Art Guide: What to Consider Before Buying Your Next Piece
January 16, 2020
Buying art is often an emotional decision and one we can’t always explain—after all, it’s through the lens of our own life experience that we interpret creative expression. Even so, there are some things to keep in mind when looking for your next piece to ensure it’ll be one you’ll want to keep looking at for many years to come.
Get to know your style
Art is an opportunity to express your personality in a unique and meaningful way, not only to yourself but also to those you welcome into your home and will ultimately affect the mood and atmosphere of your space. Taking time to consider the scenes and subject, methods and mediums you are drawn to most will allow you to select art that truly reflects your style. Don’t worry if you find that you have an eclectic taste and like a wide range of art forms and styles—that’s all part of the fun!
Have a space in mind
Narrow down your search with some basic size requirements and determine a general color palette that works well with the other decorative elements in the room. When considering scale, bigger is better! Even in a small space, large art will make the room feel more open and expansive. And remember that when hanging art over a console or sofa, it should be roughly 2/3 the width of the piece of furniture. Small pieces can be used on accent wall pieces or in a consecutive series of other small pieces that can take up wall space as needed.
Love, not like
A wise woman once asked, “Does it spark joy?” But more importantly, do you love it? We believe that any investment in art, however small or large, should be fueled by love for the work first and foremost. Even if you’re not collecting fine art, your collection should be filled with pieces that resonate deeply with you and leave you feeling inspired. When you find a piece that captivates you and keeps your attention even after you’ve stopped looking at it, you’re heading in the right direction.
Hang it like a pro (or call on one)
When it comes to installation, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Single pieces should be hung at eye level—60” from the center to the floor seems to be the magic number—or float 4-6” above a piece of furniture, such as a console or sofa. When hanging a diptych, triptych or grid, we recommend spacing the pieces 2-3” apart for optimal visual impact. For oversized or heavy pieces or when creating a gallery wall, it’s often worth the extra expense of hiring a professional art installer to get it right...the first time.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
