How to buy art for your home post is aimed mainly at the casual collector. Although some people have difficulties deciding what type of art to buy, the process should not be difficult or intimidating. It is somewhat, a process of exploration.

How to buy art for your home

The first and perhaps best recommendation we can give you is to buy art that speaks to you and art that you fall in love with. For those who seek to research affordable options, you can read the article on apartment therapy. Another very good article on the subject is available from “curbed” here.
The following is a simple step by step chart for planning your purchase:

Define your project scope

Buying art is a mini scale project. Every project starts with a defined need. In this case, the need to purchase art. You need to first answer the following question: What art do I need, want and can afford? To exemplify, some of the “want” and “need” scenarios that people may express follow below:

I want a big centerpiece in my living room that would raise eyebrows. Almost everybody has a need for a large size artwork in their living room. Some people, especially those with a rich social life who entertain a lot, have more of a need to impress.

A piece of art with food subject on my dining room wall. It goes without saying that if someone is looking for art to be displayed in the Dining alcove or the kitchen, they would very likely choose a “food” subject matter.

Two soothing photographs over my bed in my bedroom. Yes, particularly if it is a two-person bedroom. Artwork symbolizing the union one piece of art for each spouse seems to be the way to go.

And it can go on and on: Large landscape in my den. To decorate my room. Bring color into a dull space. Impress my guests. Art with colors matching my sofa.

Find your taste

This task requires strolling through many galleries, museums, exhibitions and art fairs. It allows you to find out what is visually pleasing to your eyes in the art world. For those of you who do not like or want to go out, you can complete this task from the comfort of your home by doing your research online.

Find your color

A lot can be said about this topic. The most important thing to remember, color is one element of the artwork which must speak to you. If you do not like grey, but you have a grey couch and are looking for a painting with grey to match the couch perhaps it isn’t the right approach. Any colors would do and not necessarily the ones that match your couch. It would be a mistake, not to buy the artwork you fall in love with because it does not contain grey colors. To read more about color please read the “Color” article on the artgreeT Blog.

Establish your budget

This is one of the first steps in the buying process. It can be a dollar amount range which you will use when researching the kind of work you would like to consider for your project. It is best if this budget is realistic in order to avoid frustration when the art you really fall in love with is not within your reach.

Plan your purchase

In this step, you need to do a more detailed targeted research. The art world offers you infinite options to satisfy your artistic desires. You can find one of a kind original works of art worth thousands of dollars, or cheap prints costing just a few dollars. A word of caution is due: please be aware that the art you hang in your home is “who you are”. The art you place on display will project your personality to your guests, so plan carefully but still get the art you love.

Decide what to buy

The basic categories available to you to chose from are:
1) Original art. Usually oil or acrylic paintings one of a kind.
2) Prints. The prints are created in limited editions or open editions. Also on the market, you can find etchings lithographs and silkscreen prints.
3) Posters and reproductions. These are the cheapest products on the market for just a few dollars.
4) Fine art photography. Usually, photographs that have been manipulated to render a special artistic feel to them
5) Digital art. Art that is conceived/drawn/painted with the aid of computer graphics program in the computer and then printed on specialized printers.

And finally, browse the article What is Good Art? on the artgreeT Blog to get some ideas, as biased as may seem about good versus bad art.

Decide where to buy

Once you have decided what appeals to you, you will know better where to look for your art.
There are specialized galleries who cater to collectors. These galleries have an established base of clients who may be collecting specific artists perhaps well renowned, and who are prepared to spend substantial amounts to get what they want. If you are one of these collectors, brick and mortar galleries and auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s are where you will find your art.

But, if you are just beginning collecting art and your budget is limited you are better off finding and purchasing more affordable art online. As of this writing, it is easier than ever to purchase art online. In the past few years, many e-commerce outlets have set up shop. They can fulfill almost any art buying need. Especially the needs of first-time buyer and novice collectors of modern art. As quoted from the Guardian: “An expanding number of websites are now attracting young and first-time buyers and opening a new market for emerging talent”

The best art platforms

The best art platforms for a buyer to find art in 2017, are listed in the following article.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to buy art for your home should not be difficult. It should be fun enlightening exploration. You can buy modern art offered for sale on this site. Or, If you particularly like photography research the “Lumas” website, and if you like original oil paintings and prints research “Artfinder”. You may also find original art at artgreeT (this website).

Suggested reading

Buying Fine Art online – artgreeT Blog
5 myths about buying art you should not believe – artgreeT Blog 
Color – artgreeT Blog