How to Choose Custom Wall Art: Format, Size, Photo Quality, and Ordering

Updated

Choose custom wall art by working in this order: pick the format that fits the room and budget, measure the wall to fix size and orientation, verify the photo will print sharp at that size, then confirm finish, framing, shipping, and the proof before checkout. On Shutterfly, the wall art path starts from the Wall Art and Canvas Prints sections, and canvas prints are also listed under personalized gifts — so the same photo can go on a canvas, a poster, or another print product depending on the look you want.

Step 1: Match the format to the room and budget

Shutterfly's catalog supports several wall art directions. Use this table to narrow the choice before you upload anything:

Format Best for What to check before ordering
Canvas print Living rooms, bedrooms, gallery walls; a photo-forward, frameless look Edge wrap and cropping, since the image wraps around the sides
Poster print Large, low-cost statements; dorm rooms, offices, seasonal swaps Paper weight and whether you'll frame it yourself; Shutterfly lists a separate Poster Prints page
Framed print Hallways, entryways, gifts where a finished look matters Frame style, matting, and whether the frame size matches your measured space
Metal or other specialty prints Modern rooms, kitchens, high-traffic walls Finish and hanging hardware; confirm the product page lists the material you want
Photo book or album (not wall art) Shelf and coffee-table display instead of hanging Whether you actually want it on a wall — albums are a different display decision

Shutterfly's site signals a premium tier for some products (for example, Premium Flush Mount Albums and a Premium Posters page), so expect format and finish to drive price more than photo count. If budget is the constraint, start with poster or canvas and upgrade the frame later.

Step 2: Measure the wall and set size and orientation

  1. Measure the width and height of the open wall area, not the whole wall.
  2. Subtract space for furniture, light switches, and door swings. A common starting point is art that spans roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture below it — treat that as a guideline, not a rule.
  3. Decide orientation (landscape vs. portrait) from the photo itself. A vertical phone photo usually suits a portrait canvas; a wide landscape shot suits a panorama.
  4. For gallery walls, sketch the arrangement on paper with each piece's dimensions before ordering, and keep consistent spacing between frames.

Write the final size down before you open the designer. Changing size after cropping is the most common reason a print looks wrong on the wall.

Step 3: Check photo quality, cropping, and color

  • Resolution: a print looks sharp when the photo has enough pixels for the chosen size. As a working rule, aim for about 150–300 pixels per inch at final print size; a large canvas needs a much bigger source file than a small framed print. If the designer warns that the image is low-resolution, believe it and pick a smaller size or a different photo.
  • Cropping: canvas wraps and standard print ratios cut off edges. Check the preview at full size and confirm no faces or key details fall outside the safe area.
  • Color: screens are brighter than print. Photos with heavy filters or very saturated skies can print duller or shift; if color accuracy matters, order a small test print first.
  • Sharpness: screenshots, messaging-app copies, and social media downloads are usually too compressed for large wall art. Use the original file from your camera or phone.

Step 4: Compare personalization, framing, and finish

Before checkout, compare the same photo across two or three formats side by side. Ask:

  • Does the product offer the finish I want (wrapped canvas edge, matte vs. glossy poster, frame color)?
  • Is text or a caption part of the design, and is it legible at the chosen size?
  • Does the product include hanging hardware, or do I need to buy it?
  • Is this a gift? If so, does the recipient have wall space and a style that matches the format?

Shutterfly's site also promotes seasonal deals and promo codes (for example, free shipping thresholds and percentage-off promotions with end dates). Codes change often, so check the current offer at checkout rather than assuming a past code still works.

Step 5: Review shipping, promos, and the proof before ordering

  1. Apply any valid promo code and confirm the discount appears in the cart total.
  2. Check the estimated delivery date against the occasion — wall art is often a gift, and production plus shipping time matters.
  3. Review the order preview one final time: size, orientation, crop, and any text.
  4. Confirm the shipping address and the return policy shown for that product before paying. Policies vary by product type, so read the one attached to your item rather than a general page.

Common snags and how to avoid them

  • Art too small for the wall: measure first, then order; a small print on a large wall reads as a mistake.
  • Low-resolution warning ignored: choose a smaller size or a sharper original.
  • Canvas wrap cuts off heads or text: adjust the crop in the designer and re-check the preview.
  • Color disappointment: order a small test print for important pieces.
  • Promo code not applied: enter it in the cart and verify the total changes before submitting.
  • Gift arriving late: check the delivery estimate before choosing expedited shipping, and order early during holiday periods.

If you're still deciding between wall art and another photo product, the same photo can become a canvas, a poster, a framed print, or a photo book — pick the one that matches where it will live and how much you want to spend.