The Art of Scale: How to Choose the Perfect Print Size for Your Space

One of the most common hesitations collectors face when acquiring fine art online is the question of scale. "Will it overwhelm the room?" or, conversely, "Will it look lost on the wall?"

In fine art photography, scale is not just a measurement—it is part of the narrative. A sprawling landscape requires room to breathe, while an intimate architectural detail might shine in a focused nook.

To help you make the right choice for your collection, we have compiled this guide to navigating dimensions, ratios, and the visual impact of the Roman Russo portfolio.

The Golden Rules of Placement

Before looking at specific dimensions, there are three universal interior design rules that ensure artwork feels "grounded" in a room rather than floating.

1. The "Two-Thirds" Rule

When hanging art above a piece of furniture (like a sofa, credenza, or headboard), the artwork should span approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of the width of the furniture below it.

Example: If your sofa is 84 inches wide, your artwork (or set of artworks) should cover about 56 to 63 inches. This creates a visual anchor.

2. Eye Level is Key

The center of the artwork should generally sit at eye level, which is approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor. If you have very high ceilings, you can fudge this slightly higher, but resist the urge to hang art too high—it disconnects the work from the living space.

3. Orientation Dictates Flow

Let the wall shape guide the artwork.

Tall, narrow walls (hallways, between windows) demand Portrait (Vertical) orientation.

Wide, open walls (above sofas, dining tables) demand Landscape or Panoramic orientation.

The Roman Russo Size Guide

Our limited edition prints are available in five tiers. It is important to note that as the size increases, the edition count decreases. A larger work is not only more visually impactful; it is rarer.

1. The Intimate Collection (Small & Medium)

Perfect for: Gallery walls, bedside tables, shelving styling, and narrow nooks.

These sizes draw the viewer in. They require a closer look and work beautifully when paired together (diptychs or triptychs) or used to layer depth into a bookshelf.

Landscape/Portrait: 12 x 18" (Ed. of 25) | 16 x 24" (Ed. of 20)

Square: 16 x 16" (Ed. of 25) | 20 x 20" (Ed. of 20)

Pano: 12 x 24" (Ed. of 25) | 16 x 32" (Ed. of 20)

2. The Anchor Collection (Standard Large)

Perfect for: Entryways, above a desk, or centered over a loveseat.

These are the "Goldilocks" sizes—substantial enough to hold a wall on their own, but versatile enough to fit in most urban apartments or home offices without dominating the space.

Landscape/Portrait: 24 x 36" (Ed. of 10) | 30 x 45" (Ed. of 8)

Square: 30 x 30" (Ed. of 10)

Pano: 24 x 48" (Ed. of 10)

3. The Statement Collection (Grand)

Perfect for: Main living rooms, formal dining rooms, executive offices, and expansive lofts.

This is where cinematic photography comes alive. At this scale, the viewer doesn't just look at the image; they step into it. These sizes are intended for your primary walls and offer the highest level of exclusivity.

Landscape/Portrait: 40 x 60" (Ed. of 5)

Square: 40 x 40" (Ed. of 8) | 50 x 50" (Ed. of 5)

Pano: 30 x 60" (Ed. of 8) | 40 x 80" (Ed. of 5)

Choosing Your Format

Not every image in the Roman Russo portfolio is available in every format. Orientation is curated by the artist to ensure the visual integrity of the composition remains intact. However, knowing which format suits your room will help you filter your search.

The Panoramic (2:1 Ratio)

The Vibe: Cinematic, expansive, modern.

Best Placement: The panoramic format is the ultimate solution for the space above a long sofa or a master bed. It mimics the human field of view, creating a sweeping sense of immersion.

Top Size: The 40 x 80 inch pano is a showstopper for large open-plan living areas.

 

Modern living room with a cityscape view, featuring a sofa, coffee table, and decorative elements.

View the Fine Art Print: Reflected Remnant

The Classic Landscape (3:2 Ratio) & Portrait (2:3 Ratio)

The Vibe: Timeless, balanced, traditional.

Best Placement: The 3:2 ratio is the standard for classic 35mm photography. It feels natural to the eye.

Use Landscape to widen a room visually.

Use Portrait to accentuate ceiling height or fill vertical gaps in hallways.

 

Modern living room with a large window view, gray sofa, and large scale framed photograph of an old clock.

View the Fine Art Print: Through Time

Cozy living room with dark walls, a framed black and white print, and bookshelves.View the Fine Art Print: Guardians

The Square (1:1 Ratio)

The Vibe: Contemporary, symmetrical, architectural.

Best Placement: Square prints are incredibly versatile. A large 50 x 50 inch square creates a powerful focal point in a modern, minimalist room. Alternatively, a grid of four smaller squares can create a sophisticated architectural statement.

Modern living room with cityscape view, gray sofa, marble coffee table, and mountain artwork.View the Fine Art Print: Bookmatched

A Note on Curated Sizing

To preserve the artistic vision, specific images are locked to specific aspect ratios. If you have fallen in love with a particular narrative—whether it be the stillness of Lago di Braies or the mesmerizing reflections of Urban Mirage—but aren't sure if it will fit your specific dimensions, we are here to help.

Need a visualization? We invite you to reach out to us. Send us a photo of your wall and dimensions, and we can advise on the perfect scale to elevate your space.

Explore the Collections or Contact Us