Size the art to the sofa, not the trend

The usual miss is a tiny frame floating over a long sofa. Stand back. If the art looks like a postage stamp, it is too small, even if the painting is good.

A simple rule: the frame, or the group of frames, should span about two thirds of the furniture under it. Hang the center near eye level, around 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the middle of the piece. Above a sofa, leave six to ten inches between the top of the back cushion and the bottom of the frame.

Sets need even gaps, usually two inches. Mix a photograph with a quieter abstract only if the frames match. The inch size is in the art name so you can check the wall before you checkout.

Large canvases, including the 30 by 40 pieces, are priced under the usual gallery tag for a comparable print.