So, you’ve got the perfect photo(s)—now it’s time to decide how big (or small) to go. Whether you’re decorating a cozy corner or filling a statement wall, choosing the right print size makes all the difference. And once you’ve picked a size, it’s just as important to make sure your image will look great at that scale. Here’s your quick guide to getting both parts right: finding the best size and ensuring photo quality that holds up beautifully in print.
1. Match the Print Size to Your Wall
Picking the right size? It all starts with your space and your vibe. Whether you’re working with a tiny nook or an open wall begging for something bold, we’ve got options to help you print big (or small) with confidence.
Small Spaces
Desktops, hallways, shelves, or your first-ever gallery wall
Tiny space? Big personality. These smaller prints add charm without taking over:
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5×7″ Classic Prints – Printed on thick matte stock, they’re perfect for shelves, desks, or gifting to someone you like a lot.
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8×10″ or 11×14″ Fine Art Prints – These size-up beautifully while still being super easy to frame.
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Square Prints – In 4″ or 5.5″, they’re great for grids, mood boards, or your fridge door.
- Speaking of fridges… Photo Magnets are a very cute way to show off your favorite snapshots. Stick a few up and instantly upgrade your kitchen vibes.
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Metal Desk Prints – A glossy little upgrade for bookshelves, side tables, or anywhere you want to flex your favorite photo.
Medium Spaces
Above a dresser, reading nook, or your plant-filled couch corner
Ready to level up? These prints make an impact without going full mural:
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16×20″ or 20×24″ Fine Art Prints – Gallery-level quality for gallery-wall dreams.
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Newsprint Posters – Lightweight and super fun. Tape ’em up, frame ’em, or swap them out seasonally—zero pressure.
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Wood Poster Rails – The minimalist’s best friend. Easy to hang, easy to love.
Large Spaces
Over your bed, sofa, stairwell, or that one wall you’ve been ignoring
If you’ve got the wall space, use it! Big prints = big statement.
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Engineer Prints (3×4 ft) – Lightweight, budget-friendly, and totally stunning.
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Square Engineer Prints (3×3 ft) – Because sometimes a giant square is exactly what your space was missing.
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Pair either with Wood Poster Rails for a clean, frame-free finish that looks just as good as it feels.
2. Orientation & Layout Considerations
Going bold with a single print?
Choose a larger format like a 24×36″ Fine Art Print or one of our giant Engineer Prints to make a big statement (without a big fuss). It’s the easiest way to add drama and personality to a space with just one photo.
Building a gallery wall?
Mix and match sizes like 8×10″, 11×14″, and 12×18″ to keep things interesting. Stick to one frame style for a clean, curated vibe, or mix them up if you’re going for a more collected-over-time, artsy feel. Bonus: Square Prints make great anchors or accents in any grid or gallery mix.
Orientation = instant design magic.
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Tall (portrait) prints work wonders on narrow walls, in entryways, or flanking mirrors and windows.
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Wide (landscape) prints shine above beds, sofas, or sideboards—basically anywhere you want to create visual width.
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Square prints are the cool chameleons of the bunch—modern, symmetrical, and perfect for grids, centerpieces, or standing solo.
No matter how you arrange them, the key is to have fun and let your walls tell your story.
3. Check Photo Quality Before You Order
File Size & Resolution Guidance
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For Square Prints, Photo Books, and Classic Prints, we recommend image files sized 2-5 MB each. This typically supports at least 150 PPI resolution, which is perfect for photos from your phone or Instagram.
For larger prints like Fine Art Prints, Engineer Prints, or Newsprint Posters, aim for images that are 5-10 MB and at 300 PPI resolution for sharp, detailed results, especially when they’ll be viewed up close.
If your image doesn’t quite meet the mark, our photo uploader will flag it with a warning before you place your order, so you’ll always know what to expect.
4. Measure First, Preview Often
Before you click “add to cart,” grab some painter’s tape and block out the size of your print on the wall. Step back. Live with it for a day. Does it feel balanced? Too small? Just right?
This super simple trick saves you from surprise sizing—and helps you visualize just how great that Engineer Print or Fine Art Print will look in real life. Want an even better sense? Try laying out a few Square Prints on a tabletop to mock up a gallery grid. Your future self will thank you.
5. When in Doubt, Go Bigger
If you’re stuck between two sizes, go with the larger one. A 24×36″ print or a bold 3×3′ Engineer Print often feels more intentional, more polished, and honestly—way more fun. Bigger art fills your space with energy, makes your photo the star, and instantly elevates your room.
(Plus, Parabo’s prices make going big totally doable.)
6. Let Your Style Guide the Final Cut
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to what lives on your walls. Whether you’re into black-and-white landscapes printed big on Engineer Prints, a color-drenched series of Fine Art Prints, or a curated grid of Square Prints, the “perfect” size is the one that makes you smile every time you see it.
So trust your gut—and go make something beautiful.
