One of the most common questions I get asked is some version of: "I love this print, but what size should I get?" It's such a good question, and honestly, getting the size right is the difference between a print that looks like it belongs and one that gets lost on the wall. I've put together this simple guide to help you figure it out before you order, so you don't have to guess.
Start With the Wall, Not the Print
Before you even look at prints, grab a tape measure. Measure the width of the wall space you're working with, not the whole wall, just the section where the print will actually sit. If it's going above a couch, measure the couch width. If it's going in a hallway, measure the width between any doors or corners that frame the space.
A general rule that works well: your print should fill roughly two thirds of the width of whatever it's sitting above or beside. So if your couch is 180cm wide, you're looking at something around 120cm across as a minimum. That usually points to an XL (84.1x118.9cm) or an EPIC (100x150cm) print.
If you're going smaller, that's fine too. But if you're unsure whether to size up or down, I'd almost always say go bigger. A print that's slightly too large for a space reads as confident and intentional. A print that's too small reads as an afterthought.
A Quick Size Guide by Room
Living Room
This is where most people want a statement piece. For the main wall above a couch or fireplace, the L (59.4x84.1cm), XL (84.1x118.9cm) or EPIC (100x150cm, that's 1.5m wide) sizes work best. If you're styling a gallery wall with multiple prints, a mix of M and S sizes can look great together. For more on sizing up a living room, check out my post on Wall Art for Living Rooms Australia: How to Choose the Right Coastal Print for Your Space.
Bedroom
Above the bed is the most popular spot, and the L or XL tends to hit the sweet spot. You want something that reads well from the end of the bed without overwhelming the space. For a bedside table or smaller feature wall, an M (42x59.4cm) is a solid choice.
Hallway
Hallways are trickier because the viewing distance is shorter. An S (29.7x42cm) or M (42x59.4cm) often works well here, especially in a portrait orientation. A lot of my prints in portrait format look brilliant in hallways because they have that height without eating into the corridor width.
Home Office
An M or L print directly in your line of sight from your desk is one of my favourite use cases. I hear from customers all the time that having their favourite beach on the wall actually lifts their mood through the workday. Something to think about when choosing your favourite spot.
Don't Forget the Frame Adds Size
Worth knowing: when you order a framed print, the frame adds a little to the overall dimensions. It's not huge, but if you're working with a tight space, keep that in mind. You can check exact product dimensions on the product guide page and get a better sense of how things will look with the size guide.
Bring Your Favourite Beach Into the Room
Once you've got your size sorted, the fun part starts. If you've been trying to figure out what size to hang at your place, chances are you've already got a print in mind. Maybe it's a beach you visit every summer, or a spot that means something to your family.
My top seller, the Point Addis Art Print I, looks incredible in an XL floating frame canvas above a couch. I shot it from the air on a still morning when the water was doing something genuinely beautiful, and a lot of buyers tell me it becomes the centrepiece of their living room. Starting from $89, it's also honestly great value compared to what you'd pay for framed art in a gallery.
If you're after something for the Surf Coast, the Bells Beach Art Print I is another strong performer. Bells has that unmistakable shape from above and it works as a large format print in a way that smaller photos simply don't.
If You're Still Not Sure
Cut out a piece of newspaper or cardboard to the dimensions you're considering and tape it to the wall. I know it sounds basic but it genuinely works. Stand back from your normal viewing distance and you'll know immediately if it's right. Most people end up sizing up after doing this.
You can also reach out to me directly through the site. I'm always happy to help you figure out what size will work for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wall art should I get for a living room?
For a living room, the L (59.4x84.1cm), XL (84.1x118.9cm) or EPIC (100x150cm) sizes work best as a single statement piece, especially above a couch or fireplace. If you're building a gallery wall with multiple prints, a mix of M and S sizes gives you flexibility to fill the space without it feeling heavy.
What size wall art looks good above a bed?
Above a bed, an L or XL print hits the right proportions for most standard queen or king bed heads. You want the print to be roughly as wide as the bedhead or slightly wider for a balanced look. Going too small leaves the space feeling unfinished, so when in doubt, size up.
Is an XL or EPIC print too big for most rooms?
Not usually. The XL at 84.1x118.9cm suits most standard living rooms and main bedrooms with ease. The EPIC at 100x150cm (1.5m wide) is genuinely large and best suited to open plan spaces, big feature walls, or commercial spaces like holiday rentals. If your wall is at least 180cm wide, the EPIC can look spectacular.
How do I know what wall art size to order without seeing it in person?
The easiest trick is to cut newspaper or cardboard to the exact dimensions of the size you're considering and tape it to your wall. Step back and look at it from your usual viewing distance and you'll get an accurate feel for how the print will sit in the space. You can also use the size guide at localbreaks.com.au for a visual reference of each size.
Once you've got your size locked in, the only thing left is to pick your favourite place. Have a browse through the prints and if you have any questions, just get in touch. I'm always around.
