You’ve chosen a piece. A lion looking you straight in the eye, a giraffe towering over the savannah, or an inspiring leopard photograph for your wall. Now comes the question: which size is right for your space?
The answer depends not only on the space you have available, but also on the distance from which you’ll view the artwork. A Fine Art print is a piece of art. And just like with any artwork, viewing distance determines how much impact it has. Stand too close to a large piece and it can feel overwhelming. Choose a piece that’s too small and it can quickly get lost on a wall. The key is finding the right balance between size and viewing distance. Here’s how to make the right choice.
The rule of thumb: viewing distance = image diagonal ×2
The larger the artwork, the more space you need to appreciate it properly. That’s why each piece has a minimum viewing distance, which you can calculate using the following formula: viewing distance = image diagonal ×2
For example: a piece measuring 90 × 120 cm has an image diagonal of 150 cm. A wildlife print in this size therefore requires a minimum viewing distance of 300 cm, or 3 meters.
So, if you choose a 90 × 120 cm piece, keep in mind that you should be at least 3 meters away from the artwork to fully appreciate it. More distance is always fine, but keep in mind that viewing it from a shorter distance can affect the overall experience.
Think of it like a seat at the cinema. The front row might sound appealing, but before the film has even started, you realise you’re sitting too close: you have to keep moving your head, you lose the bigger picture, and your neck is stiff the next day. A seat somewhere in the middle or towards the back is much more comfortable. You can see the whole movie screen, take it in calmly and really immerse yourself in what you’re seeing.
Viewing distance by size
Below you’ll find the minimum viewing distance for all standard sizes available in this webshop, calculated using the rule of thumb above.
| Size (cm) | Image diagonal (cm) | Minimum viewing distance |
| 30 x 40 | 50 | 100 cm/1 meter |
| 45 x 60 | 75 | 150 cm/1.5 meters |
| 60 x 80 | 100 | 200 cm/2 meters |
| 90 x 120 | 150 | 300 cm/3 meters |
| 105 x 140 | 175 | 350 cm/3.5 meters |
| 120 x 160 | 200 | 400 cm/4 meters |
Why the acrylic glass prints are only available in large sizes
The Statement Pieces on acrylic glass are only available in large formats for a reason. Acrylic glass enhances the depth, contrast and clarity of a photograph, qualities that become particularly impressive when presented on a large scale. In a spacious living room, above a dining table or in a hallway with enough room to step back, a piece can have the statement presence it deserves.
In a narrow hallway where you can stand no more than a meter away from the wall, a large acrylic glass print is less suitable. Not because the artwork is any less beautiful, but simply because you don’t have enough distance to experience it as intended. For spaces like these, the smaller sizes on Fine Art paper are often the better choice.
Choosing a frame for your Signature Piece: consider a passepartout
The Signature Pieces on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper are supplied unframed, allowing you to choose a frame that suits your interior.
Would you like the photograph to appear slightly larger, or create a little more space and calm around the image? A passepartout can be a beautiful addition: a wide border between the photograph and the frame.
Keep in mind that a passepartout increases the overall size of the framed artwork. For example, if you choose a 10 cm passepartout, the final framed dimensions will be 10 cm larger on each side, making the artwork 20 cm larger in both width and height overall. Keep this in mind when determining how much wall space you need.
Please note: a passepartout is not the same as a white border around the print. A white border is part of the print and disappears behind the frame. A passepartout is a separate, visible element between the photograph and the frame, as shown in the picture below.
Practical tips to avoid choosing the wrong size
Use a tape measure to visualise the size
Ask someone to hold a tape measure or measuring stick against the wall to indicate the size you’re considering. Then stand in the place from which you’ll usually view the artwork (your sofa, dining table or desk) and see how the size looks from there.
Mark the outline with painter’s tape
For an even more accurate impression, use painter’s tape to mark the outer edges of the artwork on the wall. This gives you an instant idea of how much wall space the piece will actually occupy and whether it feels balanced in relation to the surrounding space. Don’t press the tape down too firmly to avoid damaging your wall.
Look at the rest of your interior
A large piece above a low, wide TV unit will look very different from the same piece above a tall, narrow storage cabinet. Consider the height and width of nearby furniture so that the overall composition feels balanced.
Measure from your usual viewing position, not from the doorway
Your viewing distance is the distance from which you’ll see the artwork most often, not the distance from the doorway or the hallway leading towards it.
Still not sure?
Each piece is available in three sizes, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that suits both your space and your ideal viewing distance. Still unsure? Don’t be afraid to go bigger. A generous-sized artwork can bring calm, balance and impact to a room. Exactly what you’re looking for when an image truly speaks to you.
Feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to personally help you choose the right artwork and size for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum viewing distance for a large piece of artwork?
As a rule of thumb, use the following formula: minimum viewing distance = image diagonal × 2. The larger the diagonal of the artwork, the more distance you need to appreciate it properly.
Can I hang a Fine Art print on acrylic glass in a small space?
Yes, provided there is enough distance from which to view the artwork. In a narrow hallway with limited viewing distance, a smaller size on premium Fine Art paper is often a better choice.
Which size wildlife print is right for my living room?
That depends on where you want to hang the artwork and the distance from which you’ll usually view it. Measure that distance and compare it with the table in this article to determine the minimum viewing distance.
What is a passepartout, and do I need one?
A passepartout is a wide border between the photograph and the frame. It is only available for prints on Fine Art paper. It isn’t essential, but it can be a beautiful way to make the artwork appear larger and create more space around the image. Keep in mind that a passepartout increases the final framed dimensions in both width and height.