Family, Food, and Flair
Decorating with artwork is akin to seasoning a dish with the right spices and herbs. While not the main attraction, a meal would be bland without them. Similarly, artwork on your walls adds a personal touch that defines the character of your home.
However, mastering the subtle art of decor, such as choosing the right light fixtures that influence the size of the artwork you hang, can be a challenge. This skill often seems reserved for those with a natural knack for design.
If you're not one of these naturally gifted decorators, don't worry. We have extensive experience helping our clients choose the perfect canvas sizes for their homes, ensuring each piece complements the space just as beautifully as the right seasoning enhances a meal.
In today’s visual example, you will notice that despite the large wall and open layout of this dining room, the placement of two light fixtures—one on each side of the dining table by the wall—actually makes the wall appear smaller. This design choice significantly influences the size and orientation of the artwork that best complements the space.
Typically, we might suggest long, rectangular paintings that echo the dinning table’s length. However, because the light fixtures create a perception of the wall being more square-like rather than horizontal, different dimensions may be more suitable. We have prepared several infographics to demonstrate why certain sizes work better than others, highlighting the adaptability needed in each unique space.
“This example is not a one-size-fits-all guideline, but rather a starting point to gain insights.”
Keep in mind that while your home might have a dining table of similar dimensions to our example, it likely differs in elements such as light fixtures, windows, or wall features. These differences can significantly influence which canvas sizes are most suitable for the space. This example is not a one-size-fits-all guideline, but rather a starting point to gain insights.
If you would like personalized advice, please send us a photograph of your dining area including dimensions. Feel free to email it to ms.ruiz@emeraldartgallery.com. Esmeralda Ruiz would be delighted to create a digital mock-up of your wall, similar to those featured on our blog.
Let’s get started.
When selecting artwork for a wall, it's important to consider what you aim to achieve. Are you looking to make a statement? Should the artwork be bold? Or would you prefer something more soothing and quiet? Understanding the atmosphere you want to create for your guests can guide you in choosing both the style and size of the artwork.
Let's begin with the largest width option available: a 72” wide painting, which is well-suited for a dining table that is 96” wide. This size is typically recommended for a space of this scale. However, the presence of two swing arm lamps at each end of the wall limits the usable space, affecting how much of the wall we can cover with artwork.
72” x 36”: Perfect for 8-foot ceilings, a 72” wide by 36” tall painting ensures a spacious aesthetic both above and below the canvas. When hung above a buffet table as wide as the dining table, it complements the area seamlessly. This arrangement not only enhances the room's decor but also provides flexibility to display additional decorative and seasonal items on the buffet without interference from the artwork.
72” x 48”: This canvas size, measuring 72” wide by 48” tall, works well in open floor plans where the artwork can be enjoyed from multiple areas, like adjacent kitchens or living rooms, especially with 8-foot ceilings. However, this size is not recommended if there is a buffet table below in homes with 8-foot ceilings. If you are working with 9-foot walls or taller, whether there is a buffet table or not, this size will fit perfectly well.
72” x 60”: For rooms with 9-foot ceilings or higher, consider going big! Our largest standard canvas size, 72” wide by 60” tall, allows for a mural-sized painting that makes a striking impact. Such a size is not only memorable but also becomes a focal point for discussions among your guests. Paintings of this magnitude, typically seen in museums, require ample space—not just on the wall but also around the room—to be fully appreciated.
Warning! The current positioning of the lamps accommodates a canvas width of 72”, with a 12” clearance from the lamps. However, if the lamps are extended fully inward, they might touch the painting. While there's no strict rule against layering, and it can indeed add visual interest, it should appear deliberate. A lamp slightly overlapping the edge of the painting might seem unintentional and could be perceived as a mistake.
With that in mind, let's consider a slightly smaller option. A 60” wide canvas also fits beautifully with a 96” wide dining table. This size allows the swing arm lamps to extend without overlapping the edges of the canvas, ensuring a cleaner look.
60” x 30” and 60” x 36”: Both sizes are ideal for this space and can be hung above a buffet table. You can easily place a sculpture or a vase of flowers on the table without obstructing the view of the painting. Similar to our previous recommendation of the 72” x 36” canvas, these dimensions are well-suited for homes with 8-foot ceilings.
Winner winner! Chicken Dinner!
60” x 48”: This canvas size is our top recommendation for this wall, complementing the swing arm lamps perfectly. The height of the canvas draws the eye upward, enhancing the perceived height of the wall and making the room appear larger. In this setup, the painting becomes a focal point, as significant as the elegant dining table itself, while the lamps add a touch of design flair without overpowering the other elements in the room. Keep in mind, this may not work if you have a buffet table under the painting in homes with 8-foot ceilings.
60” x 72”: Is it possible for wall art to be too large? Indeed, it can be. While the allure of an oversized statement piece that captures attention is strong, it's crucial to maintain harmony and balance in your space. Art that is overly large can overwhelm other design elements, creating a feeling of imbalance. In this case, the height of the canvas might make the room feel top-heavy, akin to the sensation of craning your neck to admire the lofty artwork in a cathedral.
The goal is for your art to enhance, not overpower, the room. You wouldn’t want your guests to feel dwarfed while enjoying a meal. It's essential to consider the scale and proportions of both the room and the furniture. Finding the right balance is key to achieving a visually harmonious environment.
Next Size Down
There are several reasons why a smaller canvas size might be ideal for your needs. We've provided a selection of smaller options for you to consider, but it's important to ensure that your choice harmonizes with the overall room decor. A dining room table that is 69” wide generally requires a substantial piece of art to maintain visual balance. If the artwork is too small, it can make the room and its furnishings appear disproportionate and unbalanced.
Ultimately, the key is achieving the right balance. You wouldn't want the decor to overpower the artwork, nor should the artwork overwhelm the room. When the size of the art is just right, everything feels harmoniously in place.
“[Small size artwork can create] a lack of hierarchy where everything appears equally important.”
48” x 24”: A painting that measures 48" wide by 24" tall might seem too small for both the wall and the dining table. Additionally, having swing arm lamps that are almost as tall as the painting can create a visual imbalance. It may lead viewers to question whether the lamps are as significant as the artwork, without directing their focus to any particular area of the room. This results in a lack of hierarchy where everything appears equally important.
If you are considering a piece of this size, you could enhance its presence by using a larger frame to occupy more wall space. However, it's important to remember that this solution can be expensive, as the cost of the frame might exceed that of the artwork itself.
48” x 36”: If you are considering a smaller canvas size, we recommend a 48” wide by 36” tall piece. This size is perfectly suited for placement above a buffet table and its decorative accents, while still being tall enough to make a visual impact against a large wall. Importantly, it is taller than the swing arm lamps, clearly guiding the viewer's focus towards the painting as the centerpiece of the space.
48” x 48”: Generally, we recommend choosing canvas shapes that complement the furniture beneath them, such as opting for elongated art over a long dining room table for visual harmony. However, the presence of swing arm lamps in this scenario effectively balances the empty spaces created by the square canvas, enhancing the overall look. Square canvases are versatile and can be displayed alone, in pairs, or as part of a broader art arrangement. In many homes, art enthusiasts skillfully employ light fixtures at each end of the canvas to accentuate the artwork beautifully.
48” x 60”: While this canvas size is effective horizontally, vertically it fails to harmonize with the rest of the room. This issue mirrors the challenge we encountered with the 60” wide by 72” tall canvas: it is simply too tall for the room and might make your guests feel overwhelmed by its scale.
The more, the Merrier
Artists and interior designers constantly seek fresh, distinct methods to group paintings that narrate a captivating story. These arrangements are perfect for filling large spaces in a room without the clutter of a gallery wall or the dominance of a large mural. Additionally, they make achieving a harmonious look in any room much simpler.
The same principles of maintaining balance are crucial when hanging a diptych or triptych. It's important to ensure the set isn't too small for the wall or overly top-heavy. Below are a few examples of how diptychs can complement this specific wall.
24" x 36": This diptych is an excellent choice for not completely filling the wall while making the space appear taller without feeling top-heavy. A set of 24” wide x 36” tall canvases allows ample room for the lamps to extend toward the paintings without overlapping. If you want an option that shows more wall and feels lighter yet remains balanced, this is a fantastic choice.
36" x 36": Consider two square canvases for a space like this, as they balance beautifully with the lamps. The paintings, being both wider and taller than the lamps, establish a visual hierarchy, drawing the viewer's attention first to the artwork and then to the lamps. These larger canvases also harmonize well above a large dining table. One point to consider is if the lamps are stretched towards the center, they might overlap with the edges of the canvases. This isn't necessarily problematic, just ensure it appears intentional.
24” x 48”: This size appears somewhat disproportionate and too top-heavy for the area and surrounding decor. We recommend opting for shorter paintings, even with a high ceiling. If you appreciate the coverage, consider a 36” wide x 48” tall painting or a 60” wide x 48” tall canvas. The slender appearance of this set seems fragile compared to the large table beneath it. It's important for everything to flow and maintain balance, and this option might seem a bit out of place.
Key takeaways: aim for balance. Ensure that nothing in the space feels too large or too small. Maintaining good balance will foster a sense of harmony, enhancing both your painting and the surrounding furniture. A large dining table typically hosts holidays and special gatherings with family and friends. Remember, your decor choices reflect your personal and family identity and can spark conversations.
