The Best Print Sizes for Every Room in Your Home | Barstow Family Photographer
Most people think an 8x10 print is big, until you place it up on the wall. It looks like a wallet-sized photo on that huge empty wall.
My husband is a fan of Tiki art, and for his birthday, I bought him a few art prints. I decided to “go big or go home” with one main piece, and I’m so glad I did! It’s a 36” statement piece that fits our bedroom perfectly.
When I see 11x14s, I even think they’re too small. I want to be able to see who and what is in the print from across the room. Small prints are perfect for bookshelves and desktops. But, for a wall, you want something big!
Now, I’m not talking about mural-sized images here; however, the smallest I will put on a wall in my home is 20”.
Have you ever gone to order a print, but felt clueless about the size? Well then, this post is for you, then!
My goal as your favorite Barstow family photographer is for this to be an easy cheat sheet for you. You will know exactly what size print you need for every room in your home!
No 8×10s allowed on an empty wall.
Okay, Let’s Start with 8x10s
For the record, an 8x10 isn’t big enough to hang on the wall. End of story.
As a Barstow family photographer, an 8x10 sounds big enough, but it’s not. Believe me. Hang an 8x10 above a couch or fireplace and I promise… it’ll look like a little gold star sticker.
I had a client who was excited to order an 8x10 for her living room. And when I held up the sample … we both laughed. It was cute, but also way too small to be on her wall.
Here’s the problem: 8x10s are beautiful and seem like a good size at first, but they only belong on desktops, nightstands, or bookshelves—not as the centerpiece of a wall.
A series of images above a couch on a wall.
I’m a firm believer in big statement pieces. Even for holiday decorations. What makes a bigger impact, a cute little 5” Santa or a 5 ft tall Santa?
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “That wall just feels empty,” even after hanging a photo, the size is probably why.
When it comes to wall art, the biggest regret I hear from clients is: “I wish I’d gone a little bigger.”
Yes, that larger frame will cost more, but you get more BANG for your buck!
Bedrooms can have fun with prints and other elements.
Sizes for Different Rooms in Your Home
Different areas and rooms in your home call for different-sized prints.
For a photo over your couch - go big! A 20x30 or preferably a 30x40 is a great size. Or, you can even choose to do a series of images (3 side-by-side prints) with 16x20s.
A photo over the fireplace - you’ll want to go with at least a 24x36 for it to feel like it belongs.
In a hallway, you can go a little smaller, usually a simple row of 11x14s or 8x10s. Odd numbers work nicer, too. If you have four kids, add one of you with them or all four of them together.
For bedrooms, an 8x10 or 11x14 is perfect for dressers, shelves, and side tables next to a child’s bed. If there is a small empty wall, an 11x14 can look nice.
For the entryway (again, depending on the size), go for around 24x36!
See how the beautiful image looks small and sad on this empty wall.
Your Barstow family photographer’s hack for choosing prints to go above the couch:
Your artwork is supposed to be 2/3 the width of the furniture below it.
So if your couch is 90 inches wide, your art should be about 60 inches across (either one large print or a series of smaller ones that add up to that width).
I simply use this formula when helping clients design gallery walls or choose a statement print!
Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better
I am a fan of large family portraits, and I mean HUUUGGEE.
But let me tell you, there have been a time or two I’ve printed a little bigger than I should have, and yes, I regretted it!
Super tight close-ups (like your kid’s face filling the whole frame) are not an ideal 30x40 size. However, a close-up of baby feet can never be too big. Ha!
A simple rule: don’t print a head bigger than it is in real life. Or do! I’m not the rule police. These are only guidelines made by the photography police.
Example: A family photo of 7 people can be printed nice and big, just make sure the biggest head isn’t larger than it is in real life!
Beautiful image above the couch.
If you take nothing else away from this post, please just remember: prints smaller than 11x14 belong on a table, shelf, or desk. Not on the wall. I call these gift prints— great for gifting to grandma to display on her shelves.
If you’re hanging something up on a wall, go with a minimum of 16x20. And if you’re using an 8x10 or 11x14 on the wall, make it part of a series (not solo). That’s the cheat code right there!
And, honestly, I’m just happy that you’re thinking about printing your photos. You’re waay ahead of the game. Most people forget about their memories on a phone, buried in a file, or in a social media post. But not you!
You’re becoming part of the rebellion!
(My following of people who want to print their images) ;)
I don’t photograph for hard drives. I photograph for walls!
You’re turning them into something you can touch, feel, see, and enjoy every day! That’s what really matters.
Bookmark this post and come back to it when you’re ready to order prints. And if you get stuck, reach out. I’m happy to help!
Want to book a session with me, A Barstow family photographer? Click Here to See My Portfolio.
Check out another Blog post here, I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading it just as much as The Best Print Sizes for Every Room in Your Home | Barstow Family Photographer.
Thanks for hanging out today and giving this a read. Until next time. Print your photos, people!
Cheers!
Annette
