Layer & Light guide
Choose wall art
with confidence.
A practical guide to scale, proportion and format—so the artwork you choose feels considered in the room, not simply fitted into the nearest frame.
Start with format
Digital file or
physical print?
Both contain the same artwork. The difference is who takes care of production.
Flexible & immediate
Digital download
The artwork file is delivered through Etsy after purchase. You arrange printing locally or online, choosing the paper, supplier and frame yourself.
- Useful when you already have a trusted printer
- No physical item is posted
- Check the supplied ratio before selecting a frame
Produced for you
Fine-art print
The print is professionally produced to order and delivered to you. Layer & Light physical wall-art listings are supplied unframed unless stated otherwise.
- Choose from the sizes shown on the listing
- No home printing or file preparation
- Frame and styled-room accessories are not included
Read the room
Three useful scales.
Frame size and mount width will increase the final footprint. Treat these dimensions as the artwork size, then check the outside measurement of your chosen frame.
Small
Quiet detail
8 × 10 or 8 × 12 inches
Works well on shelves, bedside walls, narrow returns and compact grouped displays.
Medium
Balanced presence
12 × 15 or 12 × 18 inches
A versatile solo size for hallways, home offices, dining corners and smaller furniture.
Large
Clear focal point
16 × 20 or 16 × 24 inches
Creates more impact alone and gives a paired arrangement greater visual weight.
Protect the composition
Aspect ratio
matters.
An aspect ratio describes the shape of an image. Matching the print and frame ratio keeps the full composition visible without accidental cropping.
- 4:5
- 8 × 10, 12 × 15 and 16 × 20 inches
- 2:3
- 8 × 12, 12 × 18 and 16 × 24 inches
- A-series
- A4, A3 and A2 share the same proportion and scale neatly together
Always use the size selector and description on the individual Etsy listing as the final authority; not every artwork is offered in every format.
Before ordering
Measure once.
Preview twice.
-
01
Measure the clear wall area
Exclude switches, lamps, doors and anything that interrupts the view.
-
02
Include the finished frame
A mount and frame can make the displayed piece noticeably larger than the print.
-
03
Mark the outline
Use low-tack tape or a paper template to view the scale from across the room.
-
04
Check the listing
Confirm the selected size, orientation, format and what is included before checkout.
Common questions
A few final
checks.
Should I choose a digital download or a physical print?
Choose digital when you want immediate access and prefer to arrange production. Choose physical when you want a professionally produced print delivered to you.
How large should artwork be above furniture?
There is no single compulsory formula. Compare the total framed width with the furniture below it, then test the outline with tape before ordering.
Can every artwork be printed at every size?
No. Available sizes depend on the artwork's aspect ratio and the options shown on its product listing. Moving to a different ratio may require cropping.
Explore the collection
Find the piece
that fits.
Afterlight is available now as instant digital downloads and professionally produced fine-art prints. Everyday Exhibits arrives next week.