How to Choose a Statement Art Print for Your Space
By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick a statement art print that fits your room, style, and budget. Get practical rules for size, color, and framing.
Quick Answer
To choose a statement art print, focus on scale, contrast, and placement. Pick a print that is at least two-thirds the width of your furniture or wall space, and use its colors to tie the room together.
Why Scale Matters More Than You Think
A statement print should dominate the wall, not get lost in it. A common mistake is choosing a print that is too small for the space. As a rule, the print's width should be about two-thirds the width of the sofa, bed, or console it hangs above. For a large empty wall, go bigger than you think—a single large print can replace a whole gallery wall.
If you're unsure, measure the wall and the furniture below it. Use painter's tape to outline the potential print size and step back to see how it feels. This simple trick prevents costly sizing mistakes.
Color and Contrast: Making It Pop
A statement print should stand out, so consider the wall color and the room's palette. If your walls are neutral, a print with bold, saturated colors can become the focal point. If your walls are already colorful, a print with a strong contrast—like black and white or a single accent color—will be more effective.
Also think about the mood you want to create. Warm tones (reds, oranges) energize a room, while cool tones (blues, greens) are calming. Choose a print that matches the atmosphere you want in that space.
Framing and Borders: The Finishing Touch
The frame and border of a print affect how it integrates with your decor. A white border gives you flexibility for matting and framing, which can make the print look more polished and gallery-like. A borderless (full-bleed) print has a more modern, casual feel and works well in minimal or contemporary settings.
When you order a print, check whether it includes a border. If you prefer a clean, gallery look, choose a print with a border. If you want a seamless, edge-to-edge image, go for a full-bleed option.
Decision Rules for Choosing a Statement Print
- Measure the wall and furniture: The print should be at least two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. For a large empty wall, use the full wall width as your guide. Use painter's tape to outline the size before buying.
- Match the room's color palette: Choose a print that either complements the existing colors or provides a deliberate contrast. Bold, saturated colors work on neutral walls; high-contrast prints work on colorful walls. Consider the mood you want: warm tones energize, cool tones calm.
- Decide on border vs. full-bleed: If you want a classic, matted look, pick a print with a white border. If you prefer a modern, edge-to-edge image, choose a full-bleed print. Check the product description for border details before ordering.
Prints That Make a Statement
- "About A Murder" Print: The 8" x 10" edition features a white border for easy matting and framing, with archival details printed on the edge. This is ideal if you want a polished, gallery-style presentation and plan to frame it yourself.
"About A Murder" Print - "Tabby" Print: The 5" x 7" edition is a compact, borderless full-bleed print. Choose this if you prefer a clean, modern look without a border, or if you want a smaller statement piece for a tight space.
"Tabby" Print
Who Should Choose What
Best for
- People who want a bold focal point in a living room or bedroom
- Those who prefer a gallery-style, framed look with a white border
Not for
- Minimalists who prefer a subtle, borderless look—choose a full-bleed print instead
- Those with very small walls—consider a smaller size or a gallery wall of multiple prints
