Alpha Reproduction · Dimensions Guide
What size painting should you choose for your wall?
The correct format depends on the available width, the piece of furniture underneath, the setback distance and the proportions of the work. Use these marks as a starting point, then always test the actual size on your wall.
* Depending on the work, its proportions and technical possibilities.
Proportions of the work
The height is recalculated from the chosen width to avoid deformation.
Full-scale testing
Masking tape or sheets of paper before any final validation.
Advice from a photo
Send your wall and its measurements to receive one or two consistent formats.
The main marker
Start with the width of the furniture
Above a sofa, sideboard or console, a canvas representing approximately 60-75% of the width of the piece of furniture is often a good starting point. This is not an absolute rule: lamps, side tables and free spaces also count.
The width of the furniture gives a quick reference. The width actually available on the wall remains a priority.
Starting points
What width depending on your situation?
The values below are used to prepare for a first test. They must be adapted to the exact proportions of the painting and the space around the work.
| Situation | Width to test | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Small wall or niche | 40 to 60 cm | Retain sufficient air around the work. |
| Console from 120 to 150 cm | 70 to 100 cm | Avoid the canvas appearing wider than the furniture. |
| Sideboard from 150 to 180 cm | 90 to 130 cm | Take into account lamps, vases and tall objects. |
| Sofa from 180 to 220 cm | 110 to 160 cm | Check side tables and wall width. |
| Large wall with lots of perspective | 140 cm and more | Check the readability of details from the main point of view. |
Orientation
Horizontal, vertical or square?
Orientation should follow both the shape of the wall and the original composition. Avoid artificially transforming a vertical work into a horizontal landscape.
Sofa, bed or buffet
Ideal to accompany a large piece of furniture and create a stable visual line.
Entrance or narrow wall
Suitable between two openings, in a niche or on a high and narrow wall.
Centered wall or symmetrical composition
Easy to balance over a console or between two decorative elements.
Per piece
Adapt the format to the use of the wall
The room does not determine the size alone. Furniture, recoil and objects already present remain the best landmarks.
Above the sofa
Test a canvas covering approximately 60 to 75% of the width of the sofa, without visually exceeding the armrests.
Above the bed
Choose a horizontal or a centered set, with a width consistent with the headboard.
Above buffet
Leave room for lamps, vases or decorative objects placed on the furniture.
Work wall or console
A medium-sized work avoids overloading the visual field at short distances.
Narrow wall
A vertical portrait or a slender work makes better use of the available height.
High wall or stairwell
A large canvas becomes more readable from a distance. Check the main viewpoint before setting the height.
Hanging height
Place the painting in the field of view
The height depends on the room and the piece of furniture. The values below are starting points to test, not universal rules.
On a free wall
Start by placing the center of the work around eye level, then adapt according to the size of the occupants and the ceiling height.
Above a piece of furniture
A space of approximately 15 to 25 cm between the piece of furniture and the bottom of the canvas often forms a visually linked whole.
With several paintings
Consider the whole as a single composition and center the group in relation to the furniture or wall.
Loyalty of the work
Respect the height-width ratio
A faithful reproduction normally retains the proportions of the original. When the width changes, the height should be recalculated automatically.
Proportions retained
The composition remains complete, without stretching or cropping.
Forced proportions
Characters, objects and perspectives appear stretched or compressed.
Cut composition
Important elements may disappear on the sides or in height.
The workshop checks whether the requested dimensions respect the work and can offer the corresponding height or width.
Before ordering
Test the full-size format on the wall
This simple step avoids most proportion errors and allows you to compare two formats in minutes.
Mark the width
Use masking tape to trace the intended width.
Add the exact height
Calculate it according to the proportions of the work or ask for it at the workshop.
Back out into the room
Look from the entrance, sofa, bed and main passage.
Simulate the frame
Add its exterior width if you are planning a decorative frame.
Practical tip
Assembled sheets of paper give an even fairer perception of the occupied surface than a simple outline.
Personalized recommendation
Receive one or two formats adapted to your wall
Send a photo taken from the front, the width of the wall, that of the piece of furniture below and the name of the work. We will check the proportions before orienting you.
- 1Photo of the wallFront grip and wide enough
- 2Useful measuresWall, furniture and height available
- 3Work nameOr reference image
- 4Format proposalOne or two consistent sizes
Frequently asked questions
Before validating the dimensions
Can I choose any dimension?
The dimensions are customizable, but they must remain compatible with the proportions of the work and the technical possibilities. The workshop checks this point before production.
What happens if my size doesn't match the original proportions?
We can recalculate the corresponding height or width. Cropping is only proposed when it remains consistent with the composition.
Should the painting be wider than the sofa?
In general, a canvas slightly narrower than the sofa seems more balanced. The 60 to 75% mark is a good starting point.
Is it better to have a large painting or several small ones?
A large painting creates a sharper focal point. Several works are better suited to a wall composition, provided the group is considered as a single surface.
Does the dimension shown include the frame?
The size generally corresponds to the canvas. The frame and especially the decorative frame increase the exterior bulk.
Are the canvases sent framed?
They are usually shipped rolled for safer transportation. Frame mounting and framing can then be done locally.
Can you make a very large format?
Yes, formats of up to approximately 200 cm are possible depending on the work, its proportions and the constraints of production and shipping.
Are you hesitating between two dimensions?
Send a photo of your wall
Indicate the available width, the piece of furniture below and the chosen work. The workshop will offer you a consistent format before ordering.