What Size Pet Portrait Should You Get?

The right size pet portrait depends on where it will hang: as a rule of thumb, art above furniture should be about two-thirds the width of the piece below it. In practice, that means larger sizes like 24″ × 36″ (or a pair of portraits) above a sofa or bed, and 16″ × 16″ to 16″ × 24″ above a desk, dresser or in a hallway.

Here's how to choose with confidence, plus a quick look at every size we offer.

Our sizes at a glance

Frame Your Pets portraits come as framed prints (on museum-grade paper, in a solid-wood Pecan, White Oak or Matte Black frame) or as gallery-wrap canvases.

• 12″ × 12″ — Canvas gallery wrap: $89
• 12″ × 16″ — Canvas gallery wrap: $99
• 16″ × 16″ — Framed print: $129
• 16″ × 24″ — Framed print: $139
• 18″ × 24″ — Canvas gallery wrap: $119
• 24″ × 24″ — Framed print: $149
• 24″ × 36″ — Framed print: $169; Canvas gallery wrap: $139

All of them ship free in the US. If you'd rather print it yourself, a high-res digital file is $29.

Three sizing rules that work almost everywhere

1. The two-thirds rule

When a portrait hangs above furniture, aim for art that's about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of that furniture. Less than half the width tends to look like it's floating; wider than the furniture looks top-heavy.

If one portrait is too narrow for the space, two or three portraits side by side count as one group. Measure from the outer edge of the first to the outer edge of the last.

2. Hang it at eye level

Gallery-style hanging puts the center of the art about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Above furniture, leave 8 to 10 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame so the two feel connected.

3. Think about viewing distance

A portrait you'll see from across the living room needs to be bigger than one you'll pass at arm's length in a hallway. Small pieces on big, open walls tend to disappear.

Above a sofa

A typical full-size sofa is roughly 72 to 90 inches wide, so two-thirds is around 48 to 60 inches. Even our largest single size is narrower than that, which gives you a few good options:

• One 24″ × 36″ portrait as a bold focal point, especially above a loveseat or apartment-size sofa.
• A pair of portraits side by side with a 3 to 6 inch gap. Ideal if you have two pets and want each to have their own portrait.
• A trio of 16″ × 24″ portraits, one for each pet or the same pet in three styles.
• A gallery wall with your pet's portrait as the anchor piece in the middle.

Keep the bottom of the frame 8 to 10 inches above the back of the sofa so heads don't bump it.

Above a bed

Headboards vary a lot, but a queen bed is around 60 inches wide and a king around 76 inches.

• A 24″ × 36″ or 24″ × 24″ portrait works well above a full or queen bed.
• For a king, consider a pair of portraits, one above each side of the bed.
• Leave 6 to 12 inches above the headboard.

Because it hangs over where you sleep, use solid hardware: screw into a wall stud or use a wall anchor rated well above the portrait's weight. Soft styles like Watercolor Blue pair nicely with calm bedroom colors.

Above a mantel or fireplace

Mantels are often wide but share space with candles, plants and clocks.

• A 24″ × 24″ or 24″ × 36″ portrait centered above the mantel makes a classic focal point.
• A 16″ × 24″ framed print can also be leaned on the mantel shelf for a relaxed, layered look.
• If your fireplace gets hot, check the wall above it. Persistent heat and soot aren't kind to any artwork.

Above a desk, dresser or console table

These pieces are usually 30 to 60 inches wide, so mid-size portraits fit naturally:

• 16″ × 16″ framed for a square, balanced look above a narrow desk or nightstand.
• 16″ × 24″ framed or 18″ × 24″ canvas above a dresser or console.

Hallways, stairs and small spaces

Hallways are viewed up close, so smaller pieces work well. A row of 12″ × 12″ or 12″ × 16″ canvases along a hallway or up a staircase is a lovely way to show several pets. Smaller canvases also lean nicely on bookshelves and desks.

Choosing a size for a gift

When you don't know someone's walls, a mid-size piece is the safest bet. A 16″ × 16″ or 16″ × 24″ framed print fits almost anywhere, and a 12″ × 12″ canvas is an easy, budget-friendly choice. Still unsure? A gift card lets them pick the size, style and photo themselves. Our pet portrait gift ideas page has more inspiration.

Does my photo limit the size?

Larger prints show more detail, so a sharp, well-lit photo matters more at 24″ × 36″ than at 12″ × 12″. If your only photo is older or a little soft, a mid-size print is often a good compromise. Either way, you'll see a free preview before you pay and a digital proof before anything is printed, so you can judge it with your own eyes.

Test it on your wall before you buy

The easiest way to stop second-guessing:

1. Cut paper or cardboard to the size you're considering (or outline it with painter's tape).
2. Tape it to the wall at the height you plan to hang it.
3. Live with it for a day. Look at it from the doorway, the sofa and across the room.
4. Go one size up or down if it feels off.

Most people find they want one size bigger than their first instinct.

Ready to try it?

Whether it's for a big living-room wall or a cozy nook, start by seeing how your dog or cat looks in a few styles. Upload a photo and get a free, watermarked preview in about 30 seconds. You only pay if you love the preview, and we email a digital proof before printing. Start your free preview.