The Best Places to Hang Large Art Prints in Your Home

 

Large art prints are a powerful way to transform a space, adding personality, style, and a sense of grandeur. Whether it's a striking landscape, an abstract masterpiece, or a timeless black-and-white photograph, oversized prints make an instant impact. But where should you hang them to get the most out of their presence?

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to display large wall art in your home, ensuring your space looks balanced, stylish, and effortlessly curated.

1. Above the Sofa – The Classic Focal Point

The wall above the sofa is one of the most popular spots for large art prints. A well-placed piece here acts as a visual anchor for the living room, drawing the eye and tying together the entire space.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Choose a print that’s around two-thirds the width of the sofa for balanced proportions.
✔ Keep the bottom edge 6-12 inches above the sofa to avoid feeling cramped.
✔ Consider using a gallery wrap canvas or framed print to match your décor.

A landscape scene, abstract composition, or moody seascape works particularly well here, adding depth and atmosphere to your living area.

2. Over the Bed – A Statement Above the Headboard

Bedrooms should feel like a retreat, and large artwork above the bed can enhance the calming, sophisticated vibe of the space. Whether you choose soft, nature-inspired prints or bold, dramatic pieces, this placement creates an elegant focal point.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Choose a print that is slightly narrower than your headboard to maintain balance.
✔ Hang the artwork 8-12 inches above the headboard to keep it visually connected.
✔ Opt for calming colours or abstract textures for a restful atmosphere.

If you prefer something more dynamic, a triptych (three-panel) print can break up the space while still making an impact.

3. Dining Room – Elevate the Ambiance

Dining rooms are often overlooked when it comes to wall art, but they’re perfect for large statement pieces. A well-placed print can add a sense of sophistication and create an inviting atmosphere for meals and gatherings.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Center the artwork at eye level, roughly 60 inches from the floor.
✔ If hanging above a buffet or sideboard, leave 6-8 inches of space between the furniture and the bottom of the print.
✔ Abstract art, elegant landscapes, or textured pieces work beautifully in this space.

A large print can also set the mood—warm, earthy tones for an inviting feel, or deep blues and greys for a modern, refined look.

4. The Hallway – A Gallery-Like Walkway

A long hallway is the perfect place for large artwork, turning an often-overlooked space into a striking gallery-like setting. A single large print or a series of prints along the corridor can add depth and make the space feel more dynamic.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Keep the center of the artwork at eye level (about 60 inches from the floor).
✔ If placing multiple pieces, maintain consistent spacing between them for a cohesive look.
✔ Black-and-white photography, cityscapes, or minimalist abstracts work especially well here.

If your hallway is narrow, choose artwork with depth and perspective, such as landscapes or architectural photography, to make the space feel larger.

5. Above a Fireplace – A Timeless Statement

If your living room has a fireplace, the space above it is an ideal location for a large art print. The vertical space naturally draws the eye upward, making it a prime spot for a statement piece.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Keep the artwork 4-6 inches above the mantel to avoid visual clutter.
✔ Choose a print that is slightly smaller than the width of the mantel for balance.
✔ Avoid heavy frames if your fireplace generates a lot of heat.

Abstract art, nature-inspired photography, or classic portraits can add a sense of sophistication and warmth to the room.

6. Staircase Wall – A Dramatic Display

The wall along a staircase is a fantastic place for large prints, creating a gallery-like experience as you move between floors. A single oversized piece or a curated collection of prints can add character to an otherwise empty space.

Tips for Placement:
✔ If hanging a single piece, align it with the natural eye level of the stairs.
✔ For a gallery-style arrangement, follow the angle of the staircase to create flow.
✔ Use bold, high-contrast artwork to make the space feel dynamic and engaging.

This is a great location for abstract prints, landscapes, or architectural photography that complements the movement of the stairs.

7. Home Office – Boost Creativity and Focus

If you work from home, a large art print can set the tone and mood of your workspace. Whether you want a calming scene to keep stress at bay or an energizing abstract piece to inspire creativity, artwork plays a significant role in shaping productivity.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Hang the artwork directly in front of your desk for a motivational boost.
✔ If space allows, opt for a pair of large prints side by side for a balanced look.
✔ Consider inspirational or nature-themed prints to enhance focus and well-being.

A beautiful large print can make a home office feel more inviting and encourage a more enjoyable work environment.

8. Large Entryway – Make an Impact

Your entryway is the first thing guests see, making it the perfect place to showcase a bold, statement piece of wall art. A large canvas or framed print can instantly set the tone for your home’s style.

Tips for Placement:
✔ Position the artwork at eye level for an immediate impact.
✔ If hanging above a console table, leave 8-12 inches of space between the furniture and the bottom of the print.
✔ Choose a high-impact piece—something bold and captivating.

A large entryway print helps create a memorable first impression and makes your home feel curated and inviting.

Large art prints are a fantastic way to transform your home, adding depth, personality, and style. Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, hallway, or office, choosing the right location and proper placement will ensure your artwork enhances the space beautifully.

So, if you’ve been wondering where to hang that stunning oversized print, consider one of these prime spots and let your walls do the talking!

Nasa's photo art is out of this world!

If you are interested in space and all the unkown that goes with it, you could add Astronomy Picture of the Day to your bookmarks for a daily feast of photography that is literally out of this world. Each day NASA bring a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

Today's stunning digital view, entitled 'Sagittarius Triplet', is actually a collaborative composite recorded by 2 cameras and 2 telescopes about 2 thousand miles apart! The deep, wide image field was captured under dark Arizona skies. Both M8 and M20 were recorded in more detail from an observatory in Pennsylvania. Glowing hydrogen gas creates the dominant red color of the emission nebulae, with contrasting blue hues, most striking in the Trifid, due to dust reflected starlight. These three bright nebulae are often featured in telescopic tours of the constellation Sagittarius and the crowded starfields of the central Milky Way.

And how about this for incredible stats - all three nebulae are stellar nurseries about five thousand light-years or so distant. The expansive M8, over a hundred light-years across, is also known as the Lagoon Nebula.

NASA certainly has the technology to shoot some incredible images that reach deep into space. Their telescopes and observatories are so advanced these days that they can - excuse me, just had to get it in - boldly go where no man has gone before! Forget pictures of the moon, head over to APOD and see what lurks in the far reaches of our galaxy :-)

Printing big canvas art

The Art of Printing Large Canvases: Everything You Need to Know

Printing large canvases is a fantastic way to bring artwork and photography to life on a grand scale. Whether you're showcasing a stunning landscape, an abstract masterpiece, or a family portrait, a large canvas print makes a bold statement in any space. But getting the perfect print isn’t as simple as clicking “print” and hoping for the best—there are key factors to consider, from image quality to materials and framing.

If you're thinking about printing a large canvas, here’s everything you need to know to get the best results.

Why Print on Large Canvas?

Large canvas prints are a popular choice for home and office décor because they offer:

Impactful Visual Appeal – A large canvas draws attention and becomes the focal point of a room.

Gallery-Worthy Quality – The texture of canvas adds depth and a professional, artistic touch to images.

No Glass, No Glare – Unlike framed prints with glass, canvas prints reduce reflections, making them easier to view from different angles.

Versatility in Placement – They work well in living rooms, hallways, offices, hotels, and even retail spaces.

Now that we know why large canvas prints are such a great choice, let’s dive into the essentials of getting the best print possible.

1. Image Resolution – Bigger is Better

The key to a sharp and detailed canvas print is high resolution. A small image stretched onto a large canvas will appear pixelated or blurry. As a general rule:

Aim for at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for optimal print quality.
A minimum image size of 5000 pixels on the longest edge is recommended for large prints.
If you're unsure, check the file size—anything under 2MB might not be large enough for a big print.

If your image isn’t quite large enough, professional printing services often use upscaling software to improve quality. However, it’s always best to start with the highest resolution possible.

2. Choosing the Right Canvas Material

Not all canvases are created equal! High-quality canvas prints use:

Poly-cotton blend – This gives a nice balance between durability and an authentic canvas texture.
Matte finish – Reduces glare and enhances colour depth.
Archival-grade materials – Ensures longevity without yellowing or fading over time.

Cheaper canvas prints may use low-quality materials that result in muted colours and reduced durability, so always check before printing.

3. Colour Accuracy – What You See Isn’t Always What You Get

Ever noticed that colours look different on a screen compared to when they’re printed? That’s because screens display images in RGB colour mode, while printers use CMYK.

To ensure accurate colours:
✔ Use a calibrated monitor to preview how your image will look in print.
✔ Convert your file to CMYK mode if possible.
✔ Work with professional printers who use colour-managed workflows.

Professional printing labs will ensure colour accuracy, but it's always good to be aware of these differences if you're printing on your own.

4. Canvas Stretching & Framing Options

When printing large canvases, you’ll have different options for finishing:

Gallery Wrap – The image extends around the edges of the wooden frame for a modern, seamless look.

Mirror Wrap – The edges of the image are mirrored so that nothing important is lost when wrapping around the frame.

Framed Canvas – A traditional look with an external frame that adds elegance and depth.

For a sleek, contemporary feel, a gallery-wrapped canvas is usually the best choice. If you're framing, make sure the frame complements the image rather than overpowering it.

5. Placement & Hanging Considerations

Before ordering a large canvas, think about where it will go. Measure the wall space to ensure a perfect fit.

Over a sofa or bed? Keep at least 6-12 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the canvas.
Gallery wall or solo statement? Large canvases can work alone or as part of a collection.
Eye-level placement? The centre of the artwork should ideally be at eye level for comfortable viewing.

For hanging, heavy-duty wall fixings are essential for larger prints, as they can be quite substantial in weight.

6. Longevity & Care for Large Canvas Prints

A well-printed canvas should last decades with proper care. Here’s how to keep it looking fresh:

Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Dust gently with a dry cloth—avoid using water or cleaning sprays.
Ensure a stable environment—humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect the canvas over time.

Printing large canvases is a fantastic way to showcase artwork and photography in a bold, professional manner. By ensuring high-resolution images, quality materials, accurate colours, and proper framing, you can create a stunning piece that enhances any space.

So, whether you’re printing a breathtaking landscape, a cherished family moment, or a dynamic abstract piece, following these tips will help you achieve a museum-quality result that stands the test of time.

HDR photography basics by Fotoviva

HDR photography basics: HDR photography

Just had an article published by the great jean-Michel over at JMleclercq photography. It discussed how photographers can use the HDR technique to improve their work, bringing in a wider dynamic range than with traditional photography methods. It also includes a couple of our own HDR images which are available on the Fotoviva site printed on poster, acrylic or canvas.

New HDR Haybale Wall Print

I've been digging through my photo archive and found a haybale image which I really like, but had forgotten about! This one is an HDR image comprised of three separate photos with different exposures, blended together in the great HDR software that is Photomatix.

The picture has been on one of the leading royalty free stock photo sites for a while now and it's generated a fair amount of interest so I'll shortly be adding it to the Fotoviva landscape collection, available to purchase as wall art.

I'm not keen on the overly saturated and halo-esque hdr imagery that some photographers do. Personally I just find it a great way to turn a shot into something resembling how it looked. Hdr works especially well with high contrast scenes like sunsets, where you either end up with a blown out sun or no detail in the shadows. Subtlety is the key with Hdr processing as it can turn an image into a right mess!

Once the hdr image had been processed I moved the picture into Photoshop to tweak the finer detail and create what you see here. So what do you think? If you have an hdr photo gallery feel free to post your link in the comments, it's good to see other photographers work.

My Photography Gallery Profile Page

Finally I have got around to creating individual portfolio pages for the photographers on Fotoviva Art Prints. Mine is the first to be launched so please take a look in my Photography Portfolio Gallery

It brings in all the images I have for sale over on Fotoviva and also includes a short biography about me and my photography. Don't laugh at the photo, it will have to do until I find one better!

All my photo collection are available to buy as canvas prints which are wrapped around a chunky wooden frame and ready to hang. Also acrylic mounts are available which are a more modern alternative to canvases. These are printed on high grade artists paper and sandwiched between two sheets of acrylic panels which gives a great finish. The print is pushed away from the wall thanks to the brushed aluminium fixings in each corner.

Have a look at my images and see if there is anything that takes your fancy.

Canvas Wall Art Makeover

Fotoviva has had a makeover for the new season which many say is a vast improvement on the already stunning looking design! The new colour scheme and tweaks here and there help to create a more focussed online gallery which is clearer and easier to use to buy your canvas wall art prints from.

We have gone for a clean, green look and added a dark background that helps to draw the eye into the main content better. The individual product pages have been revamped and now list the whole print finish and sizes together rather than in a dropdown. The homepage now features more images in the centre which helps to show the wide selection of art we have available.

There is more to come in the near future as Fotoviva Art Prints expands it's range of stunning photographic art and continues to grow into the only place you need to go to buy inspiring prints as canvas wall art, acrylic mounted prints and fine-art posters.