7 things to do when buying a new piece of art
Maybe you’re one of the millions of Americans who moved during the pandemic, and found yourself with a new, “blank canvas” of a home to decorate. Or maybe you’re upgrading your early-twenties collection of posters and prints to pieces that reflect your current style. Or maybe you just want to switch artwork pieces around in your home, depending on the season and your mood. (Or perhaps – you’re like me, and all three of these scenarios apply. :) )
If you’re interested in bringing a new piece of artwork home, here’s a few things I recommend doing before you buy.
1. Measure your space. Any easy way to do this is with tape. Mark with painters’ tape on your wall where you want to place your new art and how large your ideal new artwork should be. Do you want to center your new piece over a couch or a bed? Do you want a staggered look coming up your stairs? Once you’re happy with your placement, get out your tape measurer and write down the dimensions you marked. I know this sounds super easy, but it will save you time.
2. Consider larger pieces over a collection of smaller pieces. Hanging medium to larger sized pieces (think pieces that are 24” x 24” or greater) is a great way to make your space look more luxurious and put-together. Plus, it’s always a great conversation starter with guests who come to your home (“Where’d you get THAT?”).
3. Consider the colors and mood of your room – but only to an extent. Let’s say your home has a little more of a rustic or cabin-type feel to it. Start by looking for artwork that pairs well with your other pieces as you move from room to room or fills a gap you may have in your existing collection (for example, do you not have any portraits yet, or artwork depicting animals?).
Only consider color and themes to an extent though. Sometimes an unexpected jolt of color in an otherwise neutral room, or a traditional oil painting in an otherwise minimalist home, provide that “wow” factor better than anything we could have imagined.
4. Don’t think about what’s popular. Think about what YOU like. Just because something is trending right now doesn’t mean you have to also buy it. Prefer saturated, more mellow colors over girlish lime greens and pinks? That’s great. Don’t love modern or abstract art? That’s fine. Do pieces with words, phrases, or even quotes just speak to you more? Awesome. Save the trends for your wardrobe and personal style. Invest in home décor that will bring you joy for years to come, based on what you love.
5. Invest in the proper hanging tools. A good rule of thumb is to buy hanging tools that can support a piece at least three times the weight of the artwork. For example, if a framed photograph you want to hang weighs 5 lbs, look for a hook that says it can hold at least 15 lbs of weight.
6. If you love it – just buy it. Don’t wait until you’re home, or until the piece is no longer available. There is artwork I saw YEARS ago that I didn’t buy, that I still remember and regret (if you ever see a beautiful, Mexican-style portrait of a woman in a turban, let me know, okay?).
Finally, one more that may surprise you:
7. When you buy, look for a certificate of authenticity. If you’re purchasing an original piece, see if the artist will produce a certificate of authenticity for you. This is nice to have for a few reasons – a certificate shows you that the artist is serious about their work and wants to protect his/her/their art as an original piece and can help you if you decide to resell your piece in the future. There are countless oil paintings at garage sales and estate sales that sell for way less than they are worth because the previous owner doesn’t remember where they got it or can’t prove if an artist made it. Don’t let that happen to you!
