Choosing art for your home is typically one of the last tasks people get to when moving into a new home – I don’t blame you because it can be stressful. In fact, I like to pick out the art last as well – but only when I am buying new furniture and do not know specific dimensions of the rooms. If and have your furniture and have measurements of your wall space, you are one step ahead!
STEP 1: Measuring
The first step in picking out art, is probably the least creative part of the process – MEASURING! It is very important to know the space you have to work with, as well as the amount of space you intend on your artwork taking up. Once you have your ideal art sizes, I love to cut up a piece of packing paper to the exact size and taping it to the wall to help visualize the size of the art. Another way to do this is to make light pencil marks on your wall or apply construction tape to your measured size.
STEP 2: Determine Budget
I think this may be the most obvious step, but it is important to know that artwork prices range significantly. You could hire a personal art consultant (yeah right!), look for decor at local stores, or turn to online shopping. Here are some of my favorite places to look for art based on your budget! Note that most expensive (think art gallery worthy) artwork is not available online. Also take into consideration how many pieces you are buying! If you plan on creating a gallery wall, consider 1 mid-range piece and let the others be more cost friendly.
$ Budget:
- Target
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Urban Outfitters
$$ Budget:
- Art.com
- Minted
- Wayfair
- West Elm
- Pottery Barn
- Cost Plus World Market
$$$ Budget:
*I don’t typically advise on this unless you want an investment piece*
- One Kings Lane
- Art Gallery (in person)
STEP 3: Start Shopping
In my opinion, in-person shopping is the best way to go if you are not picky! It allows you to see the exact color of the art (in direct and indirect sunlight), compare to a paint or fabric swatch, and compare side by side with other pieces.
However, when you are looking online there is WAY MORE to choose from. As long as you already have your measurements ready, online is a great option!
Filter through the artwork by size first. The amount of times I have not done this and ended up heartbroken because the picture I wanted did not come in the size I needed… too many times. Once everything is filtered, explore all the options! Go through neutrals, bold colors, textured pieces, diptychs, etc.
STEP 4: Create A Mockup
My favorite way to visualize my space is using Canva. I open a blank document, and then begin uploading my images. I choose a iPhone picture of the blank space (i.e my blank wall behind my bed) and then start adding in screenshots of the potential artwork. Size the screenshot to be about the right dimensions and start playing!
STEP 5: Purchase
Your final step is to hit purchase! Make sure to keep all digital receipts in case you need to return anything.
I will go into hanging your art once mine arrives!
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