Poster Sizes, Hanging & Care — The Complete Guide

The right poster size depends on three things: the wall, the furniture below it, and how much presence you want the piece to carry. A print that works beautifully in one room can feel lost or crowded in another. Understanding the proportions before you order saves time, money, and unnecessary nail holes.

21×30 cm. The smallest standard format. It works well on shelves, in narrow spaces, and as part of a larger gallery arrangement. If a wall cannot accommodate a larger print, this size still delivers character without overwhelming the surface.

30×40 cm. The gallery wall staple. Versatile enough to work almost anywhere — on its own in smaller rooms, or as a supporting piece in a larger composition. This is the format most people start with, and for good reason.

40×50 cm. A midsize statement piece. Strong enough to anchor a wall above a desk or console, without the visual weight of the largest format. If you want a single print to lead a space without filling it, this is the size to consider.

50×70 cm. The largest standard format and the one that makes the most immediate impact. It works above sofas, beds, sideboards, and dining tables — anywhere a room needs a clear focal point. This size also fits IKEA Ribba frames, making framing straightforward.

How to measure. As a rule of thumb, the art should cover roughly one-third to two-thirds of the wall width above the furniture. Centre the piece at approximately 145 cm from the floor — that puts the midpoint at comfortable eye level for most people.

Different rooms call for different formats. Here is a quick reference to help you choose confidently.

Living room. A 50×70 cm poster works as a standalone statement or as the anchor of a gallery wall. If you are building a gallery arrangement, combine it with 30×40 cm and 21×30 cm supporting pieces.

Bedroom. Above the bed, a 40×50 cm or 50×70 cm print creates a calm focal point. On a bedside shelf or narrow ledge, 21×30 cm adds detail without competing with the headboard. For more bedroom-specific ideas, see our Bedroom Wall Art guide.

Kitchen. Smaller formats suit kitchens best. A 21×30 cm or 30×40 cm print fits between shelves, above a counter, or beside a window without crowding already-busy surfaces. For curated kitchen recommendations, visit our Kitchen Wall Art guide.

Hallway. A 30×40 cm in portrait orientation is the natural choice. It fits narrow wall sections and adds character to transitional spaces that are often overlooked.

Home office. A 21×30 cm or 30×40 cm print adds personality to a desk area without becoming a distraction. Keep the subject matter clean and the palette restrained — you will be looking at it during every call.

Hanging a poster well is less about tools and more about preparation. A few minutes of planning before you pick up a hammer will usually produce a better result than adjusting after the fact.

Paper template method. Cut a sheet of paper to the exact size of your frame. Tape it to the wall with painter's tape and step back. Move it until the position feels settled, then mark the top centre. This is the simplest and most reliable approach.

Digital method. Use the Gallery Wall Tool to plan arrangements digitally before committing to the wall. It is especially useful for multi-print layouts where spacing needs to be consistent.

Spacing. For gallery walls, leave 10–15 cm between frames. Tighter spacing feels more unified; wider spacing can feel scattered. Pick one gap width and stick to it across every pair.

Height. Centre the print at eye level — approximately 145 cm from the floor to the centre of the frame. This rule holds whether you are hanging a single piece or the anchor of a larger arrangement.

Above a sofa or headboard. The arrangement should span roughly two-thirds of the width of the furniture below it. Aim for 15–20 cm of space between the top of the sofa and the bottom edge of the lowest frame.

Common mistakes. Hanging too high is the most frequent error — it disconnects the art from the furniture beneath it. Spacing frames too widely makes a gallery wall feel unfinished rather than airy. And mixing too many frame styles or finishes can undermine even the strongest poster selection.

All Emibia posters are printed on 200 g/m² premium matte paper using archival-quality inks. The result is a print with clean detail, accurate colour, and a surface that looks professional from the moment you unroll it.

Framing. All four standard sizes — 21×30, 30×40, 40×50, and 50×70 cm — fit the corresponding IKEA Ribba frame sizes. If you want a more finished look without researching frame compatibility, our own frames are designed to match every poster in the range. Each Emibia frame includes integrated metal hangers, so you will not need additional hardware to get the print on the wall.

Frame finishes. Oak adds warmth and suits lighter, Scandinavian-leaning interiors. Black sharpens contrast and suits bolder compositions. White is the quietest option — it disappears into the wall and lets the poster lead.

Care. Avoid hanging prints in direct sunlight; prolonged exposure can cause gradual fading over time. Keep framed prints away from high-humidity areas such as bathrooms. When handling unframed prints, avoid touching the printed surface — oils from skin can mark matte paper.

Gallery walls. If you are building a multi-print arrangement, consistent framing across all pieces will hold the wall together visually. For layout ideas and combination guidance, see our Gallery Wall Ideas guide.