I am all about eclectic, bargain art, whether that be searching for unique paintings on eBay, strolling through flea markets and antique fairs, or finding little shops on holiday. I love that a home can become a beautifully curated, and very unique art gallery.
As someone who has recently renovated and filled two homes with a lot of art, I consider myself quite an expert when it comes to finding it on a budget, so here are some tips for you:
1. Set a budget before you start looking for art. This will help narrow your search and prevent you from overspending.
2. Decide what you like (and need). Particularly if you are decorating an entire room or a house and you don't just want an odd piece of art. Think about what types, styles and sizes of art will fit your space best. I always rely on mood boards and Pinterest is my absolute go-to. But I do love to gather inspiration from decor magazines and books too. Yes, I always buy on instinct and impulse, but - I also go in with a bit of a plan. Our downstairs powder room is covered in small print wallpaper and I wanted to cover it with fairly small paintings and pictures that work together well. In a way, they are a hodge-podge collection of old and new, but the shades of brown and blue tie them all together.
3. Check out these online art hotspots. These are some of the websites I love to browse when I am looking for budget-friendly art: eBay, Etsy, Artfinder, Domenica Marland, The Happiness Collective, Artfully Walls and PSTR studio. If you’re looking for antique or vintage art, eBay is your best friend. For example, by searching eBay for ‘oil on canvas’ or 'Swedish landscape' you can find many hidden treasures - the more specific the search, the better. And I always love the surprise of it, I never know what I’ll find!
Etsy has lovely contemporary art. Artfinder offers a wide variety of paintings, photography, sculptures and limited-edition prints and you can immediately browse only art that fits within your budget. And the same goes for Artfully Walls, a user and budget-friendly spot for buying eclectic quality art. Domenica Marland sources and sells affordable artworks by young, contemporary artists. The Happiness Collective offers original, limited edition, fine art prints already framed and ready to hang - which I love. Lastly, PSTR studio has a great selection of amazing posters and my favourite are the vintage-looking ones, especially their aperitif and cocktail prints.
4. Keep calm & browse. Everyone likes to see the final result right away, but finding art takes time and effort. Search online, visit thrift shops, antique fairs and vintage markets - it’s so much fun rummaging through all the stalls. And don’t forget to haggle, especially when buying multiple items, you’ll be surprised how much you can save. Happy shopping!
