than You Think
This is where most people play it safe and end up with art that's way too small. Your living room can handle more than you think.
For above a sofa, I reckon your print should take up about two-thirds of the sofa's width. So if you've got a standard three-seater (around 200cm wide), you're looking at our L size (59.4x84.1cm) as a comfortable minimum. But honestly? Our XL (84.1x118.9cm) or even EPIC (100x150cm, that's 1.5 metres wide) will make a much better impact.
I love seeing the Point Addis Art Print I in XL above a sofa. It's my top seller for a reason. The scale of that coastline needs room to breathe.
If you're working with a blank wall (no furniture below), think about the wall's proportions. A vertical print in XL can look incredible on a tall wall, while our EPIC size is perfect for those wide feature walls that eat up smaller prints.
Bedroom: Create a Calm Focal Point
Your bedroom's a different story. You want something calming to wake up to, but it still needs enough presence to anchor the space.
Above the bed, go for M (42x59.4cm) or L size as your starting point. If you've got a queen or king bed, L or XL will look more proportional. The Barwon Heads Art Print I in L is perfect here. Those soft peachy tones work beautifully in a bedroom.
Side note: if you're hanging two prints as a pair above a bed, two M sizes usually look better than two S prints. Give them about 5-10cm of space between them.
Hallways and Entryways: Make an Entrance
Hallways are tricky because they're narrow but often have high ceilings. This is where vertical prints really shine.
Our S size (29.7x42cm) or M size work well in most hallways. You can even create a gallery wall with multiple S prints if you've got a longer stretch of wall. Just keep the spacing consistent (I use 5cm between frames as a rule of thumb).
For an entryway or foyer, go bigger. This is the first thing people see when they walk in. An L or XL print makes a statement without overwhelming a smaller space.
Dining Room and Kitchen: Don't Forget These Spaces
People often overlook the dining room, but it's a great spot for coastal art. You're sitting here for meals, having conversations, hosting friends. Give them something good to look at.
Above a sideboard or console, M or L size works well. In a larger dining room with a big blank wall, don't be shy about going XL.
For the kitchen, stick with S or M. Kitchens are usually busy with cabinets and appliances, so you don't want the art competing for attention. A well-placed M size print can be just right.
Take the Coast Home
Every print I shoot is meant to bring back that feeling you get standing on the coast. The salt air, the sound of waves, that moment when everything feels right.
All my prints ship free Australia-wide and arrive ready to hang. I print to order here in Victoria using FSC certified timber frames, so you're supporting a small local business while getting quality coastal art that'll last.
Still not sure about sizing? I've put together a detailed size guide with room mockups and measurements to help you visualise each size in your space.
FAQ
What's the most popular size for living rooms?
Our L size (59.4x84.1cm) is the most common choice, but XL (84.1x118.9cm) is catching up fast. Once people see XL in their space, they usually wish they'd gone bigger from the start. If you've got the wall space, I'd lean towards XL every time.
Can I hang a horizontal print vertically?
You can, but my prints are shot and composed with a specific orientation in mind. Horizontal landscapes are meant to be hung horizontally to show off the sweep of the coastline. Flipping them won't give you the same effect.
How do I measure my wall space?
Use a tape measure to get the width and height of your available wall space. Then subtract about 20-30cm from each dimension. That gives you a comfortable maximum size that won't look cramped. Remember, you want some breathing room around the print.
What if I'm stuck between two sizes?
Go bigger. I've never had anyone tell me they wish they'd sized down, but I've heard plenty of people say they should have gone up a size. When in doubt, size up.
Hope this helps you find the perfect fit for your space.
