How do you choose the right painting for your space?
Share
⏱️ 6 minute read
You've decided you want an original painting. But then the real question arises: which piece suits your space? Not every beautiful painting works in every environment. The right choice depends on a few concrete factors you can check beforehand — without having to study art history.
1. Start with the wall, not the painting
The biggest mistake people make: they fall for a piece and only then figure out where it should hang. Turn it around.
First, look at the wall. How big is it? What's already hanging or standing nearby? What light falls on it — natural daylight, warm artificial light, or both at different times of the day?
A painting that looks magnificent in a bright, high space can completely disappear in a dark hallway. And vice versa: a dark, intense piece can surprisingly work well as an anchor point in a small room.
Photograph the wall where you want to hang the piece at different times of the day. Morning light, afternoon light, evening light with the lamp on. Send me those photos, and I'll honestly tell you which piece from my collection would work well there.
2. Size: bigger than you think
The most common mistake when buying art: choosing too small. A piece that looks large in the webshop can disappear on a wall.
A rule of thumb: the painting should cover at least two-thirds of the width of the wall or the furniture beneath it. Above a 200 cm sofa, you'd want at least a 130 cm wide piece — or a composition of multiple pieces.
How to check this without ordering?
Print out the size on separate A4 sheets, tape them together, and temporarily hang them on the wall. This way, you'll immediately see if the scale is right. It takes five minutes and prevents disappointment.
— Jordy Koumans, KOJO Art
3. Color: harmony or contrast?
You don't have to match. Art that has exactly the same colors as your sofa or curtains will disappear into the interior. But a piece that completely clashes with everything around it will draw all attention for the wrong reason.
The sweet spot is in relatedness: a piece that shares one or two colors with your interior but also brings something unique.
Earthy tones almost always work. Terracotta, ochre, moss green, off-white, deep blue — these colors are versatile and timeless. They combine with both warm wooden interiors and cool, minimalist spaces.
How to check this?
Take a photo of your space and see which colors dominate. Then look for a piece that picks up one of those colors and adds something to it — an accent, a depth, a warmth.
4. Style: what suits your interior?
You don't have to be an art expert to feel this. Look at your furniture, your materials, your accessories. Are they sleek and minimalist? Then a geometric, calm piece works well. Is your interior warmer and more eclectic? Then an expressive, looser piece can enrich the space.
A few guidelines:
- Minimalist interior — geometric compositions, lots of white or negative space, limited color palette
- Warm, natural interior (wood, linen, rattan) — abstract works with earthy tones, organic shapes
- Eclectic interior — more expressive works with more color and movement
- Modern, sleek interior — color blocks, clear lines, strong contrasts
Send me a photo of your space via the contact page. I'll give you honest advice — no sales pitch.
5. Height: eye level is no myth
Art hangs best at eye level — the center of the work at approximately 145 to 155 cm from the floor. This is the standard in museums and galleries, and it also works at home.
Exception: above furniture. In that case, hang the piece 15 to 20 cm above the furniture so that it remains visually connected to what's below.
Above a bed, a different logic applies: the piece can hang slightly higher but should still be in proportion to the headboard.
6. One piece or a composition?
Sometimes one strong piece is enough. Sometimes a wall calls for more. A gallery wall — multiple pieces in a coherent composition — can transform an empty wall without needing one large (and expensive) piece.
If you create a composition, pay attention to:
- Use pieces that have something in common: color, style, or theme
- Keep the spacing consistent (15 to 20 cm works well)
- Start with the largest piece as an anchor and build around it
Frequently asked questions
How big should a painting be above a sofa?
At least two-thirds of the width of the sofa. Above a 200 cm sofa, therefore, at least 130 cm wide, or a composition of multiple works that together span that width.
Does the color of the painting have to match my interior?
Not an exact match, but related. Look for a piece that shares one or two colors with your interior and adds something to it. Earthy tones are versatile and work in almost any interior.
At what height do you hang a painting?
The center of the work at 145 to 155 cm from the floor. Above furniture: 15 to 20 cm above the furniture.
Can I get advice on which piece suits my space?
Yes. Send a photo of your space via the contact page, and I'll give you personal advice.
Related articles
- Why buying art from an unknown artist is actually smart
- How do you know if a painting is "the one"? (coming soon)
- Affordable Art: original art for max. €50
KOJO Art is the brand name under which I, Jordy Koumans, paint and sell from my studio in Tilburg. I create abstract art — from geometric to expressive — with earthy tones that bring peace and character to timeless interiors. Worldwide shipping.
View original paintings · About the artist
