Collector’s guide
How to Measure Your Space for Art
Record wall width and height, furniture dimensions, sockets, lighting and access. Mark the intended outer frame dimensions with low-tack tape and view them from the room’s normal approach.
Make a useful wall record
Measure the usable wall width and height, then record nearby furniture, doors, switches and light fittings. Take a photograph facing the wall as squarely as possible and include a known measurement. A room image without dimensions can help with colour and composition, but it cannot reliably establish scale.
Allow for the full frame and delivery route
Distinguish the artwork’s image size from its sheet, support and outer framed size. Mark the proposed outside frame edges with a temporary template suited to your wall finish. Separately measure doorways, tight turns, lift interiors and stairs. Ask the gallery for packed dimensions if a large work will arrive crated.
Before you decide
- Usable wall width and height, with units
- Furniture position and proposed outer frame edges
- Access measurements and a straight-on photograph