When I started thinking about sharing my number one tip for choosing an appropriate wall art size, I knew I couldn’t do it justice without first sharing the number one mistake I see clients make: going too small for the wall.
Two Challenges in Choosing Wall Art Size
Prior to clients truly understanding what the appropriate size for their wall is, most will say, “Oh, I just need something small.”
Although this initial thought is common, there are two challenges in taking that approach. The first is that “something small” is interpreted differently by everyone; what appears small to one person may feel overwhelmingly large to another. The second, and perhaps the most important one, is that clients don’t always consider or have the resources to visualize if “something small” is actually appropriate for a particular space.
Let’s look at the top left image below. Which size looks appropriate in proportion to the room, the couch, the tables, etc.? It’s likely neither of those two on the left, right? But would it surprise you to know that the second frame from the left, pictured in the bottom left square, is actually what’s listed within my product and design guide as a small size? And the littlest one: that’s a mini. If you’re like most clients, I bet you’re suddenly having that lightbulb moment of, Oh, wow…something small really is too small!
When we move that mini size down to where it belongs, which is not by itself on a wall of this size as shown in the bottom right image, what’s left is a piece perfectly sized for this wall: an impact size, pictured in the top right. Alone, it will do just as its name suggests and make an impact. Voilà! Now we’re talking!
Visualizing the Appropriate Size for Your Space
The ability to show your images on your walls in a variety of sizes and finishes is just one way that you can make the best decision in what will be an appropriately sized wall art piece for your space. Your private client portal, made available to you when you book your session, allows you to quickly and conveniently upload and send your room photos to me so that I can create the most accurately calibrated mockup of your room and art. To make this even easier for you, your client welcome package includes a ready-to-hang card that you can stick to all walls where you’re considering signature wall art and simply snap a photo of each, ensuring that this card is visible. From there, I can use the exact measurements of this card to produce a detailed calibration of each room and recommended signature wall art pieces sized true-to-life.
Eliminate the Uncertainty
So why do some clients head into their reveal and ordering appointment thinking small? For many, it’s due to the uncertainty and risk that comes with potentially investing in the wrong size.
Will this size be too large for the specific image I’ve chosen?
What if it overpowers the space or doesn’t fit?
This is a significant investment to make if I don’t love the size!
This isn’t our forever home. What if we go too big and it doesn’t look right when we eventually move?
It’s completely normal to feel these uncertainties. Numerous clients have felt these very worries leading into their reveal and ordering appointment, but using my specific and customized approaches to determining the ideal wall art size for their home, they’ve found that being able to actually envision a certain size on their walls eliminates these uncertainties. Some have even found themselves saying, “Oh, I love it! I wish I would have gone even larger!”
My Number-One Tip for Choosing the Appropriate Wall Art Size
Ask any of my past clients and they’re sure to agree with my number one tip: go big or go home…or at least go larger than you think you need. Most rooms, even those in smaller apartments with narrower wall spaces or in Pittsburgh’s older homes with their winding, intricate floor plans, can easily accommodate a standard, grand, or impact size. The secret lies in creating balance. The overall size of your room, the amount of furniture you have it in, and even the height of your ceilings all influence how large you need to go for your wall art to look balanced.
As your photographer and design consultant, you can breathe easy knowing that I’ll not only help you find the most appropriate size for your space, I’ll also recommend a print medium, frame style, and crop to create a truly unique piece that’s perfect for your home.
When you are ready to create heirloom-quality custom artwork of your pet, click here or give me a call at 724-913-BARK (2275). For more information on Bark & Gold Photography sessions, visit “The Experience” in the menu and be sure to share your email on my homepage to join the VIP list.