What size artwork should I choose for above a sofa?

Aim for artwork that is roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa’s width. This proportion helps the piece feel anchored and balanced.

How high should I hang wall art in a typical room?

Position the centre of the artwork about 145-153 cm from the floor, adjusting slightly for high ceilings or seated viewing. This aligns with standard gallery guidelines.

Which materials are best for wall art in South African homes with sun exposure?

For sunlit north- or west-facing walls, choose prints or canvases with UV-protective glass to reduce fading. Sealed canvas or acrylic prints are low-maintenance and hold up well in bright conditions.

What are typical budget ranges for wall art in South Africa?

Entry-level framed prints cost roughly R200-R1,200; mid-range stretched canvases or limited prints run R800-R3,000; investment originals start at R2,500 and up. Remember to budget R150-R800 for basic framing.

How can I create a cohesive gallery wall?

Use a shared element like a limited colour palette, matching frames, or a repeating subject. Arrange pieces on the floor first, keep spacing consistent at 5-8 cm, and use paper templates to plan the layout before hanging.

Wall art decor: a practical guide to choosing and placing pieces that feel like home

Practical South African advice for choosing, sizing and hanging wall art. Scale, materials, budgets (R ranges) and easy hanging tips.

Published:June 15, 2026

Updated:September 8, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Squared one on Pexels

Start with purpose

Choose art by room use, mood and the furniture it will relate to.

How wall art changes a room - and how to start

Wall art is more than colour on a wall. The right piece anchors a living area, calms a bedroom, and gives a kitchen or hallway a clear personality. We start with three quick questions to narrow choices: Who uses the room? What mood do you want? How much wall space do you have? Answering those helps avoid buying pieces that end up in a cupboard.

Decide function first

Art in family livingrooms should resist damage and be easy to clean; in bedrooms it can be softer and more personal. For frequently used spaces choose prints, framed posters or treated canvases; for sheltered feature walls you can introduce textiles, ceramic panels or framed originals.

Scale and proportion rules that actually work

Above a sofa or counter: aim for artwork (or a group) that’s roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the furniture width.
Above smaller furniture (a console or bedside table): leave 6-12 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the art.
For a full feature wall: one large piece usually reads cleaner than many tiny mismatched frames.

If you want step-by-step layouts and real-life examples, our short reads on arranging galleries make planning easier - see Wall Art articles.

Materials and care in South African homes

Think about sun exposure and humidity. Prints or canvases placed on sunlit north- or west-facing walls can fade faster; frame glass with UV protection if the piece is precious. Textiles and woven wall hangings add texture but should avoid damp-exposed areas. For busy homes, sealed canvas or acrylic prints are low-maintenance and affordable.

Budget bands and what they buy (estimates)

Entry: framed prints and open-edition posters - roughly R200 to R1 200.
Mid: stretched canvases, limited prints, better framing - roughly R800 to R3 000.
Investment: original paintings, large stretched canvases, artisan textiles - R2 500 and up, depending on artist and size (wide range).

These bands are ranges to help planning; local makers and independent galleries often offer competitively priced originals, and framing costs vary. When budgeting, add about R150-R800 for a basic frame and R300-R1 200 for more solid framing and mounts.

Practical hanging and placement - tools and techniques

Good hanging is two parts measuring, one part testing. Start by marking the centre line of the wall and the centre of the piece. In typical rooms, hanging the centre of artwork at about 145-153 cm from the floor (gallery centre adapted for furniture relationships) works well - adjust slightly for high ceilings or seated viewing.

Tools we find useful

Paper templates (use kraft paper or newspaper cutouts) to map layout before drilling.
A spirit level (or laser level) - don’t trust eyeballing.
Proper fixings: wall plugs for masonry, toggle anchors for hollow walls, and picture hooks rated for the weight.

If you rent, choose hanging systems that minimise holes (picture rails, 3M hooks rated for frames). For heavy pieces, hire a fitter - the cost is often less than replacing damaged plaster.

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Composing a gallery wall that feels purposeful

Gallery walls are most successful when there’s a shared element: a limited colour palette, matching frames, or a repeating subject (photography, abstract prints, small canvases). Start by arranging on the floor or with paper templates. Keep the spacing consistent - 5-8 cm between frames for a tidy look, and slightly wider for more relaxed arrangements.

Lighting and finishing touches

Directional lighting changes how art reads. A simple adjustable downlight or picture light can brighten a focal piece without heating it. Plants, low shelving, or cushions that pick out a colour from the art will tie the room together. For outdoor covered patios, choose weather-treated pieces and avoid direct rain exposure.

Where to buy and how to compare options in South Africa

You can mix local makers, prints and a few quality framed pieces. If you want a quick shop of curated pieces, browse our Decor selection for ideas and scale references. For custom framing or commissioned works, ask for sample framing swatches and request a hanging mock-up wherever possible so you can preview scale.

Small mistakes we see (and how to fix them)

Too many small pieces on a large wall - swap for one larger focal piece or group to form a single block.
Hanging art too high - lower the centre to about 145-153 cm or use furniture relationships as your guide.
Mismatched frame finishes that fight the room - choose one or two frame tones for cohesion.

If you’re updating a room slowly, keep a rotation plan - swap smaller, inexpensive pieces seasonally while saving for a statement work.

Examples tuned to South African homes

Small suburban livingroom: one large canvas above the couch, cushion fabrics that echo a colour in the print, a pendant light to the side.
Compact apartment: a slim vertical triptych beside the entry to create height and visual interest without crowding floor space.
Dining room or open-plan area: a framed photographic series in matching frames aligned to the table length.

Across all examples, we recommend testing with paper cutouts before committing to holes in paint - it saves time and keeps walls tidy.

Sources

Design Indaba - South African design features and decor projects
Lowe’s wall art and decor buying guide - placement, materials and framing
Porch - expert advice on designing a home art gallery

We’ve kept the advice practical so you can try small changes this weekend: measure, mock up with paper, and hang securely. When you’re ready to explore curated pieces or local makers, our Decor shop and editorial articles are a gentle next step.

Ready to shop? Browse Wall Art to find the right option for you.

Last updated: September 8, 2026

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Wall art decor: a practical guide to choosing and placing pieces that feel like home

Start with purpose

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Right size, right height

Protect and light well

How wall art changes a room - and how to start

Decide function first

Scale and proportion rules that actually work

Materials and care in South African homes

Budget bands and what they buy (estimates)

Practical hanging and placement - tools and techniques

Tools we find useful

Composing a gallery wall that feels purposeful

Lighting and finishing touches

Where to buy and how to compare options in South Africa

Small mistakes we see (and how to fix them)

Examples tuned to South African homes

Sources

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