Why Size Matters

When it comes to choosing a painting, we often focus on subject and color—but size plays a quiet, powerful role in how art lives in your space.

A painting that’s too small can get lost in the room. One that’s too large might feel overbearing. But when the size is right, the piece doesn’t just decorate—it belongs. It brings balance, rhythm, and presence to your home without trying too hard.

“I often ask clients not just about their wall size, but how they use the room—where they sit, how light moves through it, what kind of presence they want the art to hold.”

Start With the Space

Think about where the painting will live. Not just the wall itself, but the room as a whole:

• Is the space open or intimate?
• Do you want the art to ground the room or create a point of lift?
• Is there natural light nearby that might shift the way color reads throughout the day?

These questions matter just as much as measurements.

See how I guide this in the commission process

General Guidelines for Sizing

There’s no perfect formula—but here are a few rules I use when advising collectors:

Over a Sofa

Choose a painting that spans 60–70% of the sofa’s width.
Leave at least 8–10 inches between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the painting.

Good starting size: 36x48", 40x60", or a horizontal diptych

Over a Console or Sideboard

Aim for the artwork to be slightly narrower than the furniture beneath it.
Leave 6–8 inches of visual breathing room on all sides.

Consider vertical formats for tall consoles or smaller walls

For High Ceilings or Tall Spaces

Go vertical. Tall, narrow canvases draw the eye upward and fill the space more naturally than short, wide ones.

Look for pieces in the 48–72” height range to hold space with intention

Explore paintings by scale and proportion

Large Paintings: When Bigger Is Better

Some rooms call for scale. In open-plan homes, entryways with vaulted ceilings, or large dining areas, a large-scale abstract painting creates cohesion—acting as both focal point and anchor.

My works like “Tidal Wave” and “A Shady Retreat at the Rock” were made for expansive settings. They don’t just fill the space—they define it.

Don’t be afraid of size. Often, a larger painting creates more calm, not more chaos. It simplifies the visual field and reduces clutter.

Groupings vs. Single Pieces

Not sure if one large piece is right for your space? We can also explore:

• Diptychs or triptychs: a single composition across multiple panels
• Pairings within a series: like two works from the Lily Series or Color Blend Series
• Asymmetrical arrangements: offset groupings for hallways or long dining walls

These allow for flexibility while keeping the impact strong and cohesive.

Think About the Viewer’s Distance

When you stand too close to a large painting, you lose perspective. When you're too far from a small one, you miss the detail. Here's a quick cheat:

• Viewing distance of 6–8 feet? 36x48" or larger works beautifully
• Smaller rooms or reading nooks? Try 24x24", 24x30", or 30x30" formats
• Long hallways? Consider horizontal paintings with subtle motion and rhythm

Need Help Visualizing?

I offer digital mockups using photos of your space to test different formats before we commit to a final size. This is especially helpful with commissions or if you're considering one of my available paintings in The Collection.

“Sometimes, it only takes one change in dimensions for the painting to feel right in the room.”

Start a conversation about your space

Final Thoughts on Sizing

Choosing the right size painting isn’t about filling a wall.
It’s about creating harmony between your space and your artwork.

When scale is right, the painting feels like it’s always belonged there.
It doesn’t compete. It supports the room, draws your attention, and invites presence.

If you’re unsure where to begin, I’m happy to guide you.