Canvas Size Guide: What Looks Best Above Sofas, Beds & Desks

Are you a pet lover? If so, you’re not alone. We estimate that over 66% of American households have at least one pet at home. And why not? Owning a pet, whether it be of the canine, feline, feathery, or scaled variety, can bring so much joy to your lives. But enjoying your pet doesn’t have to stop with just a frolic at the local dog park or a game of cat and mouse. You can enjoy your pet in several places in your home, too, by hanging a customized pet canvas here or there. 

In this article, we’ll walk through the most common canvas sizes and how to decide what size canvas will look best, where. 

Why Size and Placement Matter

Who says size doesn’t matter when it comes to canvas pet prints? But here’s the thing. Bigger isn’t always better. Though you might want the largest possible print of Fido hanging from your wall, especially if you also have custom stuffed animals of your pet sitting on the couch below, a print that is too big can easily overwhelm the space. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when reviewing a canvas print sizes guide and deciding which canvas to choose from the canvas size guide. The right canvas size can elevate your space, drawing the eye, complementing your décor, and helping your pet’s personality really come to life. A canvas that fits your wall just right creates balance, allowing the artwork to become a natural part of the room rather than a distraction. It enhances not only the print itself but the space around it.

But when the size is off, even the most adorable pet portrait can lose its impact.

Here are some common canvas sizing mistakes to avoid:

• A tiny canvas on a wide wall can feel lost and disconnected.

• A canvas that stretches beyond your furniture or dominates the space can feel overwhelming.

• Placing a tall canvas in a low-ceiling room can feel cramped.

• Hanging too high or too low throws off the visual flow.

It all comes down to proportion. A well-sized canvas should relate to the furniture and the wall around it. Think of your pet’s portrait as part of the overall design. When scale, placement, and spacing work together, your custom art feels intentional and totally at home.

Canvas Sizes at a Glance

Now that you understand how size really does matter when selecting the right canvas of your pet, we’ve made the next step easier for you. Below, you will find a canvas print size chart with the most common sizes you can select from.

Not sure which direction to go? These quick tips will help you choose the best canvas orientation based on your wall shape, layout, and the vibe you’re going for.

• Portrait orientation works well on narrow walls or when showcasing a solo pet.

• Landscape orientation is ideal for wider spaces like over a sofa or headboard.

• Square or cropped designs are playful and great for symmetrical layouts or multi-canvas arrangements.

Next, we’ll help you decide on the best canvas size for the various rooms in your domicile (okay, that was a nod to the Siamese Cat Song from Lady and the Tramp… see what we did there?).

Above the Sofa: Go Bold and Balanced

Though bathrooms are a fun place for pet prints (trust us, it’s a thing), let’s talk about your living room instead. The space above your sofa is prime real estate for a pet canvas, so why not make a statement?

When choosing artwork for above the couch, the canvas should typically span two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the sofa. This will provide a natural sense of balance and fill the space without overwhelming it. For most standard couches, that means selecting a 24x36 or larger canvas to anchor the wall and make your pet the undeniable star of the room.

Don’t have the wall space or prefer a more creative layout? Consider a gallery wall effect using multiple smaller canvases. Two or three 12x18 or 16x24 prints can be arranged in a horizontal row or asymmetrical grouping for visual interest and flexibility.

Here are a few additional tips on canvas placement.

• Alignment: Keep the center of your canvas at about 57 to 60 inches from the floor (eye level).

• Spacing: Leave six to eight inches between the bottom of the canvas and the top of the sofa.

• Proportion: Ensure your artwork relates to the scale of the furniture below it.

Using a canvas print sizes guide, such as the guide we provided earlier, before you buy, can help you find that just-right fit, so your living room doesn’t just look good, it feels perfectly put together.

Above the Bed: Framing Your Restful Space

Many pets love to sleep with their owners. Okay, maybe not the feathery or slithery ones, but at least your loyal cat or dog. So why not don your favorite custom dog shirt (the oversized ones make great sleep shirts) and snuggle into bed with your favorite pet shot hanging on the wall above you? 

Proportion is everything when choosing a canvas for above your bed. A single large print or a well-balanced set should complement the width of your bed, not overwhelm it or feel too small. For king-sized beds, a 24x36 canvas works beautifully. For queen or full beds, 18x24 may be a better fit.

Want a more artistic look? Try a triptych, a single image split across three panels. This style adds visual interest while spreading the art across a wider area. It’s especially striking above larger beds or in rooms with tall ceilings.

You’ll find helpful pairings like these in the canvas size chart we shared earlier in this article, and you can also view size suggestions when browsing canvas options on our website. These guides are great tools to help you choose the size that best suits your space, and shows off your pet’s personality.

Above the Desk: Keep It Personal and Proportional

More and more people are working at home these days, and that means a lot of time spent at the desk. So why not show off your pet on or above your desk? 

Smaller canvases like 12x16 or 16x20 are ideal for above-the-desk space. They’re big enough to brighten your workday without crowding your setup. Look for pieces that inspire joy, creativity, or calm, especially during long Zoom calls or writing sprints. 

Arrange them to avoid visual clutter around bookshelves, lamps, or monitors. If you have more than one pet, a multi-pet canvas can be a perfect solution for tight spaces. You’ll find helpful sizing recommendations in our canvas print size chart, making it easy to find the right piece for your workspace.

Beyond the Walls: Thinking Creatively

As we hinted at earlier (pet prints in your bathroom), pet canvases aren’t just for living rooms and bedrooms. Some of the most charming placements are in unexpected spots, like hallways, mudrooms, stairwells, or yes, bathrooms. A cheerful or comical pet portrait can absolutely bring a smile to the face of anyone who visits.

And have you seen all the cool ways you can display canvases these days? For narrow walls or vertical spaces, consider stacking two smaller canvases for a clean, stylish effect. It’s a great way to showcase different moods or portraits of multiple pets.

If you’re unsure what sizes work in tighter spots, refer back to the canvas size chart we shared or explore size suggestions while browsing on our site.

Browse Crown & Paw Pat Canvases Today 

Choosing the right canvas size is all about creating a space that reflects the bond you share with your pet. Whether you're decorating a living room, bedroom, hallway, or office, the key is balance, proportion, and personality. Use our helpful canvas size chart as a reference while exploring your options.

Ready to turn your favorite photo into a lasting memory? Explore Crown & Paw’s collection of custom pet canvases and start designing a piece that brings your furry friend front and center, right where they belong.