Filling Your Home with Art Isn’t as Complicated as You May Think 

Photo: Jonny Caspari

Artwork brings your space to life, adding character and a sense of self to your home, not to mention that it’s memorable to look at. Still, knowing how to pair or curate an art collection at home can be somewhat intimidating, as you can’t just pick a spot and get your hammer and nails ready. To spruce up your interiors (and increase your home’s value), a well-chosen piece of art will do the trick. Decorating with art is difficult but not complex…and it can be an enjoyable process. 

It’s nice to have something that can effortlessly bring life back into the room. So what if you haven’t met the artist in person? You can gaze at the brush strokes or marks on the work, both powerful reminders of the person behind it – art needs witnesses. With so many pieces to choose from, it can be hard to make a choice (and stick to it). If you want to create a uniquely personal display, say no more. Here are the main considerations to focus on. 

Think About Art from The Very Get-Go 

Art is a very powerful tool because it sets the tone for everything else. So it should come first. Art shouldn’t be an afterthought when decorating your home, which is why you must think about how you want your place to feel without neglecting that preferences are deeply personal. They just are, by and large. If you want to enjoy the same painting in different sizes, prints let you get the most out of art. There are large inventories in more realistic price ranges online, so figure out what you can comfortably afford to spend on art without straining your finances. 

Online art stores have a wide array of fine art prints for sale that use top-quality ink, and they give you the chance to see the details of the prints, so you’ll be proud to hang them in your home. It’s a less intimidating place to set forth on your collection journey than galleries. 

Designing a room around an artwork will make you think twice about what you want. Will the room be one of rest and relaxation? Or do you want to feel energised? Maybe neither. You want to support an artist you love in their creative endeavours, which is monetary; sometimes, it’s the smallest gesture that sticks with them over time. Make decisions wisely (or don’t make them at all) since the quality of your life is the quality of your decisions. Integrate art from day one and review the design you’re looking at in the context of art. 

Be Mindful of Scale When Selecting Works of Art 

You can look at a piece of art and fall in love with it because it mirrors everything that moves or inspires us, sending shivers down the spine. An artwork rewards you with exquisite detail, lovely texture, and a sense of awe – it speaks to you. Yet, you must pay attention to scale and proportion when selecting works of art; it’s an issue which everyone has to think about (at one time or another). The last thing you want to do is buy art that’s too big and/or not the right size. While a large painting can catch your eye in a gallery, it may not be a great purchase for a small wall at home. 

If you don’t work with an interior designer, knowing what size art to buy can be tricky, to say the least. As a rule, choose a piece of art that’s ½-¾ the width of the wall if you’re going to hang it over the bed, couch, or other furniture; no matter your budget, you will find something to suit you. The fine art market continues to make millions, so the print you buy now to match your sofa (or your room, for that matter) will increase in worth, proof that it stands the test of time.  

Shop For Art Online but Research In-Person  

Art is a silent yet profound dialogue that goes above and beyond words, speaking to your senses and emotions. You can buy pretty much everything online these days, including works of art, and nothing beats the Internet shopping experience, which will always have an additional value. You can buy the best pieces, know more about the artist, and ensure the quality of the work. Online shopping platforms democratise the experience, providing access without having to jump through the hoops to collect or purchase artwork. Online galleries often have art advisors who can guide you through the process, which is particularly beneficial if you’re a novice and don’t have the faintest idea of what to buy. 

Unless you live in a big city, there might not be so many art galleries close by, since smaller towns aren’t considered art hubs. Even if there are galleries, the number of works of art on display is limited to local artists or specific genres, which basically means you can only access a few styles and artists. You don’t need an art degree or highbrow credentials to make the most of online shopping, so just bite off a little piece and enjoy. Prices can vary (you can afford it just the same) but don’t forget about sales tax and shipping, especially if you’re buying out of state, besides the hammer price. 

Be Ready to Hang Your Art the Right Way 

Well-chosen pieces of art can take your home décor to the next level, but if you don’t actually know how to hang them, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a sticky situation. While many applaud design rule breakers, some mistakes don’t make your home seem rebellious… So instead of ordering a fine art print and letting it sit in the corner of the room for months on end, you’d better frame and hang it on the wall – the right way, of course. Opt for an art hanging hook to protect the piece from any falls or potential damage. 

It seems so trivial, but even a piece of art hung a few inches way too high can throw off the scale of the room or make it feel like it’s lacking something. Think about how high the ceiling is because, sadly, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Now, put all your art on display to make your home a more enjoyable and comforting place to spend time in, whether you live in a condo or country cottage.