Maybe it stems from our days at the traditional photo lab (before digital cameras and the home ink jet printer), where production of 4x6 inch prints were the norm, but somewhere along the line we were conditioned to think of an 8x10 photograph as "large."
Needless to say, times have changed and the idea of hanging an 8x10 print--even if matted and framed--on the wall is tantamount to sticking a postage stamp on it! Better suited for tabletop or desk displays, anything 8x10 or less should be seen as a "gift print" aka small, or to put it in Starbucks speak: a tall.
When considering wall displays, think grande--not tall. This may be anything from an 11x14 to 20x24. Although, I would caution that even an 11x14 requires matting and framing to approach a finished size closer to 16x20, especially if intended for hanging as a solitary image. This, however, should not be interpreted to mean alone. I am a big fan of wall and mantle groupings. These may include: mirrors, signs (as seen here) and small architectural elements. When done well, such displays create a remarkable focal point for any room. The sample above simply and elegantly features two 16x20 canvas gallery wraps by TRR Photography with a small plaque/sign for added warmth. Note: This was done in a small space.
More often than not, modern homes feature high vaulted ceilings or walls that actually "break" the second floor to reveal the living space above. These spaces call for a "venti"! To translate, that means 24x30 or larger. In fact, most professional labs today routinely produce pieces as large as 30x45.
I, however, am not telling you anything new. After all, if you were to purchase any other genre of art to display on a wall in your home, odds are it would not be 8x10. So, why would you ever hang an 8x10 photographic print? I'm just sayin', it's time to rethink our notion of "large."
- Tammy
P.S. - Thank you Shauna Mama for allowing me to share your display with my readers.
