Finding Mr. Right: 10 Tips to Consider When Buying Artwork

There are plenty of fish in the sea, but which one is right for you?

“Flying Osprey,” by Katrina Rumsey, brings serenity into this dining room, where family reminisce about watching the magnificent bird of prey during a fishing trip together. Photo courtesy of Shannon Deppen.

Looking at that blank space, unsure of what would fit well? Luckily, buying the perfect artwork for you is a pinch once you consider the 10 most important aspects of your art.

1. General Likes & Dislikes

What brings you joy? Nobody wants to look at subject matter that they find "blah." Think about what picks you up in your everyday life. Do you have hobbies that you want to incorporate further into your space? Music, plants, games, animals, family, or travel can all be great inspiration for your artwork.

2. Existing Decor & Style

A space can feel disjointed with artwork that competes with your existing decorations. Consider the general color palette (more on that below), the function of the space, and any additional accents or trinkets you want to add to the area. Examine the general shapes, lines, and details in your furniture. Does your room have a lot of sharp edges? Look for a flowy, organic piece of art to bring balance to your space, or really lean into those geometric shapes for more emphasis on clean lines.

3. Color Palette

The right art for your room usually includes similar colors to the furniture, accents, rugs, and existing artwork. Pick three or four colors to focus on in your decor, guided by proportions of 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color if you want your space to feel curated. Sometimes, your new artwork can inspire a color palette, and you'll get to rearrange or redecorate! Having a cohesive color scheme will give your room purpose and clarity.

4. Audience

Not all art is for everyone, and that's okay. What's important is that it works for the audience you anticipate. Nude artwork in a kitchen may be jarring for more conservative art lovers, but may be acceptable in a bathroom, bedroom, or in some cases, a living room. Office settings usually aim to appear professional with artwork that reflects company values, especially if the artwork will be displayed publicly. Children's spaces tend to call for lighter subject matter, fictional characters, and nature scenes.

5. Artist

It may be important to you that you know the artist behind the work. Look into their story, inspiration, and other work. Do their values align with yours? Are you interested in their artistic process? Many artists produce artwork that pairs well together, which is especially helpful if you are creating a gallery wall or want multiple spaces to speak to each other.

6. Size

Measure your space before looking for your artwork. Large scale artwork can make small rooms feel larger, while smaller pieces can be perfect for cubbies, narrow wall spaces, and gallery walls. Unframed stretched canvases may stick out from the wall more, and depth will need to be taken into account. If you're planning to frame your artwork, consider the additional space that a mat will need. Generally, a mat should be 1.5 to two times the width of your frame so that the artwork does not appear to be stuffed into the frame. Most mats will therefore be two to four inches wide. If, after measuring and looking for art, you're still unsure of a fit, use painter's tape on your wall to visualize better.

7. Texture

Varying patterns and textures in a room can add dimension and interest to an otherwise bland space. Many monochromatic designs highlight the importance of texture. Artwork can show texture in tactile (ex: thick paint) or visual (ex: fur in a photograph or drawing) ways. Perhaps your artwork will be a textural focal point, or the rest of the room contains enough texture, and you need something simple to take up some wall space.

8. Quality

How well is the artwork constructed? Will it last as long as you feel your investment ought to? Pay attention to the materials used, the preservation techniques used, and the artist's care. Poorly constructed artwork can quickly deteriorate, especially in the wrong environment.

9. Budget

Artwork is a valuable investment. How much are you able and willing to pay for something you will likely see every day? Take your current financial and living situation into account. Less permanent spaces such as a college dorm or growing child's room are great candidates for prints, small artwork, and cost effective decor. However, a more permanent focal point in a home or office can dictate a larger investment. Let's say you purchase a painting worth $1,500. The average person redecorates their home every three to five years, so if three years go by and you want to switch things up a bit, by the end of the 1,095 days, your artwork has only cost you $1.37 per day (girl math at its finest!).

10. Mood

What do you feel (or want to feel) in this space? Artwork can increase your dopamine, leading to greater sensations of peace, happiness, and comfort. Take note of your initial reaction to a piece of work, and make your decision accordingly. The right art can just speak to you sometimes!

Purchasing artwork can be an exciting process. There are endless possibilities out there, including prints, original work, and custom art. Your space can become even more personalized as you curate the best decor for your space.

Best of luck and happy shopping!