Large format wall art is one of the most powerful tools in interior design — and one of the most underused. A single well-chosen print in the right size can completely transform a room. But getting it right requires some thought. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Size Matters More Than You Think
The most common mistake people make with wall art is going too small. A 30x40cm print on a large wall looks like a stamp. It creates no impact and actually makes the room feel smaller.
As a rule: go at least one size larger than feels comfortable. Most rooms benefit from prints of 60x90cm or larger. A single large print has far more impact than several small ones.
Choosing the Right Size for Each Room
Living Room
If you have a sofa, the art above it should be roughly 2/3 the width of the sofa. For a standard 220cm sofa, that means a print of around 150cm wide. Hang it 15-20cm above the back of the sofa.
For a feature wall with no furniture in front, go as large as possible — the wall can handle it.
Bedroom
Above the bed headboard, the art should be around the same width as the bed or slightly narrower. A 70x100cm print above a double bed works beautifully. Hang it 15cm above the headboard.
Hallway
Narrow walls call for tall, vertical prints. A 40x120cm or 50x150cm format fills a hallway wall perfectly without overwhelming the space. Our Bridal Veil Falls – Tvindefossen works particularly well in tall vertical format.
Home Office
Place art at eye level when seated — typically lower than you'd hang art in other rooms. A single striking 60x90cm or 80x120cm print directly in front of your desk gives you something to look at when you need to think.
Choosing the Right Material
For warm, natural spaces
Canvas prints are the classic choice. The texture adds warmth, colors are slightly softened, and there's zero glare. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms with warm lighting.
For modern, minimal spaces
Aluminum prints have an incredibly sleek, contemporary look. Colors are vivid and saturated. Great for offices, modern kitchens, and spaces with cool, neutral tones.
For maximum impact
Acrylic prints mount behind clear plexiglass — the colors appear to glow from within. Nothing else comes close for sheer visual impact. Use for hallways, feature walls, and anywhere you want to stop people in their tracks. Our Aurora Night and Northern Lights Over Trondheim are particularly breathtaking in acrylic.
Lighting Your Wall Art
The right lighting doubles the impact of a print. Options:
- Picture lights: A small adjustable LED mounted above the frame, angled down onto the print. Classic and elegant.
- Track lighting: Adjustable spotlights that can be aimed at the art. Flexible and effective.
- Uplighting: A floor lamp or uplighter positioned to wash light across the art from below. Creates drama.
Avoid placing art where it receives direct sunlight — UV will fade even the best quality prints over time.
Gallery Walls: When to Use Them
A gallery wall — multiple prints grouped together — works best in spaces where you have a lot of horizontal wall space and want variety: stairwells, large dining rooms, home offices.
For Norwegian landscape photography, we recommend grouping prints by theme: an aurora collection, a Lofoten series, or a seasonal collection — all in the same format and material for visual coherence.
Our Recommendation: Start With One Great Print
If you're not sure where to start, pick one room, one wall, and one large print. Live with it for a few weeks. You'll quickly understand what works — and you'll want more.
Browse the full NidarosPhoto collection at nidarosphoto.com — Norwegian landscape photography available as canvas, aluminum, acrylic, and poster. Free shipping across Europe. Delivered within 7 business days.