Art Shopping - What You Need To Know

Buying art can be one very stressful experience, especially if you are not sure if the art piece will match nicely with the décor of the house. Getting art that doesn’t suit its surroundings will certainly make it look out of place, and will most definitely find its way into the storeroom in no time. This article will highlight some basic pointers to look out for when buying art, so as to avoid unnecessary disappointment.


1. Location

Identify a wall where you might want to hang the art. It can be quite challenging to find suitable space to hang art - even more so if the wall is already decorated with art pieces. Remember that you don’t have to buy a very large piece that occupies the entire wall. You can have a small print that can share the wall space with other pieces that are already there. You just need to pay attention to the theme of those art pieces. For example, if those pieces are black and white pictures of architectural buildings, then you have a pretty good idea on the type of art to buy that will match nicely with the others.


2. Color

A rule of thumb is to take note of the 2 strongest colors in the room, and then choose art that has those colors in them. For example, if the room has a lot of brown and beige, you can find art that has these 2 colors in them, but it’s ok to have an additional splash of red or yellow in it. After all, you want the art piece to stand out and tell a story, so don’t pick something that blends so well until it becomes un-noticeable.


3. Decor Style

It is important to find art that will match the décor of your home. If the house has a Victorian style to it or has a lot of old antiques, pick something that will match closely with that style. Floral themed paintings or scenes of the countryside can never go wrong. Protect it with an antique styled frame that will add a nice old charmed look. Remember that the frame you choose is also part of the art, so do not ignore it. A frame with intricate details and carvings will work nicely with a Victorian or old cottage house.


4. Size

If you intend to purchase a large art piece, make sure there's enough wall space to put it. It may seem common sense, but coming from an interior design point of view, large pieces are more suitable for rooms with a lot of space and have high ceilings. In a small space, large pieces certainly may not be suitable. In this case, get a smaller piece, or better yet, get a set of small, similar themed art pieces that can be grouped together when displayed. Many people make the mistake of buying art that is the wrong size. Make your measurements carefully to avoid heartache later.