Living small doesn’t mean decorating small—it just means being smart about scale. Here’s how I decide which print sizes work best when every square foot counts.
1. Measure First, Buy Second
Grab painter’s tape and mark out the exact rectangle of space you have on the wall (above the sofa, between two windows, beside the fridge—wherever). Snap a photo of the taped‑out area so you can reference it while browsing.
2. Anchor With One Statement Piece
If you love a single image and want it to shine, go for an 12 × 16 or 16 × 20. Center it, keep the surrounding décor simple, and let that one print own the room.
3. Build a Mini‑Gallery
Got lots of favourites? Try a grid of smaller prints—say three 8 × 10s in a row or a vertical stack of two 5 × 7s. The clusters read as one larger visual block without overwhelming the wall.
4. Use Mats to Fake Size
A white mat can add two to three inches of breathing room around an 8 × 10, making the finished piece look closer to a 12 × 16. Same art, bigger presence.
5. Think Pairs and Triptychs
Two complementary 8 × 10s hung side by side (or three stacked) create rhythm and balance in narrow spaces like hallways and above desks.
Size Cheat Sheet
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5 × 7 in – bedside tables, shelves, or part of a gallery wall
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8 × 10 in – small statement above a dresser, easy to pair
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12 × 16 in – standalone focal point in tight living rooms
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16 × 20 in – bold piece over a sofa or dining table (yes, even in a studio)
Need guidance on choosing the right dimensions? Check out my Size Guide for a quick visual reference of every format I offer.
Got questions about a specific wall? Give me a shout via email or on our socials—send a photo and I’ll mock up a couple of size options.
Small space, big style!
—Catherine 🐾