How to Choose a Poster Size: The Complete Guide (Including IKEA Frame Sizes)

You've almost decided. You found a poster you love — the colour, the mood, all of it. Then comes the question: which size? 21×30? 50×70? And will it actually fit in that IKEA frame you already have at home?

This guide walks you through how to choose the right poster size — including a handy overview of which sizes fit the most popular IKEA frames.

The sizes we offer

At Printhuis, all posters are available in four standard sizes:

• 21×30 cm (A4) — perfect as a subtle accent or in a gallery wall
• 30×40 cm — versatile, works almost anywhere
• 50×70 cm — the sweet spot for most walls
• 70×100 cm — a statement piece on its own

Each size has its own character and best use. Here's a breakdown of when each one works best.

Which size works in which room?

Small spaces and narrow walls

In a narrow hallway, a bathroom, or above a bedside table, a 21×30 or 30×40 cm poster works best. An oversized print can feel overwhelming in a compact space — a smaller format adds character without dominating.

Living room

The living room deserves a statement. Above a sofa or sideboard, a 50×70 or 70×100 cm poster makes the most impact. Want to combine multiple prints? A mix of 30×40 and 50×70 is a classic combination that always works.

Bedroom

Above the bed, 50×70 cm is ideal — large enough to have presence, calm enough not to overpower. Want two prints side by side above the headboard? Two 30×40 cm pieces give a balanced, considered look.

Home office or desk area

A 30×40 cm poster beside or behind your screen adds atmosphere without taking up space. Want something larger that shows up well on video calls? 50×70 cm is the right choice.

Poster sizes and IKEA frames: what fits what?

Good news: our sizes are intentionally aligned with the most popular IKEA frames. No searching for a matching frame — you probably already have one at home, or can pick one up for just a few euros.

• 21×30 cm (A4) → fits IKEA RIBBA (21×30), SILVERHÖJDEN (21×30) and RÖDALM (21×30)
• 30×40 cm → fits IKEA RIBBA (30×40), KNOPPÄNG (30×40) and HOVSTA (30×40)
• 50×70 cm → fits IKEA RIBBA (50×70) and KNOPPÄNG (50×70)
• 70×100 cm → fits IKEA BJÖRKSTA (78×118 cm with mount) — note: use a dedicated large frame rather than a standard one

Practical tip: the IKEA RIBBA range is available in almost every size and costs just a few euros. Perfect for getting a poster on the wall quickly and affordably.

The golden rule: measure the wall, not your feeling

Choosing the largest size that "feels big enough" is a common mistake. Do it the other way round: measure the wall or the piece of furniture you're hanging above first.

A rule of thumb interior stylists swear by: the poster (or the full gallery wall arrangement) should cover two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture below it. Have a 200 cm sofa? You're looking for art that spans roughly 130–150 cm in total.

Hang at eye level: the centre of the artwork at around 150 cm from the floor. Above a sofa, leave 15–20 cm of space between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the frame.

Gallery wall? Mix your sizes

A gallery wall is the best way to combine multiple prints. The key is mixing sizes: a 50×70 as an anchor piece, complemented by two or three 30×40s, and perhaps a 21×30 as the smallest accent.

Use our Gallery Wall tool to try out your arrangement digitally before putting a nail in the wall. Test sizes, colour combinations and layouts — all before you commit.

Still not sure?

Go with the larger size. A poster that looks slightly too big on screen almost always looks just right on the wall. People rarely regret going bigger — but often regret going too small.

Browse our full collection and visualise your favourites on your wall. If you're still unsure, we're happy to help — just send us a message.