Top Tips on How to Purchase Art for Your Home

Decorating your home with art is a sure-shot way to express your personality and style. But when it comes to buying pieces of art, many feel overwhelmed by the variety and price ranges, unsure where to start. Others feel daunted because they think they are not “art experts”. Hey, you don’t need to be a critic to find art that fits your style. So, how to purchase art for your home? 

The key is to expose yourself to a wide range of artwork. Visit local galleries, art fairs, and art walks, or explore online platforms. The more you see, the clearer your preferences become.

Whether you’re hunting for wall art prints, an oil painting, or a unique painting print for your gallery wall, the process can be simpler (and more enjoyable) than you think. So, let’s help you confidently purchase art that speaks to you and transforms your space.

Don’t Be Intimidated: Follow Your Heart

Buying art is personal. It’s not just about trends or market value. It’s about finding something that resonates with you. The best advice we can give you is not to overthink it. Let your taste guide you. If a piece of hanging art makes you smile or sparks an emotional connection, that’s often the best reason to buy it.

Explore Different Sources for Art

Art comes in many forms and venues. Don’t limit yourself to high-end galleries; often, fantastic pieces are waiting to be discovered in smaller studios or through emerging artists.

• Galleries: A gallery wall filled with carefully curated works can be a stunning focal point for any room. Galleries typically feature artists with more established careers and offer investment-grade pieces.
• Artist studios and open studios: Visiting an artist’s studio or attending local open studio events lets you meet the creator behind the work. You can ask questions, understand the story, and often find unique pieces at reasonable prices.
• Online marketplaces: These platforms provide access to an enormous wide range of wall art prints and originals from all over the world, allowing you to filter by style, color, size, and price.

Understand Pricing and Value

One common question: How much should art cost? Well, the price varies widely depending on the artist’s reputation, the medium (think oil painting versus prints), size, and market demand. It’s a dynamic market influenced by trends and sometimes even celebrity endorsements.

To get a handle on pricing:

• Visit galleries and take note of price ranges.
• Compare prices between galleries and local art fairs or open studios. Often, you can find beautiful original works at more accessible prices outside galleries.
• Research artist backgrounds and verify authenticity if you’re investing in costly pieces.

The more you explore, the more intuitive understanding you’ll gain about what you’re willing to pay for quality pieces of art.

Choose Art That Tells Your Story

When selecting hanging art for your home, look beyond decoration. The best pieces speak to who you are. Imagine the feeling you get when you walk into your living room and see your selected artwork hanging on the wall. Does it inspire you? Comfort you? Reflect your taste?

Your future gallery wall or chosen oil painting should give you joy every day. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes, subtle prints or serene painting prints bring the most calm and happiness. Art is personal, so pick pieces you can see yourself living with and proudly sharing with friends and family.

Mix and Match for a Dynamic Gallery Wall

If you’re unsure about committing to one large oil painting or piece of art, consider creating a gallery wall. This is a stylish way to display multiple wall art prints and paintings that complement each other.

Here are some tips:

• Mix mediums and types of arts, such as framed prints, paintings, and photographs.
• Use various frame styles and sizes for visual interest.
• Plan your layout using paper templates on the wall before hanging art.

A gallery wall creates a custom, dynamic statement and allows you to showcase art that evolves with your taste over time.

Practical Tips for Hanging Art

Once you’ve chosen your artwork, proper placement is key:

• Hang pieces at eye level for the best viewing experience.
• Consider the room’s lighting. Natural or well-placed artificial light enhances the visual appeal of your wall art.
• Use quality hanging hardware. This keeps your investment secure and prevents damage to the art or the wall.

Remember, your art should blend harmoniously with your home’s decor, adding warmth and personality.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing art for your home is about discovering what feels right for you. By exposing yourself to a wide range of options, learning about pricing, and choosing pieces that tell your story, you’ll find the process both fun and fulfilling. Whether it’s a bold oil painting, an exquisite painting print, or a vibrant gallery wall, the right art transforms your house into a home.

So go ahead, explore, trust your instincts, and enjoy curating your perfect collection of hanging art.

Written by Billy Guteng. November 21, 2014

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.