How to Choose the Right Size Print for Your Space

Who else remembers the stress of school picture day growing up? Your mom would send in your envelope with a giant photo package that included an 8×10 of your face. Whether it was the worst picture of your life or not, it was going to hang on the living room wall for the next year. #somuchpressure

Probably the number one question I get constantly from people in my Etsy shop is “What size print should I get?” or “How do I choose the right size print for my space?”

Back in my school picture days, an 8×10 print seemed HUGE and for some reason that misconception is still hanging around today. But here’s the thing. Spoiler alert: An 8×10 really is not that big.

Really think about that 8×10

Have you ever noticed that no matter how beautiful it is, when people hang a small piece on a large wall it gets completely lost.

It looks like a tiny art island in a sea of wall. Look at this 8×10 compared to a 16×20. (Family wreath print available here.)

And again when compared to an 11×14. It’s amazing the difference that a large print can make!

How to choose the right size for your wall

If you want to get technical, according to Nations Photo Lab there is a mathematical formula you can use.

They recommend measuring the length and width of your wall space, not including the space covered by trim or furniture. Then, multiply the width by .57 and .75 and then the length by .57 and .75. This should give you the range of the size of artwork that you will want to hang.

OR basically you want your artwork to cover 2/3 – 3/4 of your wall.

If for you that is a large amount of space and you don’t like the look of one big print, try putting several different prints together to make up the same space.

I love the combination of a family print with family photos! Grouping prints together in odd numbers creates a natural center. You can evenly space the same size print as I did here, or use different sizes of prints and frames in a gallery wall.

Remember, everything in my shop can be personalized with colors found on my color chart. I’d love to coordinate a print with your beautiful family photos to display! (Color choices are not limited to what is shown on the chart. Contact me if another color is desired.)

Bigger is always better

If you are going to guess, bigger prints are always better. Especially if you have a print with a lot of detail like my family tree print. If it’s printed 8×10 (or smaller!) no one will be able to read the names. But a 16×20 completely changes the look.

If you are looking for a place to have your prints and photos printed, I always recommend Mpix.com (aff. link). I love the quality of their work and even though I order from them a lot, I have never had anything damaged or misprinted.

Large prints and pictures have a huge impact when you are decorating your home! I always feel like if I’m going to invest in a print/photos, then I’m going to take the time and spend the money so they look their best!

Do you need help trying to figure out what to have printed? Check out this post:

7 Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Do you have large print sizes in your home? Have you ever thought about print sizes this way before?