So you’re finally getting around to setting up your new apartment. As you look around at the barren white walls and lackluster décor, you realize that something is missing. You need to bring your apartment to life. What’s the best way to achieve that? Bring in art. Find art with personality and style—find the type of art that reflects who you are. You may not know where to begin, but luckily, we’re here to help.
At Estate Sales and Thrift Stores
Even if you’re living in a luxury apartment, you probably want to keep your decorating budget reasonable. A great way to do that is to shop at consignment stores, estate sales, yard sales, and thrift stores. You can find hidden gems, whether it’s a unique art piece from a local artist or a hard-to-find painting that’s worth a few hundred dollars (but is selling for 10). These should be your go-to locations for stocking up on art.
Attend an Art Show or Festival
If you’re looking to support a local artist, an art show or festival is the place to go. I’ve found plenty of large-scale events that take up entire blocks where artists can display their paintings for those walking by to view and purchase.
You can also find charity art auctions that might have just the piece you’re looking for, and for a good cause. These options allow you to get to know the artist, and if you love their work, you can keep in touch and buy pieces in the future.
Look Online
There are so many locations to look online for art that it can be overwhelming, so I’ll name a few of my favorites.
Etsy
If you’re looking for original, affordable art, and you want to support the little guy, Etsy is the place for you. You’re buying directly from the artist, and you may even be able to commission something if you really like a specific artist’s style.
Art.com
For more well-known artists like Monet or Picasso, you can browse art.com. The prices are reasonable, and you should be able to come away with a time-tested work of art.
Society6.com
Society6 is another location that lets you connect directly with the artist to purchase their work. You can find all sorts of different themes and unique styles. Plus, they offer wall tapestries, prints, canvases, and more.
