Horizontal Art Print

A horizontal art print, also known as a landscape-oriented print, is an artwork that is wider than it is tall. This format is the perfect solution for decorating the wide, empty spaces that are common in most homes. It is the ideal choice for any area where you want to create a sense of expansiveness and draw the eye across the room.

Horizontal art prints are specifically suited for the wide walls above key pieces of furniture. They are the classic choice for hanging over a sofa in a living room, above a headboard in a bedroom, or over a long sideboard or console table in a dining room or entryway. These are natural focal points, and a horizontal print perfectly complements the shape of the furniture below it.

The key is to match the scale of the art to the furniture it hangs above. A good rule of thumb is to choose a horizontal print that is approximately two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture. For example, if your sofa is 90 inches wide, look for a print that is around 60-70 inches wide. This ensures the art feels anchored and proportional, not lost on the wall.

Horizontal lines naturally create a sense of calm, stability, and spaciousness. Just like a natural horizon, a horizontal art print can make a room feel wider and more serene. It encourages the eye to move leisurely from side to side, which can have a very tranquil and grounding effect on the overall atmosphere of the space.

The horizontal format is the natural choice for panoramic subjects like sweeping landscapes, serene seascapes, and expansive cityscapes. It’s also incredibly effective for wide abstract compositions, where the artist can explore the relationship between colors and forms across a broad plane. This format allows for a sense of breadth and immersion.

Yes, a large horizontal print can act as a fantastic anchor for a gallery wall. You can build the gallery out from it, placing smaller vertical or square prints above and below the main piece. This creates a more structured, less random-feeling gallery wall where the large horizontal print provides a strong, grounding centerpiece for the entire collection.

When hanging a horizontal print above furniture, there should be a gap of about 6-10 inches between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture. If you’re hanging it on an empty wall, the center of the print should be at eye level, which is typically 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. Always use two hanging points, one on each side, to ensure the print stays level.