How Do I Style Large-Scale Landscape Prints?

Large-scale landscape prints are statement pieces—they command attention, create drama, and become the focal point of any room. But styling them correctly is crucial. Done right, they're stunning. Done wrong, they can overwhelm or look awkward. Here's how to style large-scale landscape prints beautifully.

Understanding Large-Scale Art

What Qualifies as Large-Scale?

Large-scale typically means:

• 40+ inches wide for horizontal pieces
• 36+ inches tall for vertical pieces
• Substantial presence that dominates a wall
• Statement pieces that become room focal points

Why Go Large?

Large-scale art offers:

• Dramatic impact: Creates immediate visual interest
• Focal points: Anchors entire rooms
• Luxury feel: High-end, sophisticated appearance
• Fills space: Perfect for large walls or high ceilings
• Makes statements: Reflects confidence and style

Choosing the Right Space

Ideal Locations

Large-scale prints work best in:

• Living rooms: Above sofas, fireplaces, or large walls
• Dining rooms: Above sideboards or on feature walls
• Bedrooms: Above beds (with proper proportions)
• Entryways: First impression, dramatic welcome
• High-ceiling spaces: Takes advantage of vertical space
• Open floor plans: Creates definition and focal points

Space Requirements

For large-scale art, you need:

• Adequate wall space: Art should have breathing room
• Proper proportions: Room and furniture should support the scale
• Good lighting: Large art needs proper illumination
• Visual balance: Other elements should complement, not compete

Framing Large-Scale Prints

Frame Options

Wide Frames (2-3 inches):

• Work well on large pieces
• Add substantial presence
• Create gallery-like appearance
• Match the scale of the art

Thin Frames (1 inch):

• Modern, minimal look
• Don't compete with art
• Contemporary aesthetic
• Clean, simple appearance

Frameless Options:

• Metal prints: No frame needed, seamless
• Gallery wraps: Canvas wrapped around frame
• Ultra-modern look: Clean, contemporary
• Easy maintenance: No frame to clean

Matting Considerations

For large-scale art:

• Wide mats: 3-4 inch mats can work on large pieces
• No mat: Modern, clean look
• Colored mats: Choose from art or room palette
• Consistent style: All large pieces should match

Placement Strategies

Old Man and the Sea

from $300.00

3 sizes available

This award-winning piece from Europe demonstrates placement strategies—large vertical format works beautifully as focal point, above furniture, or in gallery arrangements.

Above Furniture

Above Sofas:

• Should be 60-75% of sofa width
• Position 6-12 inches above sofa back
• Creates anchored focal point
• Balances furniture scale

Above Beds:

• Should be 60-75% of bed width
• Position 6-12 inches above headboard
• Creates bedroom focal point
• Maintains proportional balance

Above Fireplaces:

• Can be as wide as mantel or slightly wider
• Center above mantel
• Creates dramatic focal point
• Balances fireplace scale

Standalone Walls

For large empty walls:

• Center the art: Create balanced placement
• Leave breathing room: 12+ inches from edges
• Consider height: Center at eye level or slightly higher
• Make it the star: Don't crowd with other elements

Creating Gallery Walls

Large-scale art in galleries:

• Anchor piece: Use as the main focal point
• Surround with smaller pieces: Create hierarchy
• Maintain spacing: 2-4 inches between pieces
• Balance composition: Large piece should anchor the arrangement

Lighting Large-Scale Art

Natural Light

For large pieces:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Causes fading
• Use indirect light: Soft, even illumination
• Consider window placement: Position art to benefit from natural light
• Monitor throughout day: Light changes affect appearance

Artificial Lighting

Track Lighting:

• Adjustable, can highlight large art
• Multiple lights for even coverage
• Modern, clean appearance
• Flexible positioning

Picture Lights:

• Traditional, elegant
• Mounted above art
• Focused illumination
• May need multiple for very large pieces

Recessed Lighting:

• Clean, modern
• Adjustable direction
• Even, professional illumination
• Multiple lights for coverage

Dimmable Options:

• Control light intensity
• Adjust for time of day
• Create different moods
• Protect art from excessive light

Color and Composition

Color Considerations

Large-scale art with:

• Bold colors: Can dominate a room—use carefully
• Neutral palettes: More versatile, easier to style
• Matching room colors: Creates harmony
• Accent colors: Can introduce or reinforce color scheme

Composition Matters

For large-scale pieces:

• Simple compositions: Work best at large scale
• Strong elements: Clear focal points
• Lots of detail: Can be overwhelming when large
• Negative space: Important for visual breathing room

Furniture and Decor Coordination

Complementing Furniture

Large art should:

• Match furniture scale: Large art, large furniture
• Complement colors: Work with existing palette
• Balance style: Match or complement design aesthetic
• Create harmony: Art and furniture should feel connected

Avoiding Competition

Don't let other elements compete:

• Simplify decor: Fewer, better pieces
• Neutral backgrounds: Let art be the star
• Minimal accessories: Don't clutter the space
• Cohesive color scheme: Everything should work together

Room-Specific Styling

Living Rooms

For large-scale art in living rooms:

• Above sofa: Most common, creates focal point
• Above fireplace: Dramatic, traditional placement
• Feature wall: Standalone piece on large wall
• Balance with seating: Art should relate to furniture arrangement

Bedrooms

For large-scale art in bedrooms:

• Above bed: Creates peaceful focal point
• Opposite bed: Last thing you see at night
• Calming subjects: Choose restful landscapes
• Proper scale: Don't overwhelm the sleep space

Dining Rooms

For large-scale art in dining rooms:

• Above sideboard: Traditional, elegant
• Feature wall: Creates dining atmosphere
• Appetite-friendly subjects: Avoid disturbing imagery
• Visible from table: Art should enhance dining experience

Entryways

For large-scale art in entryways:

• First impression: Sets tone for entire home
• Dramatic welcome: Makes strong statement
• Visible from outside: Consider view from front door
• Proper scale: Should fill the space appropriately

Common Styling Mistakes

1. Too Small for Space: Large art that's actually too small
2. Poor Lighting: Art that's not properly illuminated
3. Wrong Placement: Art positioned awkwardly
4. Competing Elements: Too many other visual elements
5. Wrong Frame: Frame that doesn't match art scale
6. Color Clashes: Art that fights with room colors

Conclusion

The best large-scale landscape prints:

• Are properly sized for their space
• Use appropriate framing (or go frameless)
• Are well-lit and properly placed
• Complement rather than compete with furniture
• Create dramatic focal points
• Reflect your personal style and taste

Remember, large-scale art is an investment and a statement. Take time to choose the right piece, frame it appropriately, place it thoughtfully, and light it properly. When done right, a large-scale landscape print can transform a room, creating a stunning focal point that reflects your style and enhances your space for years to come.