Picking the Right Size Wall Art for Your Holiday Rental (Without Getting It Wrong)
I get this question a lot from holiday rental hosts. They've picked a print they love, they're ready to order, and then they freeze. Small? Large? What if it looks tiny on the wall? What if it's too big?
It's a fair thing to stress about, honestly. Art that's the wrong size for a space looks awkward, and in a holiday rental, awkward details get noticed. Guests are paying attention. They're taking photos. They're writing reviews.
So here's a practical rundown of what actually works, room by room, based on what I've seen hosts order and what tends to get the best results.
Why Size Matters More in a Short Stay Property
In your own home, you can tweak things over time. In a holiday rental, the art needs to do its job from day one. A print that's too small for a wall disappears. A print that fills the wall properly becomes a feature. Guests remember it. It photographs well for your Airbnb listing. And that matters more than people realise when you're trying to stand out.
Location-specific art adds another layer. When a guest staying in a Surf Coast property can look up and see the beach they just walked on, that's a moment. It connects them to the place. That's the kind of detail that earns five-star reviews.
Living Areas: Go Bigger Than You Think
The living room is the most important space in a holiday rental. It's where guests spend most of their time. It's usually the first room in your Airbnb listing photos. A single hero print here does more work than a dozen smaller pieces scattered around.
For most living rooms, I'd recommend an L (59.4x84.1cm) as the starting point, and an XL (84.1x118.9cm) if you've got wall space to fill. Both sizes make a strong impression without being overwhelming. If you've got a big open-plan space, the EPIC (100x150cm) is worth considering. That's a proper 1.5 metres wide and it stops people in their tracks.
The Point Addis Art Print I is my top seller for a reason. It's the kind of image that looks genuinely impressive at XL. Guests who've been to Point Addis recognise it instantly, and guests who haven't are usually asking where it is before they leave.
Bedrooms: One Strong Print Over the Bed
Bedrooms in holiday rentals don't need to be complicated. One well-chosen print over the bed sets the tone for the whole room. An M (42x59.4cm) works well in smaller bedrooms or for a single bed. For a queen or king, go L or XL. A print that's too small over a bed just looks like an afterthought.
Coastal prints work particularly well in bedrooms because they set a mood without being loud. The Wye River Art Print I is one I'd suggest for a bedroom. It's peaceful without being dull, and the colours in it hold up beautifully on a quality print.
If you want something with real impact in a master bedroom, the floating frame canvas in black is a popular choice with hosts. There's no glass, which means zero reflections regardless of where the light's coming from. That's a practical advantage in rooms with lots of natural light.
Hallways and Entryways: Taller and Narrower Works
Hallways are tricky because the wall space is usually tall and narrow. An S (29.7x42cm) or M (42x59.4cm) in portrait orientation is usually the sweet spot. You want something that fills the vertical space without getting too wide.
The hallway is also the first thing guests see when they walk in, so it's worth making it count. A print of the local beach here tells guests immediately where they are and what the property is about.
A Quick Size Reference for Holiday Rental Hosts
- Bathrooms and laundries: XS (21x29.7cm) or S (29.7x42cm)
- Hallways and entryways: S or M in portrait
- Bedrooms: M for single rooms, L or XL for main bedroom
- Living rooms: L as a minimum, XL or EPIC for larger walls
- Open-plan feature walls: EPIC (100x150cm) if you want it to really land
You can also check the size guide on the site if you want to compare proportions before you order.
Take the Coast Home (and Into Your Listing)
I print and ship everything from Victoria, free anywhere in Australia. Every print is made to order, so the quality is consistent and it arrives ready to hang. No trips to a framer, no assembly headaches for you as a host.
If you're fitting out a Surf Coast, Bellarine or Gold Coast property, I'd suggest starting with the location-specific prints. The Rainbow Bay Art Print I is a strong seller for Gold Coast hosts, and the Bells Beach Art Print I works brilliantly in Surf Coast properties. Guests know these spots. That recognition is part of what makes the art feel special.
Prints start from $89 and the framed options arrive ready to hang. For more on how to choose art for a short stay property, have a read of Best Wall Art for a Coastal Airbnb: How to Choose Prints That Make Guests Book Again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wall art should I get for an Airbnb living room?
For most Airbnb living rooms, an L (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) is the right call. These sizes are substantial enough to make an impression without overwhelming a standard wall. If you've got a large open-plan space or a feature wall, the EPIC size at 100x150cm is worth considering for maximum impact.
Is it better to have one large print or a few smaller ones in a holiday rental?
One large print in the main living area almost always works better in a holiday rental than several small ones. A single strong piece is easier for guests to connect with, photographs better for your listing, and looks more considered. Save smaller prints for bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms where a big piece wouldn't fit anyway.
What wall art size works best for a bedroom in a holiday rental?
For a bedroom in a holiday rental, an M (42x59.4cm) suits smaller rooms and single beds, while an L (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) works well over a queen or king bed. The art should be proportional to the width of the bedhead. A print that's too narrow over a wide bed looks unbalanced and can read as an afterthought.
Do framed prints arrive ready to hang in a holiday rental fitout?
Yes. All framed prints from Local Breaks arrive ready to hang, including the hanging hardware. Classic frames come with a metal hanger and steel wire, while floating frame canvases and shadow box frames include D rings and a braided polymer hanging cable. You don't need to source a separate frame or visit a framer. They ship free anywhere in Australia
