Art prints and posters do more than fill a blank wall. They set the tone of a room, carry your taste, and make spaces feel considered. This guide explains how to choose the right wall art, what print quality actually means, which papers last, and how to size and frame for a clean result. It is written for anyone comparing art prints and posters online and seeking clear answers before making a purchase. Below the article, you can find a curated selection of gallery walls where you can choose your favorite art prints and shop the look. Let's get started!
What is the best paper for art prints?
Look for heavyweight, acid-free fine art paper with a thickness of around 200–300 g/m², featuring a matte, lightly textured surface that enhances color depth and provides soft highlights. Many premium posters use 265 g natural art paper with a matte, uncoated finish that holds pigment beautifully.
What is a giclée print?
A giclée is a fine-art inkjet print produced with archival pigment inks on high-quality, acid-free papers, known for a wide color range and longevity.  
Do mats matter
Yes. Acid-free, museum-quality mats help protect prints and preserve their colors accurately over time.
How to choose wall art by room?
Match mood to function, and you avoid impulse buys that do not land once framed.
Living room wall art
Anchor the room with one larger piece above the sofa or a measured gallery wall. Abstract art prints, architectural posters, and photography prints read clearly from a distance.
Bedroom wall art
Choose a softer palette and matte surfaces. Nature motifs, minimal line drawings, and graphic forms in muted tones support rest.
Dining and kitchen posters
Food and drink themes, vintage typography, and botanical prints bring warmth and a sense of rhythm. Keep glare down with matte paper.
Hallways and entries
Use vertical formats or a neat row of medium prints to create flow. Photography works well here.
Kids’ rooms
Playful illustration, educational posters, and bright shapes. Select durable frames and hang them lower for improved visibility.
Style map: Find your lane fast
- Abstract art prints for movement and depth
- Photography posters for atmosphere and focus
- Botanical and nature wall art for calm, organic balance
- Typography and quote posters for a clean, graphic voice
- Vintage and retro prints for warmth and memory
- Contemporary fine art prints and limited editions for a curated look
Use this as a shortlist, then refine by color family and scale.
Quality that shows when framed
When shoppers ask us why one poster costs more than another, the answer is usually related to the cost of paper, ink, and the printing process.
1. Paper weight and surface
Heavier, acid-free art papers resist warping, hold pigment within the fibers, and provide a rich, matte finish. A premium specification is 265 g of natural art paper, matte and lightly textured, which produces vivid yet elegant colors.
2. Giclée printing with pigment inks
Pigment-based giclée printing delivers high color stability and fine gradation, unlike dye-based quick prints that can fade faster.
3. Archival choices around the frame
Use acid-free mats and backings to protect edges and keep whites clean over time.
Many high-end posters today, like the ones we sell at That Cool Living, are printed to order on heavyweight matte stock to reduce waste and ensure fresh, consistent quality.
Poster sizing that looks right the first time
- Above a 3-seat sofa, aim for a single print 70–100 cm wide or a pair that spans about two-thirds of the sofa width.
- Over a console, use two or three medium prints in a tight row with equal spacing.
- In hallways, go vertical or stack two frames of the same size.
- For a gallery wall, pick one visual anchor, then build out with smaller sizes, keeping 3–5 cm gaps.
Tape paper templates to the wall before you buy. It saves returns and guesswork.
Framing and finish
- Black frame for contrast and a modern line
- Natural oak for warmth and Scandinavian character
- White frame for a clean, gallery feel
- No-glare acrylic to keep reflections low in bright rooms
- Passepartout in off-white or a gentle color when you want breathing space around the artwork. Choose acid-free, museum-quality mats.
How to build a collection over time
Start with one piece that sets the palette. Add complementary prints each season. Mix media within a theme, for example, abstract forms plus a soft botanical, or a monochrome photograph with a single color accent. Rotate works yearly to keep rooms fresh without the need for constant redecorating.
Care, longevity, and sustainability
- Hang away from direct, harsh sunlight.
- Use archival materials and maintain a stable humidity level.
- Prefer made-to-order printing to reduce overproduction and to receive a fresh print.
- Choose acid-free mats and backing boards to protect edges and color.
Gift ideas that work
A framed art print for a new home, a set of small posters for a study, or a gift card when taste is hard to guess. Art prints are an excellent gift for someone moving into a new home or for someone who needs a fresh perspective in a familiar space.
(FAQ)Frequently asked questions about art prints:
What is the difference between an art print and a poster?
In practice, the terms overlap. Many of today’s best “posters” are fine-art giclée prints on heavyweight, acid-free paper using pigment inks. Expect richer color, finer detail, and better longevity than light, glossy posters.
What paper weight should I look for?
Anything from 200 to 300 g/m² feels substantial. 265 g matte, uncoated, lightly textured papers are widely used for premium results
Do giclée prints fade?
All prints can fade under harsh light, but pigment-based giclée prints on acid-free paper are designed for stability. Frame with UV-filter glazing and keep out of direct sun for best results.
How do I choose the right poster size?
Measure the wall, mock up with painter’s tape, and use the two-thirds rule over sofas and beds. Buy one size larger than your first instinct if the room is big.
