By Jess, Indiana watercolor artist and maker of Art and Home co. · Updated October 2026
For most homes, an 8x10 is the safe choice. Go 5x7 for shelves, nightstands, and tight spots. Go 11x14 when a print hangs alone over a table or in an entry. If you're stuck between two sizes, buy the bigger one. A print that's too small looks lost. A print that's a little big looks chosen.
Here's how I'd pick, spot by spot.
What size art print is best for most spaces?
An 8x10. It's big enough to notice from across the room, small enough to lean on a shelf, and easy to find a frame for. If you only buy one size, make it this one.
This size is versatile for both large and small spaces because it can be framed as 8x10, or scaled up with an 11x14 framed with an 8x10 mat included. It’s simple to add to any space and easy to gift.
What size art print should I put on a shelf, mantel, or nightstand?
A 5x7 or an 8x10. Small prints are made to lean.
A 5x7 sits next to a lamp and a book without crowding anything. On a mantel or a deep shelf, go 8x10 so it doesn't disappear behind everything else.
What size art print goes over a table or console?
An 11x14. Over a dining table, a desk, or a console by the door, a bigger print holds its own. Hang it a little low, about six to eight inches above the furniture, so they look like they belong together.
If the table is wide, hang two prints side by side instead of one very large one.
As with any of these standard print sizes, opt for a larger frame with a mat if you are trying to fill a space. Picture frames that are trending now are oversized with a large mat and smaller print.
What size art prints work for a hallway or stairs?
A set of the same size. Three 8x10s or four 5x7s, same frames, same spacing. Matching sizes make a row look planned, even when the prints are all different.
How do I check a size before I buy?
Cut a piece of paper to the size, say 8x10 inches, and tape it to the wall. Leave it up for a day. If you keep walking past it thinking it looks small, go up a size. It costs nothing and keeps you from ordering the wrong one.
Which prints come in all three sizes?
All Art and Home co. prints come in 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14. These are some of our customers’ favorites:
Peony State. Indiana's state flower, soft and fresh for a kitchen or bedroom.
State of Indiana Wildflowers. A good one for an entry or a gift.
Hay Bale Farm. A countryside scene that works in almost any room.
Golden Hour Landscape. Warm light, easy to live with.
What size print makes the best gift?
An 8x10. It works on a shelf or on a wall, and it's easy to frame. You don't have to know her house to know it will fit somewhere. Tuck a handwritten note behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 8x10 prints too small for a wall?
On a big wall or over a large sofa, usually yes. Over a small table or on a shelf, they're just right. For a bigger spot, go 11x14 or hang a set.
Should I buy a bigger print than I think I need?
When you're between two sizes, yes. A print that's a little big usually looks better than one that's a little small.
How much do art prints cost?
From big box stores to small businesses, art prints typically cost anywhere from $12-$60. Art and Home co. offers 5x7 at $12, an 8x10 at $20, and an 11x14 at $28.
Where can I buy hand-painted art prints?
My prints are here. I paint every design in Indiana, and most orders ship from my studio in 3-5 business days.
Jess is an Indiana watercolor artist, a mom of two boys, and a minister's wife. She paints every design for Art and Home co. by hand. Created to give.