Choosing your artwork
Choose your light painting size
Start with your wall, your furniture and the way you want the artwork to feel — both by day and after dark.
Canvas size and framed size
The dimensions shown in the Shapie store refer to the canvas itself. If you add an external frame, the overall width and height each increase by 6 cm.
Use the complete framed dimensions when checking the available space. Leave room around the artwork rather than planning only for the printed canvas.
Find the right scale for your room
Measure the usable wall space and the furniture beneath it. Notice nearby doors, shelves, switches and anything that might compete with the painting.
For a group of artworks above a sofa or sideboard, a total width of around two thirds of the furniture width can be a useful starting point. It is a composition guideline, not a rule that every single painting must follow. A portrait artwork can work well in a narrower space, while a wide composition may suit a larger wall. Framebridge’s guide to artwork proportions.
Think about where you will normally view it. Check the size from your sofa, doorway or desk, rather than only from directly in front of the wall.
Consider the effect after dark
A light painting is also part of the room at night. In my experience, some customers later wish they had chosen a larger piece because they enjoy the illuminated detail so much. Compare the sizes in your actual space before choosing; the largest option is not automatically the best fit.
Try the size before ordering
- Check the canvas dimensions of the size you are considering.
- If adding an external frame, add 6 cm to the width and 6 cm to the height.
- Mark out that size using paper or a wall-safe temporary outline suitable for your surface.
- Step back to your usual viewing position and compare a second size.
If you are unsure, send the artist a photo of the wall with its measurements and the width of the furniture below it. For a size outside the standard options, discuss the project before ordering.
Quick answers
Does 50 × 75 cm include the external frame?
No. It is the canvas size. With the external frame, the complete artwork measures 56 × 81 cm.
Should I always choose the largest painting?
Choose the size that fits the space and gives the visual presence you want. Comparing full-size outlines on the wall is more useful than deciding from a small product image.