When it comes to sharing tips for choosing art, Beth Haley urges you to follow the golden rule: only buy what you love. Start by discovering artists and mediums that speak to you, and if you find something you can’t live without, pull the trigger. It is likely one-of-a-kind, and you don’t want to spend your life regretting the purchase you didn’t make. Galleries and art curators would be thrilled to introduce you to new works, or you can do your research online and on social media. When it comes time to bring the art home, put thoughtful consideration in where to hang your new treasure — a small piece on a large wall could get lost while a large piece on a small wall might make the perfect impact. The requirements for selecting furniture are more exhaustive because they make a space function and livable. A practical sofa is an essential, but a piece of art is an opportunity to express your personality. 

Aside from choosing based on what you like, these are a few tips to consider when choosing art.

Understand art styles.

When speaking to a gallery owner, an art curator, or even the Google search bar, it helps to articulate the style of art you are after. Do your research and develop an understanding of contemporary, impressionist, and everything in between.

Establish a budget.

Art comes in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Before you start the hunt, determine how much money you want to spend, so you know when to splurge and when to walk away.

The right piece will come.

Buying art requires patience. Just because you haven’t found something that knocks you off your feet doesn’t mean you won’t. Take your time, do your research, and hold onto hope. Most importantly, don’t buy a piece just because you are tired of looking.

Consider the size.

You can always find a place for the perfect piece, but it doesn’t hurt to measure. If you are looking for something to hang above your mantle, make sure you know what size would look best.

Move art from room to room.

Different settings bring out different aspects of the art. Test it out in your wallpapered dining room, on the painted blue wall, and above the all-white couch.

Framing matters.

Consult an expert before you frame your new purchase. An expert framer will help showcase the art in the best way possible.

Trust your gut.

You know your taste, and you should trust your instincts!

Now, let’s look at some of our favorite pieces featured in Beth Haley Design projects past.

Pull colors from art into other areas of your interior design. This is matchy-matchy done right.

This painting grabs your eye but doesn’t compete with the other elements of the design. 

We could stare at this work of art for days — and we envy the homeowners who do! 

Art belongs everywhere — hallways, bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and anywhere else you can imagine. 

Sometimes, three is better than one. 

Little pops of color go a long way.

Mix and match various styles of art with a gallery wall! 

Don’t forget: flowers are art, too. 

This painting sets the tone for the multi-functional dining area!

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Like many of you, we are navigating a new work situation in light of the current events. To keep our design team and clients safe and happy, we have decided to limit the in-person meetings at the Beth Haley Design studio. In the meantime, Beth Haley Design continues to be a resource for interior design services, as well as a source of inspiration. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our virtual interior design services during these stay-at-home times.

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Discover more of our blog posts here. We cover everything from color to coffee table books to functional design.