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How to Choose and Place Large Wall Art

The benefits of large wall art include creating an impact, expressing your taste, and lending your home a touch of elegance. Yet, while these upsides are well understood, many people struggle to choose, frame, and place large wall art.

Large wall art adds a powerful focal point to any room. However, an oversized piece is about far more than just filling up empty space on a wall; it's about making a statement.  

The benefits of large wall art include creating an impact, expressing your taste, and lending your home a touch of elegance. Yet, while these upsides are well understood, many people struggle to choose, frame, and place large wall art.  

There are a lot of factors that go into picking a suitable large canvas for your home. This article will provide suggestions and tips that help guide you on your journey to transform your space. 

American Buffalo II Wall Art by Ethan Harper Canvas Art pictured in a Livingroom
American Buffalo II Wall Art by Ethan Harper

How to Choose Large Wall Art 

When it comes to choosing large wall art, context is everything. The first thing you need to do is think about the space where the work will sit. Your personal preferences and existing decor have an essential role to play here, but so do the room's size and the space on the wall. 

Remember that large wall art will be the centerpiece of your space. It's something you will see every day, so selecting something meaningful to you is crucial. Thankfully, there are very few restrictions on which styles look great as large wall art.  

Down by the Water by Jodi Maas canvas art pictured in a bedroom
Down by the Water by Jodi Maas

Genres like abstract, modern, and contemporary art work well because many of these pieces were intended to be significant in size. Similarly, landscapes and photography are also good choices. However, it's really about your and your personal interests and preferences, so don't be afraid to trust your instincts. 

The next thing to consider is the size of your wall. Measure the empty space that the canvas will fit in. Best practice dictates that you use about two-thirds or three-quarters of that empty space if you want to create the most impact with large wall art. 

Ship Textures II by Moises Levy canvas art pictured in a dinning room
Ship Textures II by Moises Levy

How to Frame Large Wall Art 

Framing a piece of large wall art can transform a canvas. There are two elements you must consider when choosing a frame. Firstly, how does the frame's style and material fit the piece, and secondly, what does it mean for your surrounding decor? Striking a balance between these two considerations is essential to achieving the right fit.  

Large wall art frames are typically made from either wood or metal. These sturdy materials are best because they provide adequate support for larger pieces. Thankfully, both materials come in a wide variety of colors and finishes.  

Navy Cruiser Blueprint Framed Wall Art by Ethan Harper pictured in a sitting room
Navy Cruiser Blueprint Wall Art by Ethan Harper

Again, think about your existing decor. Does your room feature wood and natural, earthy tones? If you can find a frame that matches the accents of your room, it can provide a remarkably sophisticated sense of balance. Likewise, if you have an ultra-modern or more minimalist design style, you can consider metals to give a clean look. 

Of course, you can't forget about that artwork itself and what it needs to flourish. Decor styles come in and out of fashion, but large wall art can be a large investment. It may even make a move or two with you, so ensure you select a frame that suits the style. For example, more traditional art styles work well with stylized wooden frames, while more contemporary styles suit sleek frames with neutral colors. 

An Evening Out Neutral Wall Art by Julia Purinton framed canvas print
An Evening Out Neutral Wall Art by Julia Purinton

How to Hang Large Wall Art 

Now for the final step: hanging your large wall art. There are a few options here, such as adhesive wall hooks and mounting tape. However, large wall art can be heavy, especially when it's framed. So, find out the weight of the piece and compare it to various hanging solutions. 

In most cases, you'll need to securely attach large wall art to a wall. So, think about the target wall for your art. Most internal walls are built on wooden or metal frames that are covered by plasterboard. These frames are strong enough to support your canvas with the right fixings. 

You can find a wall stud in a number of different ways. For starters, you can tap along the wall and listen out for hollow and full areas. However, you can also buy a stud detector to do the same job. From there, it's about choosing a fixture that is rated for the weight of your large wall art. 

 Of course, you won't always have access to a wooden stud. You can use drywall anchors that open out once they are screwed into the wall to provide more support. Again, ensure they are rated to hold weights in excess of your painting. 

Final Thoughts 

Large wall art has such a spectacular and transformative effect on a space. It can augment your decor and give any room a focal point and a stunning sense of style. However, before you can unleash these benefits, be mindful about how large wall art will sit within the room, weighing the art, and choosing the right supports to set yourself up for success.  


We believe art wields the power to inspire, energize, and transform people and places. Our team of curators and craftspeople are passionate about providing art that meets your unique vision and style.

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