Choosing the right wall art is only half the story — where you place it is what truly brings a room together. Whether you’re styling a cosy living room, a modern open-plan space, or a quiet reading nook, understanding how horizontal and vertical wall art works with your furniture can instantly elevate your interior.
Here’s our guide to placing wall art with confidence, so every piece looks intentional, balanced, and beautifully styled.
Above the Sofa: Let Horizontal Art Lead
The wall above a sofa is one of the most common and most impactful places to hang art. Because sofas naturally stretch across a wall, horizontal wall art works best here.
Why it works:
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It mirrors the width of the sofa, creating visual harmony
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It anchors the seating area and defines the room
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It avoids the “floating art” look that can happen with smaller pieces
Styling tip: Choose a horizontal canvas that’s roughly two-thirds the width of your sofa. Hang it so the bottom edge sits around 15–20 cm above the backrest — close enough to feel connected, but not cramped.
For a softer, layered look, consider resting framed art on a picture ledge above the sofa rather than hanging it directly.
Beside Shelves & Cabinets: Vertical Art Adds Height
Tall shelving units, bookcases, and sideboards often leave narrow gaps of unused wall space. This is where vertical wall art shines.
Why vertical works here:
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It fills awkward wall gaps without overwhelming the furniture
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It draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller
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It balances the visual weight of bulky furniture
Styling tip: Place vertical art so it aligns with the height of the shelving unit or cabinet. This creates a clean visual line and makes the layout feel considered rather than accidental.
Next to Windows & Doors: Think Proportion
Wall space beside windows and doors can be tricky. Too small, and art feels lost. Too large, and it competes with architectural features.
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Narrow wall space? Choose a vertical print to echo the shape of the wall.
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Wide gaps between doors or windows? A slim horizontal piece can help connect the space.
Keep frames simple in these areas — they should complement the architecture, not fight it.
Above Consoles & Sideboards: Keep It Grounded
Console tables and sideboards work beautifully with both horizontal and vertical art — it’s all about scale.
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Use horizontal art to stretch the space and anchor long furniture
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Use vertical art for a more curated, gallery-style feel, especially in entryways
Top tip: Avoid hanging art too high. Your artwork should feel visually connected to the furniture below it, not floating on its own.
Mixing Horizontal & Vertical Art
You don’t have to choose just one orientation. Mixing horizontal and vertical pieces adds interest and personality — especially in gallery walls.
To keep things cohesive:
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Stick to a consistent colour palette
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Use similar frame styles
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Align edges where possible
This approach keeps the display relaxed but intentional.
Final Thoughts
The right placement can completely change how wall art feels in a room. By matching the orientation of your artwork to the furniture and wall space around it, you create balance, flow, and a space that feels effortlessly styled.
When in doubt, step back, trust your eye, and remember: great wall art should feel like it belongs exactly where it is.
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