Choosing a poster format is often the first question that stumps people when placing an order, even before considering the scene or colors. A poorly chosen format can lead to a disappointing result, even with the most beautiful artwork. 📐 Here's how to determine the right size based on your wall and the desired effect.
The three reference formats at ESPA
At ESPA, posters come in three main formats, each designed for a different use and room context.
The small format, 30x40 cm
This is the entry-level format, ideal for an entryway, hallway, or in pairs or trios to create a visual flow. It also makes a great gift, easy to transport and integrate into any interior without requiring much commitment.
The medium size, 50x70 cm
This is the most versatile format, suitable for a bedroom opposite the bed or a medium-sized living room wall. It occupies enough visual space to become an anchor point in the room, without requiring a huge wall.
How to measure your wall before ordering
Before choosing a format, a few simple steps can help avoid unpleasant surprises once the poster is received.
The rule for furniture width
Above a sofa or piece of furniture, the poster, including the frame, should ideally occupy between half and two-thirds of the furniture's width. A poster that is too narrow looks lost on the wall, while a poster that is too wide visually overflows the furniture.
The standard hanging height
The center of the poster is generally placed between 145 and 155 cm from the floor, the average eye level when standing. When facing a bed or sofa, this reference point can be lowered slightly to account for the sitting or lying position.
The large format, 70x100 cm
This prestige format completely changes the presence of a poster in a room, and requires some extra care when choosing. 🖼️
What type of wall
The large format is suitable for a clear wall at least two meters wide, generally above a sofa in a spacious living room. On a wall that is too small, it gives an impression of being overwhelmed rather than the desired statement piece effect.
For what type of scene
Scenes rich in detail, such as a market scene or a bustling street, particularly benefit from the large format, which allows the details to breathe. Conversely, a composition that is too simple in a large format can appear empty.
Consider the framing style
The choice of format is not limited to the poster itself: the frame also changes the final perception of the size on the wall.
A thin frame visually enlarges the artwork.
A thin light wood frame allows the composition to breathe and gives the impression of a slightly larger format than the actual size, while a thick frame or a wide white border reduces the perceived area of the image itself.
Adapt the frame to the room
In a small room, a thin frame is preferable to avoid making the space feel cramped. In a spacious living room, a slightly wider frame can, on the contrary, enhance the desired centerpiece effect with a large format.
Composing with multiple posters
Combining several formats or several posters together requires a different logic than choosing a single piece.
The duo of small formats
Two 30x40 cm posters, aligned horizontally with a regular spacing of 5 to 10 cm, create a collection effect that works particularly well in an entrance or narrow corridor.
The mix of formats
Combining a central medium format with two smaller formats on each side also works, provided that a clear alignment is maintained, generally on the bottom line of the frames rather than on the center, for a more structured rendering.
The most frequent formatting errors
Certain mistakes are made regularly when choosing a format, and they are easy to avoid before ordering.
Underestimating the size of the wall
Most people choose a size that's too small for their wall, either out of caution or habit. If in doubt, cutting a rectangle of newspaper to the desired dimensions and taping it to the wall before buying allows you to visualize the effect. 📏
Ignore the reversing distance
In a narrow corridor where you can never move back more than a meter, a very large format becomes difficult to appreciate in its entirety. It is therefore better to opt for a smaller format, suitable for close-up viewing.
Find the right size for your interior
Each wall has its own constraints, but these guidelines allow you to make an informed choice rather than a gamble. Discover the ESPA poster collection in its three formats and find the one that best suits your space.
