Nursery Wall Art Size Guide: Planning a Set of Three Prints

A set of three nursery prints can bring a room together, but the size on a product page tells you only part of the story. The frame, mat and gaps between pictures all affect how much wall space the finished group needs. A few measurements now make choosing art much easier.

Start with the wall space you actually have

Choose the wall or reading corner you want to decorate and measure its usable width. Note door swings, shelves and any other features that interrupt that space. Then decide whether you want one horizontal row, a vertical column or a smaller grouping.

Three equal frames in a row make a simple, orderly arrangement. A column can suit a narrow wall. Neither layout requires filling every inch: leaving space around the group helps each painting remain distinct.

Print size and frame size are different measurements

An 8 × 10-inch print needs a frame or mat opening intended for that print size. The frame's outside dimensions will be larger. If you add a mat, the outside dimensions may increase further. Read both measurements before buying frames.

Compare like with like when browsing. A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm; it is not the same shape as 8 × 10 inches. An 11 × 14-inch print is also a different proportion from 11 × 17 inches. Choose a frame intended for the exact print dimensions rather than relying on a room photograph.

A simple way to calculate a three-print layout

For three identical frames in one row, use this calculation:

Total group width = (outside frame width × 3) + (gap × 2).

For example, if each frame measures 10 inches across on the outside and you choose 2-inch gaps, the group measures 34 inches wide. If each frame is 13 inches across with the same gaps, the group measures 43 inches. These are layout examples, not the dimensions of frames sold with our prints.

For a vertical arrangement, use the outside frame height in the same calculation. The gap is a design choice, so try a few options before settling on one.

Try paper templates before ordering

1. Choose two possible print sizes and find their intended frames.
2. Cut paper rectangles to the frames' outside dimensions.
3. Lay the rectangles out on the floor, or temporarily position them on the wall using a method suitable for your wall finish.
4. View the arrangement from the doorway and the main seating position.
5. Record the size and spacing you prefer before shopping.

This is particularly helpful when a product photo shows a room with furniture that is a different size from yours. Treat styled photos as inspiration; use your own measurements for the final decision.

Choose three images that have something in common

A shared subject, palette or painting style can tie the group together. You do not need to match every color in the room. Try taking one accent color from the artwork and repeating it in another decorative detail.

For a soft, colorful arrangement, explore our choose-three pastel bird prints. For a woodland theme, our choose-three woodland animal prints offer Fox, Bunny, Bear, Deer, Badger and Raccoon options. Both sets are physical prints made from original watercolor paintings by Romana; frames are sold separately.

Your order checklist

• Confirm the exact print size and matching frame or mat opening.
• Check the outside frame dimensions and total layout width.
• Choose the three designs you want.
• For our choose-three sets, enter those choices in the cart's Order note before checkout.
• Allow for order processing and shipping separately.

Choosing art for someone else? Our baby-shower art gift checklist covers the questions to ask before buying.