Selecting the correct print size for your artwork is a necessary step prior to purchasing the print and framing the print. If you dont purchase the apropriate size for your artwork, your print may not fit within the frame, or the artwork may not visually appear balance within the room. To avoid these issues, you must understand the different size of prints and how they will suit your space.
Standard inch sizes is used for most artwork and are the most common sizes within homes and galleries. Small print sizes are used for small spaces and item, such as wallet sizes for items on a bedside table. Medium sizes are used for many standard frame and homes on shelves in an office.
How to Choose the Right Print Size and Frame
Large print sizes are used for very large area of a wall and as a focal point above large pieces of furnitures, such as a sofa. Oversized print sizes are used for very large areas of a wall with little content within the space. Photo labs and frame makers created these standard inch sizes to make it easy for these locations to provide framing for prints of these sizes.
International sizes, specifically those defined by the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, exist for many countries outside of the United States. Many of these sizes use the same dimensions as small print sizes as Postcard sizes. Half-booklet sizes are used for small spaces or leaflets.
Letter-sized dimension are used for printing documents to minimize waste of paper. Tabloid sizes are used for workspaces. Large poster size are used to fill large areas within a wall.
Although these sizes are different than the inch sizes listed above, they use specific ratio for the artwork so that the artworks composition remains the same when the size of the print change. The aspect ratio for an artwork is the mathematical relationship of the width of the print to the height of the print. Additionally, the aspect ratio indicates the shape of the print.
Square print sizes are used for prints that are visually balanced when viewed from any angle. Vertical print sizes are tall and intended for portrait. To ensure that your print fills the frame as you intend, the aspect ratio of the print must match the aspect ratio of the frame.
If the aspect ratios for the print and frame does not match, your print may be cropped in the print or distorted within the frame. Additionally, your prints aspect ratio can affect the visual design of the frame; if you select an incorrect aspect ratio, part of the print may appear awkward within the frame. Frames are used to hold your print and display it for others to view.
Ready-made frames can be used for prints of any size and are designed to accept prints of standard sizes. Additionally, people often add mats within the frame to provide a border for your print. Using mats can help your print appearing more elegant within its frame.
To ensure the print does not fall out of the frame, the mat should cover the print by a few inch on each side. You can also change the type of paper used for your print; matte paper minimize glare on the print in bright areas of the room, while glossy paper adds vibrancy to the color of the print. To hang the print within the room, you have a few option to consider.
If you are hanging the print as a single framed print, the center of the print should be hung at eye level for viewers when they move through the room. If you are hanging a print that is larger than the area of furniture in the room, the print should be hung so that it is approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture. For groups of frames, ensure that there is even spacing between each print frame.
Additionally, consider from how far you will view the artwork. Prints in large rooms should be of a large print size to ensure they can be viewed from a distance. Small prints can be made for small area, such as a tabletop.
To avoid any mistakes with framing or selecting a print size, measure your space and print sizes prior to purchasing your artwork. Use tape or templates on the walls to help you envision your print within the space. Additionally, ensure that the digital file of your artwork has a high resolution so that your print does not appear blurry.
By taking a few minutes to measure your space and the size of your furniture, your print will help to create harmony within the room.
