Logo

How to Choose the Right Fine Art Print

Choosing the perfect fine art print involves considering your space, budget, and collecting goals. Follow these step-by-step guides to make the right decision.

Desert Spine - Guide to choosing the perfect fine art print

Loading...

"Desert Spine" — Sossusvlei, Namibia

How to Choose the Right Print Size

  1. Measure your space: Measure the wall space where you plan to hang the print. Consider both width and height, and account for furniture placement. A good rule of thumb is that artwork should take up 60-75% of the available wall space.
  2. Consider viewing distance: Think about how far away people will be when viewing the print. For close viewing (3-5 feet), choose smaller sizes like 8.5" × 11" or 13" × 19". For medium viewing (5-8 feet), 13" × 19" works well. For large spaces or statement pieces viewed from 8+ feet away, consider 24" × 36".
  3. Match to room size: Small rooms (bedrooms, offices) work well with 8.5" × 11" prints. Medium rooms (living rooms, dining areas) are perfect for 13" × 19" prints. Large rooms, entryways, or commercial spaces benefit from 24" × 36" statement pieces.
  4. Consider matting and framing: Remember that framed prints include matting, which adds to the overall size. An 8.5" × 11" print has a 16" × 20" mat, and a 13" × 19" print has an 18" × 24" mat. The 24" × 36" ChromaLuxe prints don't require matting. Learn more about ChromaLuxe printing and our printing process.
  5. Budget considerations: Open edition prints (8.5" × 11" at $300, 13" × 19" at $600) offer beautiful art at accessible prices. Limited edition prints (24" × 36" at $3,000) are investment pieces with exclusivity and collectibility. Choose based on your budget and collecting goals. See our FAQ for more details on pricing and value.

Quick Reference

  • 8.5" × 11": Small spaces, offices, gallery walls, gifts ($300)
  • 13" × 19": Medium rooms, living spaces, statement pieces ($600)
  • 24" × 36": Large spaces, entryways, commercial spaces, collectors ($3,000)

How to Choose Between Open and Limited Edition

  1. Consider your budget: Open edition prints ($300-$600) are perfect if you want beautiful art at accessible prices. Limited edition prints ($3,000) are investment pieces for serious collectors.
  2. Think about collectibility: If you value exclusivity and collectibility, limited editions (only 20 prints ever made) offer unique value. If you want beautiful art without the exclusivity premium, open editions are ideal.
  3. Consider availability needs: Open editions are available in unlimited quantities, so you can order multiple prints or gift them. Limited editions have a fixed quantity (20 prints), so availability may be limited.
  4. Evaluate investment potential: Limited editions have higher investment potential due to their exclusivity, numbered editions, and certificates of authenticity. Open editions offer artistic value without the investment premium. Learn more about certificates of authenticity and lifetime guarantees.
  5. Consider size requirements: If you need a large statement piece (24" × 36"), limited edition is your only option. For smaller spaces, open editions in 8.5" × 11" or 13" × 19" sizes work perfectly.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Choose Open Edition if: You want accessible pricing, don't need exclusivity, want to gift multiple prints, or prefer smaller sizes.
  • Choose Limited Edition if: You value collectibility, want an investment piece, need a large statement piece, or appreciate numbered editions with certificates.

Additional Considerations

Room Lighting

Consider the lighting in your space. ChromaLuxe metal prints work well in various lighting conditions and don't require glass protection, reducing glare. Framed paper prints include UV-protective glass to prevent fading. Learn more about display and care.

Display Location

ChromaLuxe prints are moisture-resistant and can be displayed in bathrooms, kitchens, or commercial spaces. Framed prints are best in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices with controlled humidity. See our care instructions for detailed guidance.

Maintenance Preferences

ChromaLuxe prints are low-maintenance and easy to clean with a soft cloth. Framed prints require occasional dusting of the frame and glass. Consider your maintenance preferences when choosing.

Need More Help?

If you're still unsure, we're here to help! Check our size guide for detailed specifications, FAQ for common questions, glossary for term definitions, or contact us for personalized recommendations based on your space and preferences.