Ask Joshua: How Large Should Artwork Be Above a Buffet or Sideboard?

Hi Joshua,

My husband and I recently purchased a new buffet for our dining room, and now I'm struggling to figure out what to hang above it. Every piece of artwork I look at seems either too small or much larger than I expected. I've even brought home a few pieces and leaned them against the wall to test them out, but nothing looks quite right.

I've searched online for advice, but I've found so many different opinions that I'm more confused than when I started. Some people say artwork should be nearly as wide as the buffet, while others recommend something much smaller. I've also wondered whether a gallery wall might work better than a single large piece.

Is there a general rule for how large artwork should be above a buffet or sideboard? I'd love to create a polished, well-balanced look, but I'm worried about choosing something that's either too overwhelming or too small for the space.

Thank you,

Karen - Raleigh, North Carolina

California Casual style dining room designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., AI rendering created from Joshua's original 2D design concept.

Hi Karen,

Artwork above a buffet or sideboard can make a huge difference in how finished a dining room feels, but getting the size right is often where homeowners get stuck.

In general, I recommend choosing artwork that is approximately two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the buffet below it. This creates a visual relationship between the two pieces and helps the wall feel balanced. If the artwork is too narrow, it can look like it was added as an afterthought. If it is significantly wider than the buffet, it can overwhelm the furniture and throw off the proportions of the room.

The placement of the artwork matters just as much as the size. I typically suggest leaving about 6 to 10 inches between the top of the buffet and the bottom of the artwork. This keeps the artwork visually connected to the furniture while still leaving room for decorative accessories such as lamps, vases, or seasonal décor.

If you're deciding between one large piece and several smaller pieces, there isn't a right or wrong answer. A single large piece often creates a cleaner, more dramatic look, while a gallery wall can add personality and tell more of a story. When using multiple pieces, think of the entire arrangement as one composition and use the overall width when judging scale.

You also don't have to limit yourself to artwork. Mirrors, framed photography, architectural prints, and even dimensional wall pieces can work beautifully above a buffet, depending on the style of the room.

When I'm helping clients make this decision, I usually encourage them to focus less on finding a specific measurement and more on achieving the right sense of proportion. A dining room should feel comfortable and inviting, and the artwork should support the furniture below it rather than compete with it.

If you're standing in a store or scrolling online and debating between two sizes, the larger option is often the one that looks more intentional once it is on the wall.

Warmly,

Joshua Jones

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