As I stood in the middle of my living room, staring at the colossal painting I had just purchased, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. The artwork, a vibrant abstract piece that had captivated me in the online, now seemed to swallow my room whole. It was like a whale in a fishbowl, and I was the misguided fish keeper. It was in this moment that I realised the importance of choosing the right size artwork for your home.

Now, let's avoid the same blunder I made and dive into the art of selecting the perfect artwork size for your space.

1. Measure Twice, Buy Once

Remember the old carpenter's adage, "measure twice, cut once"? The same principle applies when buying artwork. Before you even step foot in a gallery or start browsing online, measure your wall space. A general rule of thumb is that artwork should take up two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall. Anything less might look like a postage stamp on a letter, and anything more, well, you've heard my whale story.

2. Consider the Room's Purpose

The function of the room can guide the size of the artwork. In a room where calm and relaxation are the goals, like a bedroom, larger pieces can create a serene atmosphere. Conversely, in a lively living room or kitchen, smaller, numerous pieces can add to the energetic vibe.

3. Balance and Harmony are Key

Artwork should be in harmony with the furniture and other elements in the room. A large painting might dwarf a small, delicate antique table, while a tiny print might be lost above a hefty, overstuffed sofa. Strive for balance, not a battle of the titans.

4. Don't Forget About Height

Artwork should be hung at eye level, but if you're like me and your 'eye level' is different from the rest of the population, aim for the center of the artwork to be 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This is the average human eye height and is often used as a standard in galleries.

5. When in Doubt, Use Templates

If you're unsure about the size, make templates from newspaper or butcher paper. Tape them to your wall to get a visual sense of how the artwork will look. It's a bit old school, but it saves you from turning your wall into swiss cheese with nail holes.

In the end, choosing the right artwork size can feel like a high-stakes game of Goldilocks—this one's too big, this one's too small—but when you find the one that's just right, it's pure magic. It's the difference between a room that just looks good and a room that tells a story.

So, the next time you find yourself captivated by a piece of art, remember my whale of a tale. Measure, consider, balance, and you'll avoid the sinking feeling of an artwork size mistake. After all, we want our art to make a statement, but not scream, "I'm the wrong size!" Now, go forth and choose wisely, my fellow art enthusiasts!