How to Choose the Right Size Fine Art Photography for Your Space (Without the Math Headache)

Feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out what size artwork will look best on your wall?

You’re not alone. With so many sizes, formats, and framing options available today, choosing the right piece of art can feel more like solving a geometry problem than decorating your space.

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

As a full-time nature and wildlife photographer who’s helped hundreds of collectors find the perfect print, I want to simplify the process and give you a few tips and tools that make sizing your wall art way easier (and yes—more fun, too).

First Things First: What Is Aspect Ratio and Why Does It Matter?

Before diving into print sizes, let’s talk about aspect ratio—which is just a fancy way of describing the relationship between the width and height of a photo. Think of it like the "shape" of the image.

At Riley Clark Fine Art, my prints come in four distinct aspect ratios:

• 4:5 – A classic, slightly squarish format (great for portrait walls or narrow spaces)

• 2:3 – The most common ratio used in modern photography (and very popular on my site)

• 1:2 – A wide panoramic look, perfect for open horizontal spaces

• 1:3 – Ultra-wide panoramic for bold, dramatic wall statements

Most cameras today naturally capture images in a 2:3 ratio, so many of my pieces follow this format.

Mountain Song, on the left, is a 2x1 image while The Wild West, on the right, is a 3x2 image.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size Art for Your Wall

Let’s be real—choosing the right size can be tricky. But here are a few solid rules to help:

1. Bigger Usually Looks Better

One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing artwork that’s too small. A good general rule? Your art should take up about ⅔ to ¾ of the width of the furniture beneath it. So if your couch is 84" wide, aim for art that’s at least 56" across.

2. Use Tape to Visualize It

Grab some painter’s tape and map out the size of the artwork directly on your wall. It’ll give you a clear visual reference and help you avoid surprises later.

3. Consider Groupings

If one large piece doesn’t feel right, consider using two or three smaller pieces in a grouping or diptych. This can be especially effective in hallways or over long sideboards.

What About Framing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Framing can add elegance and polish to your art—but it also changes the size of the final piece. Here’s how it breaks down:

🖼️ Framed Paper Prints

• Include a standard 2" white mat on all sides

• Come with a .75" wide frame

• That means you need to add 5.5" to both the height and width of the image to find the final dimensions

🪵 Canvas & Metal with Float Frames

• Float frames leave a ¼" gap between the print and the frame, creating that “floating” appearance

• With the frame itself, this adds 1.75" to the overall height and width

These float frames are sleek, modern, and one of the most popular ways to display canvas or metal artwork without needing glass or matting.

Not Great at Math? I Got You.

If all of this feels a bit much—no stress. You’ve got two easy options:

📱 Use My Augmented Reality (AR) Preview Tool

Every product on my website features an AR preview option, allowing you to see how your chosen size and frame will look on your actual wall—to scale. Just open the link on your phone and follow the prompts. It’s a game-changer for visualizing art in your space.

Choose the display and size you are interested in, then click "View In AR" to see it displayed on your wall!

💬 Request a Free Custom Mockup

Prefer a more personalized approach? Just send me:

1. A photo of your wall

2. A few rough measurements

3. The prints and finishes you’re considering

I’ll create a custom mockup showing you exactly how the art will look in your space—frame, mat, and all.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re decorating your first apartment or refining your dream home, investing in art that speaks to you is always worth it. The right size and format can elevate an entire room—and thanks to modern tools (and a little guidance), figuring it out doesn’t have to be a chore.

So don’t let aspect ratios or framing details hold you back.

Explore the collection, try out the AR tool, or reach out to me directly for a custom mockup. I’m here to help you find artwork that not only fits your wall—but tells your story.