Narrow wall art works beautifully in places where nothing else seems to fit. But to truly let it shine, you need more than just the right artwork. Placement and lighting can make all the difference between a piece that blends into the background and one that transforms a space.
Here’s how to make your narrow art feel curated, balanced, and brilliantly lit.
1. Hang at eye level — but adjust for the space
As a general rule, art should sit at eye level, roughly with the centre of the piece 145–155 cm from the floor. But with narrow art, context matters more than rigid measurement.
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Hallways or stairs: Hang slightly higher to follow the line of movement — this helps the art flow naturally with the architecture.
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Above furniture: Leave 15–25 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame to give the artwork breathing room.
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Tall vertical prints: Align the midpoint closer to the upper third of the wall to draw the eye upward.
A well-placed narrow piece can reshape how you perceive the proportions of a room — guiding the eye just where you want it.
2. Use vertical pieces to lift — horizontal to anchor
Narrow wall art can completely change how a space feels depending on its orientation.
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Vertical pieces make low ceilings feel higher and narrow walls feel taller. Try one beside a doorway, at the end of a corridor, or between windows.
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Horizontal pieces visually widen a room and bring calm to wide furniture arrangements — perfect above beds, benches, or sideboards.
Atelier Printworks’ collection includes both long horizontal and tall vertical formats, designed specifically for these “in-between” spaces.
3. Light to create depth and atmosphere
Lighting can completely transform how artwork looks. For narrow prints, it also helps define their shape and texture. A few tried-and-true methods:
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Picture lights: Mounted just above the frame, these provide a warm, focused glow ideal for hallways or living rooms.
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Downlights or spotlights: Adjustable ceiling or wall fixtures create controlled beams of light that highlight the artwork without glare.
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Wall washers: Broader lighting that softly illuminates a section of wall — perfect if you’re displaying a series of narrow prints together.
If your piece features texture, metallic tones, or layered brushstrokes, directional lighting can make those details come alive.
4. Frame finishes that work beautifully with light
Lighting interacts differently with each frame tone — and this can subtly change the atmosphere of your space.
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Black frames absorb light for contrast and definition, ideal for modern or monochrome interiors.
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Wood and walnut frames reflect soft warmth under ambient light, perfect for natural or bohemian spaces.
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White or light oak frames enhance brightness in rooms with plenty of natural daylight.
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Gold or brass-toned frames catch light delicately — ideal for creating understated elegance.
Atelier Printworks offers all of these frame styles across both vertical and horizontal formats, so you can choose the tone that works best with your lighting setup.
5. Don’t fear smaller lights or layered lighting
One of the easiest ways to elevate a narrow wall is to layer light sources. Instead of relying on one overhead fixture, combine subtle lighting at different levels:
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A wall sconce nearby to add warmth.
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A floor lamp angled towards the artwork.
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Small LED spotlights to accent the piece from above.
This layering creates a sense of depth and makes the narrow format feel deliberate — part of a composed visual story rather than a filler piece.
6. For staircases and corners — follow the natural light
In spaces like stairwells or corners, lighting can be tricky. Here, work with what’s already there:
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Use natural light to your advantage — a tall vertical piece beside a window or near a landing can catch changing light throughout the day.
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Add a slim directional spotlight for evenings, positioned to enhance the artwork’s natural flow.
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Avoid harsh overhead lighting that flattens the art or creates unwanted glare.
Narrow wall art deserves to be seen, not just noticed. With thoughtful placement and the right lighting, even the smallest strip of wall can become a striking design moment.
Whether it’s a softly illuminated vertical print in a hallway or a horizontal piece glowing gently above your bed, the secret lies in light and proportion.
Explore our Narrow Wall Art Collection and discover how a well-lit print can transform your home.
