Poster Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size for a Wall
Most poster regrets come down to size. A poster that is too small looks lost, and one that is too big crowds the room. This poster size guide gives you a simple way to measure, a list of common sizes and room-by-room suggestions, using the sizes available in our own listings.
A simple rule for choosing a size
A common guideline is to make the artwork about two thirds the width of the furniture beneath it. A sofa that is 84 inches wide suits art around 56 inches wide in total, which can be a single piece or a group. Over a nightstand or a desk, aim for something proportionate to the surface below, not the whole wall.
Common poster sizes
Our This Is Your Moment matte poster is available in 46 sizes, built for tall and narrow wall spaces. A few of the sizes listed include:
- 8 by 10, 8 by 12, 9 by 11 and 10 by 13 inches: small, for desks, shelves and tight corners.
- 11 by 14, 11 by 16, 12 by 16 and 12 by 18 inches: medium, for above a nightstand or a dresser.
- 8 by 20, 10 by 17, 10 by 20, 10 by 24 and 11 by 22 inches: tall and narrow, for slim walls and hallways.
Prices run from $11.68 to $84.99 depending on size. The poster ships within the United States and its territories, so check the product page for current availability.
Room-by-room suggestions
| Space | Suggested size |
|---|---|
| Above a desk | 8 by 10 or 11 by 14 inches |
| Above a nightstand | 11 by 14 to 12 by 18 inches |
| Slim hallway wall | 10 by 24 or 11 by 22 inches |
| Entryway or console | 12 by 18 inches or larger |
| Gallery wall | A mix of small and medium sizes |
If you prefer a canvas
The Find Beauty Everywhere canvas is a horizontal stretched canvas in sizes from 10 by 8 inches up to 32 by 24 inches. A 20 by 16 inch canvas works above a bed or a sofa, while 12 by 9 inches suits a shelf or desk. Prices start at $18.99 and rise with size.
Try before you buy
- Measure the wall space and the furniture below it.
- Cut paper or newspaper to the size you are considering.
- Tape it to the wall with painter tape and live with it for a day.
- Adjust up or down. A size too big usually looks better than a size too small.
Leave some breathing room around the art. For hanging advice, see how to hang a poster without damaging walls.
Frequently asked questions
What size poster is best above a bed?
Something close to two thirds of the headboard width. A 24 inch wide piece or a group of two or three works for many beds.
Are the sizes vertical or horizontal?
The poster is listed in vertical orientations. The canvas is listed in horizontal orientations.
Does size change the price a lot?
Yes. The poster ranges from $11.68 to $84.99 and the canvas from $18.99 up to about $445.99.
Browse the Prints collection.