Art Sizing & Room Buying Guide
Michael Godard limited editions typically range from around 17.5" x 26" (the G edition) up to 40"+ on the long side (Metal editions), so the right size for your space depends on the wall it's going on and the furniture beneath it, not just personal taste. Here's how to pick a size with confidence.
General Sizing Rule of Thumb
A common framing guideline is to size art to roughly 60-75% of the width of the furniture or wall segment it's paired with. Over a sofa or console table, that means measuring the furniture's width first, then choosing an edition whose width falls in that range: a piece that's too small will look lost, while one that's too large can overwhelm the furniture beneath it.
Sizing by Room
Living Room, Above a Sofa: The Signed and Numbered or Artist Proof editions (commonly around 28" x 42" across Godard's catalog) work well as a central focal point over a standard-depth sofa, while a Metal edition offers a bolder, more contemporary presence for larger walls.
Home Bar or Entertainment Space: Godard's cocktail, wine, and party-culture pieces are a natural fit here: a mid-size Signed and Numbered or Artist Proof edition gives a strong focal point without requiring a large wall.
Home Office or Study: The G edition's smaller, more accessible format (commonly around 17.5"–18" on the short side) suits a desk wall or a gallery arrangement of multiple smaller pieces.
Large Great Room or Stairwell: A Metal edition's larger dimensions and saturated, high-gloss finish are built for a wall that needs to hold its own from across a big room.
Gallery Wall Arrangement: Mixing G editions of two or three different pieces at a consistent size creates a curated, cohesive gallery-wall look at a lower total cost than a single large piece.
Measuring Before You Buy
Before choosing a size, measure the wall space and any furniture beneath it, then use painter's tape to outline the piece's actual dimensions directly on the wall; this gives a much more accurate sense of scale than picturing it from a product photo alone. Leave roughly 6-12 inches of breathing room between the top of a piece and the ceiling or crown molding, and hang artwork so its center sits at approximately eye level (around 57-60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece) for a standing viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should I buy for above a standard sofa?
For a sofa in the 72-84 inch range, an edition around 28" x 42" (the size of most Signed and Numbered and Artist Proof editions in Godard's catalog) typically fills the space well using the 60-75% width guideline.
Is the G edition too small for a main wall?
The G edition works best as a secondary piece, in a gallery-wall grouping, or in a smaller room like a home office; for a large, prominent wall, a Signed and Numbered, Artist Proof, or Metal edition will typically have more visual presence.
How high should I hang my artwork?
A common standard is to center the piece at approximately 57-60 inches from the floor to the middle of the artwork, which approximates average eye level for a standing adult.
Can I mix sizes and edition types on one wall?
Yes, many collectors mix a larger centerpiece (Signed and Numbered, Artist Proof, or Metal) with one or two smaller G editions to create a layered gallery-wall arrangement.
See our canvas vs metal guide to decide which finish fits your space, or the edition types guide for a full breakdown of sizing and rarity across all five edition types.