How to Choose Wall Art Prints for Your Space
By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to select the perfect wall art prints for your room with practical size, style, and framing tips. A straightforward buying guide for art lovers.
Quick answer
Start by measuring your wall and deciding whether you want a single statement piece or a small grouping. Then choose a print size that fits the wall without overwhelming it, and pick a framing style that matches your room's decor.
Size matters more than you think
A print that looks perfect on a screen can feel too small or too large on your wall. The rule of thumb is to fill about two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space with your art. For a narrow wall, a single 8" x 10" print with a white border works well. For a wider area, consider a series of smaller prints or a single larger piece.
Holly Bones prints come in two formats: an 8" x 10" edition with a white border for easy matting and an archival detail strip, and a 5" x 7" borderless full-bleed edition. The 8" x 10" size is ideal for a focal point, while the 5" x 7" works great in a gallery wall or a cozy nook.
Framing and matting decisions
The 8" x 10" edition includes a white border that makes matting straightforward—you can place it directly into a standard frame with a mat, or skip the mat for a clean look. The border also carries the archival details (title, date, medium) printed on the edge, which adds a museum-quality touch.
The 5" x 7" borderless print is designed for a modern, full-bleed look. It fits perfectly into a standard 5" x 7" frame without any cropping. Choose this if you prefer a minimalist style or want to save on framing costs.
Style and subject matter
Your print should complement the room's existing color palette and mood. Holly Bones offers a range of subjects—from whimsical light bulb studies to moody, narrative scenes like "Severance" or "Final Hours." Think about whether you want a conversation starter, a calm focal point, or a piece that ties your color scheme together.
For a bedroom or reading nook, a softer, more introspective piece like "Absente" can create a serene atmosphere. For a living room or entryway, a bolder image like "Light Bulb No. 2" adds visual interest without being overwhelming.
Your wall art print decision guide
- Measure your wall space: Measure the width and height of the wall area where the print will hang. For a single print, aim for it to cover about two-thirds of that space. For a grouping, plan the layout on the floor first. Write down your wall dimensions before shopping.
- Choose between a statement piece or a grouping: A single 8" x 10" print works as a focal point. For a gallery wall, mix 5" x 7" prints with other small art or objects. The 5" x 7" borderless prints are easier to arrange in a grid or organic cluster. Decide on the arrangement style before picking sizes.
- Select framing style: The 8" x 10" edition's white border allows for a matted frame or a simple frame without mat. The 5" x 7" borderless print fits standard frames without cropping. If you want a modern look, consider a floating frame for the 8" x 10". Match the frame to your room's decor—wood for warmth, black for contrast, white for minimalism.
- Match subject to room mood: For a calm space, choose a print with soft tones or a contemplative subject like "Absente." For a lively area, pick something with more contrast or narrative, like "Severance" or "Light Bulb No. 2." Think about the feeling you want the room to have.
Print options at a glance
- "Absente" Print: Available in 8" x 10" with a white border and archival details, or 5" x 7" borderless full-bleed. The 8" x 10" is ready for matting and framing, while the 5" x 7" offers a clean modern look at a compact size.
"Absente" Print - "Light Bulb No. 2" Print: Available in 8" x 10" with a white border and archival details, or 5" x 7" borderless full-bleed. Choose the 8" x 10" if you want the archival details visible on the edge; pick the 5" x 7" for a sleek, frameless aesthetic.
"Light Bulb No. 2" Print
Who is this guide for?
Best for
- First-time art buyers who want a simple, no-nonsense selection process
- Anyone decorating a small to medium-sized room with a single wall or a gallery wall
Not for
- Collectors looking for limited edition or numbered prints (these are open edition giclée prints)
- People decorating a very large wall who need oversized or multi-panel art
