Size is one of the most common sources of regret in art commissions — either the piece arrives and feels too small for the wall, or it overwhelms a space that needed something quieter. The decision is simpler than it seems when you work through it methodically.
Measure the wall first
Before you think about subject matter or medium, measure the wall or area you have in mind. Write down the width and height in inches. A painting should typically occupy 57–75% of the available wall width for a piece hung alone, and slightly less if it's part of a gallery arrangement. A 48-inch wide wall, for example, calls for a piece roughly 27–36 inches wide.
Consider viewing distance
How far away do you stand when you're in that room? Across a dining table or living room, you'll naturally view the piece from 8–12 feet. At that distance, a 16×20 reads as a medium accent piece; a 24×36 commands the room. In a hallway or above a desk, viewing distance drops to 3–5 feet — smaller pieces work beautifully there because the viewer gets close enough to see the detail.
Common sizes and where they work
8×10 and 11×14 are intimate — ideal for desk displays, bedside tables, or small gallery walls. 16×20 is the most versatile size: substantial enough to anchor a wall without overwhelming a room. 18×24 and 24×30 are living room scale — they hold their own above a sofa or over a fireplace. 36×48 and larger are statement pieces that need wall space proportional to their presence — high ceilings, open floor plans, commercial spaces.
The tape test
Cut a piece of kraft paper or newspaper to your target dimensions, tape it to the wall, and live with it for a day. Stand where you normally stand in the room. Sit where you normally sit. Does it feel right? Too small? Too large? This takes ten minutes and eliminates guesswork. It's the most reliable sizing tool available.
When in doubt, go larger
In fifteen years of hearing client feedback post-delivery, I've heard "I wish I had gone bigger" dozens of times. I've heard "I wish I had gone smaller" twice. A confident painting in a space feels intentional. An undersized piece in a large room looks like it wandered in by accident. If you're between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Custom sizes are always an option
Standard canvas sizes are common because they're convenient, but commissions are by definition custom work. If your wall calls for a 20×28 or a square 30×30, that's a perfectly valid brief. Just include the exact dimensions when you submit your inquiry and I'll quote accordingly.
April Johnson is a fine artist based in Glen Flora, Wisconsin with 18+ years of professional practice. She accepts commissions for pet portraits, landscapes, botanicals, and large-scale pieces. Commission a painting →