Printable wall art: what it is and how to print it

Quick answer: printable wall art is a digital art file you buy once, download, and print yourself at home, at a local print shop or online. It is one of the most affordable ways to decorate, because you only pay for the design and you can print it in the size you need. For the best result, use matte paper, print at the size the file was made for, and put it in a simple frame.

If you have ever looked at a framed print and thought "I love it, but not at that price," printable art is for you. Here is what it is, how it works, and how to get a print that looks store bought.

What is printable wall art?

Printable wall art (also called digital prints or instant downloads) is artwork sold as a high resolution file instead of a physical poster. You buy it, download it, and print it wherever you like.

Good printable files come in several ratios so they fit standard frames. Our poster downloads, for example, include 2:3 (4x6 up to 24x36 inches), 4:5 (4x5 up to 16x20), 5x7, 11x14 and ISO sizes from A5 to A1, plus a guide that shows which file to use for each size.

Because there is no shipping and no waiting, you can have new art on the wall the same day. And if you buy a bundle, you get dozens or even hundreds of designs for the price of one framed print.

Why printable art is so affordable

With a physical print, you pay for the art, the paper, the printing, the packaging and the shipping. With a printable, you only pay for the art. Printing a 16x20 at a print shop usually costs less than the frame.

Bundles make it even better. A set like the vintage print bundle gives you a huge library of matching designs, so you can fill a gallery wall today and change the art every season without buying again. Sets like the black and white leopard wall art set give you a ready-made group that already looks good together.

How to print wall art: home, print shop or online

At home. Fine for small sizes like 5x7 and 8x10. Use the highest quality setting and heavy matte paper. Most home printers leave a thin white border, which a frame mat can hide.

At a local print shop or photo counter. The best choice for most people. Ask for a matte or lustre finish for art, and bring the file on a USB stick or upload it from your computer. Sizes up to 24x36 are usually easy and quick.

Online print service. Upload the file, choose a size and paper, and get it delivered. Good for very large prints.

Let us print it. If you would rather skip all of this, many of our designs have a Print & Ship option on the design page. We print it as a poster, framed print or canvas and ship it to you.

Tips for a print that looks expensive

• Download the files on a computer, not a phone. Phones can compress images.
• Use the file made for your exact ratio, so nothing gets cropped or stretched.
• Choose matte or fine art paper for paintings and vintage art. Gloss can look cheap and reflects light.
• Thicker paper looks better and stays flat in the frame.
• Add a mat. A white or cream mat makes even a small print feel like gallery art.
• Simple frames win: thin black, natural wood or a soft brass.
• Keep the same frames and swap the prints by season. It is the cheapest decor upgrade there is.

Where to use printable wall art

Printables are perfect for spots where you want to change things often. A coffee corner with a fun print like the club coffee poster. A dorm or first apartment with bold newspaper prints like What If It All Works Out. A seasonal wall that goes from fall harvest scenes to Christmas, like the ideas in our Thanksgiving decor guide.

They are also the easiest way to build a gallery wall, because you can print test sizes first. Our gallery wall ideas walk you through the layout.

Have a TV with an art mode? Digital art works there too, no printing needed. TV art files are made at 3840x2160 for a sharp picture. See our TV art collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is printable wall art good quality?

Yes, when the files are high resolution and made for the size you print. Use matte paper and a print shop for large sizes, and it will look like any store bought print.

What size should I print my wall art?

Measure your frame first, then pick the file with the matching ratio. Common sizes are 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 and 24x36 inches.

Can I print wall art at home?

Yes, for sizes up to about 8x10 or 8.5x11. For anything bigger, a print shop or online printer gives a better, borderless result.

What paper is best for printable art?

Matte or fine art paper, at least 200 gsm if you can. It looks soft and natural and does not reflect light like glossy paper.

Can I print the same file more than once?

Yes, for your own home. Many people print a design again in a new size, or replace a print that faded in the sun.

Browse all our designs in the Lumior Art shop and find your next print.