Tips for Choosing the Right Size Dimensional Wall Decor

Choosing the Right Size 3D Wall Decor

Picking the right size three dimensional wall decor for your space can sometimes be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The right piece can transform your space, define the room and serve as a grounding focal point for your interior design. Choosing three dimensional wall art can add a stunning texture to a room and break you out of the “all flat” design that comes with only selecting framed art. 

It’s important to take good measurements and define the exact area you would like to add a piece. Follow these guidelines and you can add just the right dimensional accent piece to create the design look you want. 

Find Your Size

The general rule-of-thumb is that a wall art piece should fill about 3/4ths of the available space. With some simple calculations you can determine the size of the space you are working with and then identify the size of the three dimensional piece that will best define your space. 

First, measure the available space, edge to edge and top to bottom. Do not include molding, baseboards, or furniture. For clarity, we will name this the “Available Space.” Second, multiply each measurement by .75 to get the dimensions of the piece you want to work with. This measurement we will call the “Zone” 

For Example:

Available Space= 96” wide x 72” tall

    (The Maths)    96” wide x .75= 72”       72” tall x .75= 54” 

Zone= 72” wide x 54” tall

This gives you a general guideline of size of the piece you are looking for. While your three dimensional art doesn't have to completely fill this space, think in terms of it falling within these parameters. If you find the perfect piece and it is a little less or more than your calculations don’t dismiss it out of hand! These are just guidelines and sometimes the rules must be broken!

Staying on Center

Regardless if your wall art fills your Zone or you will want to make sure it is balanced in the space and “Centered”. This doesn’t always mean that it is positioned dead center in the Zone.  A good guide is to plan for the center section of the piece to hang at eye level: about 57 - 60” from the floor. So using the width of the “Available Space”, measure half way from one side and up from the floor 57 - 60”.  

If you dimensional art is being placed above a sofa or piece of furniture, find the “Center” by measuring 6 - 12” inches up from the top of the furniture and then add half the height of the “Available Space.” Mark this with some Blue Tape. (See below)

The Magic of Blue Tape 

I love me some Blue Tape! Blue or Painters tape can help those of us who need a bit of a visual reference! With its easy removal, it is an inexpensive way to mark out your “Zone” and identify your Center.  Once I have the Center marked I move out from there to mark the edges of the Zone. 

If your 3D art is something like a branch you can also use the tape to create an outline or guide to get the feel of how the piece will fill the space. 

Fall Dog Wood Branch- Still allows for comfortable passage in the hall way.

Check Your Path

With 3D pieces, you want to make sure that the decor does not stick out into a pathway and if placed over a couch does not poke the head of anyone sitting down or getting up! 

Pick Your Piece

Whether you are looking for a natural botanical decor aesthetic or finding the right dimensional wall art is important. 

Think of the wall space- How often you might want to change it, What kind of wall is it? Are studs available to support the weight of your choice?

If flexibility is something you are looking for, the Wall Panel by Artefact Curator is a great choice. After mounting the panel once you can endlessly change up the look with the addition of shelves, lights, clamps and more. Displaying your treasured items or recent finds from your last trip. Check it out at www.artefactcurator.com.