diff --git a/beetsplug/embedart.py b/beetsplug/embedart.py
index 9ff4bf165..ecdf57d66 100644
--- a/beetsplug/embedart.py
+++ b/beetsplug/embedart.py
@@ -88,7 +88,8 @@ class EmbedCoverArtPlugin(BeetsPlugin):
                                       help='image output file')
 
         def extract_func(lib, opts, args):
-            outpath = normpath(opts.outpath or 'cover')
+            outpath = normpath(opts.outpath or (config['art_filename'].get()
+                                                or 'cover'))
             item = lib.items(decargs(args)).get()
             self.extract(outpath, item)
         extract_cmd.func = extract_func
diff --git a/docs/plugins/embedart.rst b/docs/plugins/embedart.rst
index bf99c3873..273046979 100644
--- a/docs/plugins/embedart.rst
+++ b/docs/plugins/embedart.rst
@@ -80,8 +80,9 @@ embedded album art:
 * ``beet extractart [-o FILE] QUERY``: extracts the image from an item matching
   the query and stores it in a file. You can specify the destination file using
   the ``-o`` option, but leave off the extension: it will be chosen
-  automatically. The destination filename defaults to ``cover`` if it's not
-  specified.
+  automatically. The destination filename is specified using the
+  ``art_filename`` configuration option. It defaults to ``cover`` if it's not
+  specified via ``-o`` nor the config.
 
 * ``beet clearart QUERY``: removes all embedded images from all items matching
   the query. (Use with caution!)