The best way to buy art on a budget
Any of the following sound familiar? You see (OK, covet) some artwork on a gallery wall somewhere (most likely on Instagram) and wonder why it works so well in the space, where they found this seemingly unique piece and how you can emulate it – and all without spending a fortune? Turns out, it's actually much more doable than you might have thought – you just need to know where to start. So if your idea of an easy update is nabbing some wall art, you've come to the right place.
Before you buy, plan…
First things first, it's all about prep. So narrow down what you’re looking for – identify what pieces you’re drawn to, whether it’s artsy abstracts, minimalistic line drawings or bold typographic prints. You don't need us to tell you that art is about personal taste and instinct, but once you've acknowledged what you want, there’s the scope to completely set the tone of a room.
Pairs of botanical drawings sit prettily above bedside tables with soothing symmetry, while large, vibrant singular prints in a room instantly draws your eye. If you’re considering building a gallery wall, choose one work to act as a focal point and get creative from there.
When you shop, experiment…
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when you’re hunting for pieces for your wall. Textiles can be an inexpensive choice; printed silk handkerchiefs are chic mounted in a simple glass frame, while a large wall hanging looks simple yet striking when hung solo on a blank expanse of wall. Just be sure to measure your space and read the dimensions of any piece you're considering before buying. Masking tape will be invaluable for mocking up the size of a print and assessing whether it's the right fit for your space.
Once you've purchased, hang (artfully)…
OK, so you're the proud owner of something beautiful, but just how do you display it to its best? The universal view is that pieces should be hung at eye level – this is the way art galleries and museums display their wares – but it’s your home and there are no hard and fast rules and when it comes to creating a gallery wall. The best way to plan a gallery wall is to clear a space on your floor to play around with the layout of your chosen pieces until you settle on the one that feels just right. If you struggle to commit to a layout, a picture ledge is a good option for display, allowing you to swap your pieces on show in an instant without the hassle of hanging. See! It's easy when you know how.
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