Start with the space you can actually use: the wall between a door, shelf or screen and the next obstruction. A small arrangement is easier to plan when you know its total width before choosing another print. These three paper-only layouts give you exact starting measurements; the 5 cm gaps are examples you can change.
Measure the outside of the finished arrangement
Measure the intended area in centimetres, then sketch it on paper. Check it from the seat or doorway where you will usually see it. For a framed arrangement, make templates from each frame’s outside dimensions, including any mount. The calculations below use the printed paper only: they exclude frames, mounts and hanging hardware. A frame sold for a 6 × 8 inch print can be larger than 15.24 × 20.32 cm.
There is no required gap or universal hanging height in these examples. Keep switches, opening doors and your own line of sight clear. A paper template is a planning tool; use fixings suited to the actual wall and follow the frame and fixing instructions.
1. A row of three small portrait prints
For three 6 × 8 inch portrait sheets, each sheet measures 15.24 × 20.32 cm. With two 5 cm gaps, the paper arrangement is 55.72 cm wide × 20.32 cm high: (3 × 15.24) + (2 × 5) = 55.72 cm. On a 70 cm clear wall section, centring that paper layout leaves (70 − 55.72) ÷ 2 = 7.14 cm per side, before adding frames.
Luminous Forest Poster brings turquoise light and butterflies; Orbital Gateway Poster uses a circular structure and a blue horizon. Both list a 6 × 8 inch vertical option in the checked catalogue. They can fill two positions in a small row alongside a print you already own. Choose the third image after checking its actual size and orientation; the diagram is not a three-product bundle.
2. One larger centre, two smaller sides
An 8 × 10 inch portrait centre is 20.32 × 25.40 cm. Add a 6 × 8 inch portrait sheet on each side and two 5 cm gaps: 20.32 + (2 × 15.24) + 10 = 60.80 cm wide. The centre sets the height at 25.40 cm. Centre the smaller papers vertically by placing each top edge (25.40 − 20.32) ÷ 2 = 2.54 cm below the centre’s top edge.
Orbital Gateway Poster and Luminous Forest Poster both list 8 × 10 inch and 6 × 8 inch vertical options. This lets you compare a larger circular composition with a smaller forest scene without inventing a size option. A third side position can use an existing portrait print. The frame outlines must be measured again before hanging.
3. A compact two-by-two grid
Four 6 × 8 inch portrait papers with one 5 cm gap in each direction occupy 35.48 × 45.64 cm. Width: (2 × 15.24) + 5 = 35.48 cm. Height: (2 × 20.32) + 5 = 45.64 cm. On a 50 cm-wide clear section, this paper layout leaves 7.26 cm per side. Align the outside paper edges first, then replace them with the measured frame outlines.
Check the orientation before matching a theme
The Neon Skyline Poster and Paper Riverside Town Poster examples are horizontal artworks. Their checked options include 8 × 6 inches horizontal, which is 20.32 cm wide × 15.24 cm high. That is not a 6 × 8 inch portrait slot. Use their landscape orientation in a separately measured layout rather than rotating the artwork to make this diagram fit. None of these four selected poster examples currently lists 12 × 18 inches.
Before ordering
- Check the product’s currently selectable size, orientation and paper finish.
- For a frame you already own, check the opening, mount and outside dimensions separately.
- Compare the whole arrangement with the usable wall area, then recheck your template after adding frames.
- Keep the product crop in mind: matching paper sizes do not guarantee the same composition or border.
Use the poster size guide and inch-to-cm calculator for other dimensions, then compare Fine Art, Matte and Semi Glossy paper. For a desk area, see choosing art for a home office.
Further planning reference: IKEA’s picture-wall guide also describes using paper templates. The dimensions, catalogue checks and diagrams here are our own worked examples, not IKEA product or frame specifications.
An AI-assisted buying guide from Burak Basci Shop. Featured artworks are AI-generated; check each product page for current sizes and finishes.