How to Choose the Perfect Frame Size for Your Family Portraits

A CT Photographer’s Guide to Displaying Wall Art You’ll Love for Years

One of the most common questions I hear from clients after their portrait session is:

“What size should I print my photos?”

It’s a great question—and one that can make a huge difference in how your artwork looks in your home.

At Rob Faber Photography, I believe your portraits deserve more than living on a phone or computer screen. Your family’s story should be displayed proudly as beautiful wall art that becomes part of your home’s décor and legacy.

Whether you’re decorating a living room, entryway, staircase, or home office, selecting the right frame size can transform a simple photograph into a statement piece.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

The most common mistake homeowners make is choosing artwork that’s too small.

A beautiful family portrait printed as an 8×10 may look wonderful in your hands, but once it’s hung above a sofa or fireplace, it often feels lost and disconnected from the room.

As a CT Photographer specializing in custom wall art, I often recommend clients go much larger than they initially expect. Most people are surprised by how natural a larger piece feels once it’s installed.

A portrait that seems “too big” during the ordering process often becomes the perfect size when viewed on the wall.

Start With Your Wall Space

Before choosing a frame size, consider where your portrait will be displayed.

Different rooms call for different approaches:

Above a Sofa

Your artwork should generally fill about two-thirds of the width of the furniture beneath it. For many living rooms, this means considering wall pictures in the 24×36, 30×40, or even 40×60 range.

Above a Fireplace

A fireplace naturally draws attention, making it an ideal location for a large statement piece. A framed canvas or metal print can create a dramatic focal point while balancing the room.

Entryways and Hallways

Smaller spaces often benefit from gallery-style arrangements featuring multiple images rather than a single oversized portrait.

Staircases

A staircase wall offers a unique opportunity to showcase your family’s story through a collection of framed portraits that guide the viewer through the space.

Understanding Popular Frame Sizes

11×14 and 16×20

These sizes work well for desks, shelves, and smaller wall spaces. They’re excellent for gift prints but are often too small to serve as primary wall art.

20×30 and 24×36

These are popular starting points for family portraits and senior portraits. They provide enough visual impact without overwhelming most rooms.

30×40 and Larger

This is where wall art truly begins to make a statement.

Large-format portraits create an emotional connection that smaller prints simply can’t match. They allow viewers to appreciate expressions, details, and artistry from across the room.

Wall Galleries

Instead of a single portrait, many families choose a collection of coordinated pieces. Gallery walls provide flexibility and allow you to tell a more complete story through multiple images.

Consider the Frame Style

The frame you choose affects the overall visual impact just as much as the image itself.

Modern homes often pair beautifully with:

• Clean black frames
• White contemporary frames
• Acrylic displays
• Metal wall art

Traditional homes may benefit from:

• Rich wood frames
• Ornate mouldings
• Framed canvas artwork

The goal is to create a piece that complements your home while allowing the portrait to remain the focal point.

Why Professional Design Guidance Matters

One of the advantages of working with Rob Faber Photography is that you don’t have to guess.

During your image reveal and design consultation, we’ll use software that allows you to see exactly how different frame sizes and wall art collections will look in your actual home before placing an order.

This removes the uncertainty and helps ensure you select artwork that fits your space perfectly.

Think Beyond Today’s Trends

Your family portraits are more than decorations—they’re future heirlooms.

Years from now, your children and grandchildren won’t remember what was trending on social media. They’ll remember seeing family portraits displayed throughout the home.

That’s why I encourage clients to invest in artwork that will stand the test of time rather than settling for digital files that may never be printed.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a frame size, remember this simple rule:

Most people print too small.

If you’re investing in professional photography, don’t let your images disappear into a tiny frame. Choose wall art that makes an impact, enhances your home, and reminds you every day of the people who matter most.

At Rob Faber Photography, every portrait session is designed with the finished artwork in mind. From custom framed wall pictures to museum-quality canvases and metal prints, we’ll help you create a display that turns your memories into lasting works of art.

Looking for a CT Photographer who specializes in custom wall art?

Rob Faber Photography creates luxury family portraits, senior portraits, and custom wall art for families throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Schedule a consultation today and let’s design artwork that was made to be seen—not hidden away on a hard drive.