21 x 30, 30 x 40 or 50 x 70: which size should I choose for a framed portrait?

This is the choice that is made the fastest and regretted the most. Too small, the portrait disappears on the wall. Too large, it overwhelms the room. Here's how to decide in three questions.

Question 1: How many subjects are in the portrait?

This is the most critical criterion, and the most often ignored. Each additional face divides the available space.

• One subject — all three sizes work. Choose based on the wall.
• Two subjects — 30 × 40 cm is the minimum for both faces to retain their detail.
• Three or more subjects — go for 50 × 70 cm. Any smaller, and the faces become vignettes, losing all resemblance.

Question 2: How far away will it be viewed?

A decorator's rule that works: the width of the frame should be about half of the usual viewing distance.

• A hallway, entrance, office — you'll pass within a meter. 21 × 30 cm is sufficient and remains elegant.
• A bedroom, above a dresser — you'll view it from about two meters. 30 × 40 cm is the good compromise.
• A living room, above a sofa — you'll step back three meters or more. 50 × 70 cm is the only size that holds its own in the space.

Question 3: Alone or as part of a composition?

If the portrait will be alone on its wall, it must assert its presence: go big; too modest a size gives an impression of being unfinished.

If it's joining an existing gallery wall, match what you already have. A 21 × 30 or 30 × 40 integrates easily; a 50 × 70 becomes the centerpiece around which everything else must be rearranged.

The summary

The tip before ordering

Cut out a sheet of paper to the size you're considering and tape it to the wall. Leave it for two days. You'll immediately know if the size is right — and it costs a sheet of paper instead of a return.

See the three sizes and their frames