Not every wall has the proportions to accommodate a standard piece of wall art. Some spaces are too narrow for a traditional canvas, while others are interrupted by door frames, windows or architectural features. As a result, these awkward gaps often end up being left empty, even when they could be the perfect place for a little extra character.
The solution is often simpler than you might think. Long, narrow canvas wall art is designed to make use of wall space that might otherwise go unnoticed, bringing balance and interest to areas that are difficult to decorate.
In this guide, we'll look at three commonly overlooked spaces: the wall beside a door, the gap between two windows and narrow alcoves. We'll also explain how to measure each space, choose the right canvas proportions and make sure your artwork feels naturally at home.
How to Measure an Awkward Wall Space
Before choosing artwork, it's worth taking a few measurements. Narrow spaces can be particularly unforgiving, so getting the dimensions right will help you find a piece that fits comfortably without making the wall feel overcrowded.
If you're looking for more general advice on choosing the right artwork proportions for different rooms, take a look at our Wall Art Size Guide for Every Room. It covers how to choose artwork sizes for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and other spaces around your home.
For awkward gaps and particularly narrow walls, however, there are a few additional measurements worth considering.
Start by measuring the available width at three points: the top, middle and bottom of the wall. Walls aren't always perfectly straight, and even small differences can affect how comfortably a canvas fits.
Next, measure the available height. Take this from the floor or skirting board to the ceiling, or to the nearest feature that might limit where you can hang your artwork. This could be a light switch, window frame or other architectural detail.
Pay attention to anything that interrupts the wall, too. Sockets, switches, thermostats, door handles, curtain rods and radiators can all influence the position and size of your artwork.
Once you have these measurements, you'll have a much clearer idea of what will work.
Before ordering, make sure you've noted:
- Available wall width at the top, middle and bottom.
- Available height from the skirting board or floor to the nearest obstacle.
- Position of sockets, switches and thermostats.
- Door handles and the full door opening area, where relevant.
- Curtain rods, blinds and the space taken up by curtains.
- Any alcove depth or other features that could affect how the canvas sits.
Keep these measurements handy when browsing so you can compare them with the finished dimensions of your chosen artwork, including its frame.
Wall Art Beside Doors
The wall beside a door is one of the easiest spaces to overlook. It's often too narrow for standard wall art, and the movement of the door itself can make hanging anything there feel like a challenge.
However, a tall, narrow canvas can work particularly well in this position. Its vertical proportions naturally complement the shape of the door, helping the artwork feel like an intentional part of the room rather than something squeezed into a spare gap.
Before choosing a size, check how far the door opens and where the handle sits. You'll want to leave enough clearance so the door doesn't knock against the canvas or frame. Don't measure just the visible wall with the door closed; consider the full swing of the door, too.
When it comes to positioning, one simple approach is to align the top of your canvas with the top of the door frame. This creates a clean horizontal line across the space and helps the two features feel connected. Alternatively, if the surrounding furniture or artwork establishes a different visual centre, use that as your guide.
A narrow piece of artwork can also work beautifully in a hallway or entrance, where wall space is often limited. Explore our hallway and stair artwork collection for pieces suited to these vertical spaces.
Wall Art Between Windows
The space between two windows can be surprisingly difficult to decorate. Standard artwork is often too wide, while curtains, blinds and window fittings can reduce the available hanging space even further.
This is where long, narrow artwork can make a real difference. A vertical canvas helps fill the gap without competing with the windows on either side, creating a more balanced look across the wall.
Start by measuring the distance between the two window frames. Then account for anything that extends beyond them, including curtain rods, blinds and curtains that hang across the wall. The aim is to measure the actual usable space rather than just the distance between the frames.
When choosing the canvas width, leave some breathing room on both sides. Artwork that sits too close to the window frames can make the entire arrangement feel cramped. A little negative space will help the canvas stand out while allowing the windows to remain part of the overall composition.
For height, consider aligning the top of the artwork with the top of the window frames. This creates a consistent horizontal line and gives the wall a more considered appearance. It's a particularly useful approach when the windows are similar in size and positioned symmetrically.
Lighting is another factor worth considering. With windows on either side, natural light may fall unevenly across the artwork throughout the day. A matte canvas finish is a practical choice here, as it helps avoid the strong reflections associated with glossy surfaces. If the artwork has a frame, consider how its colour and finish work with the window frames and other details in the room.
A tall, narrow canvas also echoes the proportions of the windows themselves, making it a natural choice for these in-between spaces.
For more inspiration, browse our extra narrow artwork collection, which includes artwork suited to walls where standard proportions simply don't work.
Wall Art in Narrow Alcoves
Alcoves can be some of the most interesting spaces in a home, but their proportions can make decorating them a little more challenging. Whether they're built into a living room, hallway or bedroom, a narrow alcove can easily become an unused corner.
The key is to choose artwork that works with the proportions of the recess rather than trying to fill every available centimetre.
For a particularly narrow alcove, one canvas is often the simplest option. Centre it horizontally within the available wall space, allowing a similar amount of room on either side. This creates a balanced focal point without making the area feel crowded.
If the alcove is wider, a pair of artworks can also work well. Choose pieces with complementary colours or compositions and position them with an even gap between them. Make sure the overall arrangement is centred, rather than centring each canvas independently without considering the pair as a whole.
As a general rule, the artwork should feel proportionate to the back wall of the alcove. It doesn't need to fill the entire space. Leaving some visible wall around the canvas helps preserve the sense of depth and makes the arrangement feel more deliberate.
Lighting is particularly important in alcoves. Recessed spaces can receive less natural light than the surrounding room, and the sides of the recess may cast shadows across the artwork. Consider the direction of any nearby windows and existing lighting before deciding where to hang your canvas.
Finally, pay attention to the depth of the alcove. A framed canvas will sit slightly forward from the wall, so check that the frame doesn't project too far into the room or interfere with nearby furniture. Equally, a very deep recess can make a small canvas appear lost, so consider the overall proportions rather than just the width.
Make More of the Space You Have
An awkward wall doesn't have to stay empty. Whether you're working with a narrow strip beside a door, a gap between two windows or a recessed alcove, choosing artwork with the right proportions can help make the most of the space.
A tall, narrow canvas is often a simple way to bring these overlooked areas into the wider design of your home, adding interest without overwhelming the wall.
Take a look at our extra narrow artwork collection and long narrow wall art bestsellers to find a piece that works with your space.
