Let’s be honest for a second. Falling in love with a photograph is the easy part. You see it, you feel something, you want it.
The panic usually sets in about five minutes later when you’re staring at the size dropdown menu thinking: "Is 50x70 too small? Is 70x100 going to take over my entire living room?"
I get it. I’ve been a photographer for years, and even I still stand in front of my own walls with a tape measure, second-guessing myself. It’s scary to order something large online when you aren't 100% sure how it will fit.
Over the years, however, I’ve learned a few tricks that take the guesswork out of it. Here is how I make sure a print feels "right" in a room.
1. The "two-thirds" trick: There is nothing sadder than a tiny frame floating all alone above a giant sofa. It makes the room feel unbalanced. The secret to making it look like a professional interior designer stopped by? Balance. Try to fill about two-thirds of the width of the furniture the art is hanging above. So, if you have a big, comfy sofa, don't be afraid to go big with the print (or hang two medium ones side-by-side). It anchors the space and makes the room feel cozy rather than empty.
2. Stop hanging it so high! This is the most common mistake I see friends make. We have a natural tendency to hang art high up on the wall, almost near the ceiling. But think about it: in your living room, you are mostly sitting down. In galleries, the center of the artwork is usually at eye level (about 145cm from the floor). At home, you can even go a little lower. You shouldn't have to crane your neck to admire the view. Treat the art as part of the living space, not something floating above it.
3. My favorite cardboard hack: If you are really torn between two sizes, don't guess. visualize. Grab some old newspapers, cardboard, or even just some painter's tape. Mark out the exact size of the frame on your wall and step back. Leave it there for the afternoon. It sounds silly, but seeing the physical outline changes everything. You’ll know instantly: "Ah, the A2 is way too small," or "Yes, the A1 is perfect."
Still stuck? Seriously, don't stress about it. Snap a quick photo of your wall with your phone and send it to me. I’d be more than happy to take a look and tell you what I think would work best.
