How to Display Art Prints in a Small Space

Ever feel like your art prints are just too big for your little space? You’re not alone! It’s a common challenge to figure out how to display art prints in a small space without making the room feel like a cluttered gallery. Whether you’re working with iconic song lyrics, funny quotes, or sports moments, I’ve learned that it is totally possible to make art work in even the tiniest of rooms.

In this post, I’ll share some tricks and ideas for displaying your art prints in small spaces, whether you’re in a tiny flat, a cramped bedroom, or just have limited wall space. By the end of this, you’ll have a few fresh ideas to make your space feel bigger, brighter, and full of personality.

Table Of Contents

Maximising Wall Space
Mixing and Matching Prints
Frame Matters: The Simple Power of Frames
Going Vertical: Utilising Narrow Walls
Shelves for Flexibility
Use Art as a Focal Point
Sometimes Less is More
Conclusion
FAQ
FURTHER READING….
A Few of Our Products…

'Foxy Lady, You Look So Good' print. Yellow background with the words in a orange to brown dot matrix-style font. Jimi Hendrix-inspired music lyric wall art. Colour Combo 8. On white brick apartment wall. MaadWeb.

Maximising Wall Space

First things first, your walls are your best friend when it comes to small spaces. But if you’re feeling like there’s hardly any wall left to hang your prints, trust me, there’s always room. I remember moving into my university halls of residence – walls that seemed so small I thought I wouldn’t be able to fit a single print. But once I started thinking about the walls differently, everything clicked.

Start by looking for walls you’re not using. The space above your bed or sofa is a prime spot, but don’t be afraid to use corridors or even behind doors. If you’ve got a narrow space, you can make a great feature out of it with a long, vertical line of prints. For example, stack a few smaller prints – maybe a sports print, a cheeky quote, and a cool music lyric print – all together. The key is to use what you have, even if it’s just a sliver of space.

Mixing and Matching Prints

Now, I know some people love to keep things neat and uniform, but honestly, a small space is the perfect opportunity to mix things up. Think about it: whether you’ve got song lyrics, funny quotes, or your favourite football team’s moments frozen in time, your art should reflect you. In small spaces, it’s easy to play with styles, so feel free to mix framed prints in different shapes and sizes.

A couple of years ago, I decorated a corner of my living room with a blend of retro pop prints (think Oasis vinyl sleeves) and more serious stuff like a framed lyric print from an ’80’s band. The whole space felt alive, and it was me. The key is to find some common thread between your pieces, whether it’s a colour scheme, a theme, or just the energy they bring to the room.

'Heatwave in the Cold North' print. Pink and yellow with 'there's a' (top), 'in the cold north' (bottom) in pink, 'HEATWAVE' over three lines in large text in pink in the middle - a sunshine in the centre. On desk with plant. Colour Combo 4. MaadWeb.

'Hips Don't Lie' Print. Off-white with a black silhouette with hands on hips and the words 'My Hips Don't Lie' in multi colour across the body shape. Shakira inspired music wall art. Colour Combo 8. On workshop wall. MaadWeb.

Frame Matters: The Simple Power of Frames

Here’s a little tip: don’t underestimate the power of the frame. The right frame can turn your prints from “meh” to “wow.” I made the mistake early on of buying cheap frames that didn’t really do my artwork justice (but don’t get me wrong, some cheap frames can be great, it’s just that the ones I bought….weren’t). A few months later, I invested in some sleek, black frames, and let me tell you, it completely changed the vibe.

For a small space, I always recommend keeping things simple with neutral frames – black, white, or natural wood. You don’t want the frame to compete with the art itself, but rather to let the print pop. But if your art is quirky (and who’s isn’t?), feel free to get creative with fun, bold frames that complement the tone of your prints.

'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor' Print. Pink with a subtle disco ball and the words 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor' in blue, yellow and purple with a black shadow. In busy bedroom. Colour combo 7. MaadWeb.

Going Vertical: Utilising Narrow Walls

So you’ve got this narrow hallway, or a tiny patch of wall between a window and a door? Don’t panic. Small spaces like this can actually be perfect for creating striking vertical displays. A vertical arrangement of prints can make the room feel taller, plus it’s a great way to highlight your favourite pieces.

I’ve seen this done beautifully with prints stacked like a totem pole on a narrow wall, with one larger piece at the top and a couple of smaller ones below. Don’t worry about it looking too crowded – just make sure to leave enough space between each print to let them breathe. It’s all about balance.

'Heavyweight Champion of the World' print. Yellow with 'Heavyweight Champion of the World' in orange block font with brown shadow on an angle giving a 3D effect. Colour combo 6. On apartment wall. MaadWeb.

Shelves for Flexibility

Here’s a game-changer: floating shelves. They’re a lifesaver when you’re working with limited space, and they allow you to display art prints without permanently fixing them to the wall. Plus, it’s great for when you want to mix things up from time to time. I’ve got a shelf above my desk where I keep my favourite prints stacked—a Rick Astley print, a fun ‘Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow’ lyric, and a framed Coventry City chant.

The beauty of shelves is that you can change up your art whenever the mood strikes. You’re not stuck with one look, and you don’t have to deal with the hassle of re-hanging things. If you get a shelf that’s a little longer, you can fit more prints, stacking them or layering them on top of one another. It’s an easy way to add flexibility to your space.

'Dakota' Print. Off-white background with the word 'Dakota' in alternating blue and red letters, and 'You Make me feel like the one' in blue. Stereophonics 'Dakota'-inspired music lyric wall art. Colour Combo 1. On living room wall. MaadWeb.

Use Art as a Focal Point

Sometimes in a small room, it’s all about creating a focal point. If everything in the room is competing for attention, it can feel a bit cramped. But if you place a large print, say, a big ‘One Day Like This’ lyric from Elbow or a powerful sports image, on the wall behind your sofa, that becomes the thing your eye is drawn to. Everything else in the room can fall into place around that.

If you’re unsure how high to hang your pieces, experts at Apartment Therapy suggest the ’57-inch rule,’ which keeps the centre of your art at the average human eye level for a balanced look.

One thing I did in my last place was put a large print of one of my favourite Jimi Hendrix tracks as the focal point of the living room. It anchored the whole room and made everything else feel a little more organised. The rest of the space felt more balanced, even though the prints around it were smaller.

'I Know It's Only Rock 'n' Roll But I Like It' print. Top half pink, bottom half blue, with the words 'I Know It's Only... But I like it' in off-white, retro font, and the words 'Rock 'n' Roll' in yellow wavy text across the middle. Colour Combo 8. On kitchen wall. MaadWeb.

Sometimes Less is More

I get it – sometimes you want to fill every inch of your walls with artwork. But in a small space, less really can be more. Think about it: one statement piece can really stand out without overcrowding the room. Maybe it’s a big framed lyric from a song you love, or a vintage sports print you’ve had for years. Sometimes, just having one standout piece in the right spot is all it takes to make your space feel bigger and more relaxed.

In fact, I often recommend having a clean, spacious wall and just one print to focus on, especially if you’re trying to keep things minimal. It’s simple, but it adds such a strong sense of personality to your room without overwhelming it.

Conclusion

In the end, you don’t need a massive gallery to show off your collection; you just need to know how to display art prints in a small space effectively. By using vertical layouts, floating shelves, or even just one bold statement piece, you can transform any cramped corner into a reflection of your personality. Your prints deserve to be seen, so get creative and start hanging!

Don’t let a small space hold you back from filling it with the things you love. Get your prints up on the walls, experiment with different frames, and make the most of your limited space. Your prints deserve a place to shine!

Hopefully, this gives you some fresh ideas on how to make the most of your space and your art collection.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Star wall art. Neon city skyline Oasis lyric print I Live My Life in the City design - On apartment wall

Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!

FAQ

What’s the best way to display art prints when you don’t have much wall space?

Make use of any available wall – above beds, behind doors, in hallways – and think vertically. Stacked prints or gallery-style arrangements can make a big impact without using much space.

Can I mix different types of prints in a small room?

Absolutely! Mixing song lyrics, funny quotes, and sports prints can add personality. Just keep a common thread – like colour or theme – to tie it all together.

Do frames really make a difference in small spaces?

Yes, they do. Clean, simple frames help create a cohesive look without overwhelming the room. A good frame can elevate even the smallest print.

What if I want to change my display often?

Use floating shelves. They’re perfect for displaying prints without fixing them to the wall permanently and let you change up your look whenever you like.

Should I fill every bit of wall space with art?

Not necessarily. Sometimes one bold, well-placed piece can be more effective than lots of smaller ones. In small spaces, less really can be more.