Author: Imogen Aldridge

10 Tips For Buying Art Online

If you're new to collecting art, or just want to brush up on your knowledge before your next purchase, check out our 10 tips for buying art online. We know that taking the leap and purchasing a work of art can sometimes be daunting. From research, to framing and sizing, our tips will help you grow your collection, trust your taste, and discover the best ways to buy art online.

1. Get to know what you’re buying

When you're first diving into the world of art collecting, the vocabulary used can be slightly overwhelming. Brush up on key terms like Limited Editions, paper types and finishes so you know exactly what you’re buying. An open edition giclée and a limited edition screen print are very different, but may look similar to the untrained eye.

2. Research the artist

Every artist is different and will have a personal story with their work. Researching their style and visual development will bring understanding and value to the artwork you are considering. Understanding the motives behind the artist's work also makes the entire art collecting process more personal, helping to create an emotional connection between yourself and your new print.

 

Discover our guide on how to create the perfect gallery wall

3. Where is the artwork going? 

Are you after a square, portrait or landscape piece? How big does it need to be? How is the room decorated? If you have other artworks on the wall already, you may want to think about the way the new work is going to interact with your existing pieces. Do you want a complementary artwork, or a contrasting one? Our article on how to design a gallery wall will provide you with all the tips you need to create a perfect cohesive selection of artworks.

4. Be open

There’s so many different styles out there, it can be hard to choose a single 'type'. Browse around, using categories and filters to hone your budget and tastes. It's always best to have an open mind - you might be surprised with what catches your eye.

5. Consider newer artists

Big name artists can attract big money. However, supporting an emerging artist could secure you a similar style of work at a much lower price. We are constantly working with new artists, and our New In collection is the perfect way to keep track of the amazing new talent we are introducing each week.

 

How to pick the right artwork for your space

6. Buy what you love

It’s difficult to know whether artwork will increase in value, so it’s always best to purchase for your own pleasure and enjoyment first. Trust your instincts, and go with what will make you happy, not what will could be more valuable in years to come.

7. Consider framing

Framing protects your print against damage. If purchasing a piece to put on your wall, purchase framing at the same time to have your piece professionally handled and framed. The added bonus is that you can take your stunning new artwork straight out of the box and hang it the wall immediately.

8. Pay attention to size

Getting an idea of size and scale can be difficult online with a 20 x 20cm piece looking similar to a 80 x 80cm when viewed on a screen. We list paper sizes for all our pieces and provide mock-ups where possible. This is also where a tape measure comes in handy - always make sure to measure up the space where you are planning for your new artwork to go. There's nothing worse than purchasing a new artwork that doesn't fit. Our article on how to position and hang art is the solution to all of your wall hanging worries.

 

Discover 21 bedroom wall art ideas

9. Don’t be afraid to ask

If you have any questions, don't worry. Our experienced customer service team is always happy to help with any questions that you may have about your purchase or an artwork you are considering.

10. Make your collection personal

There are no rules for pairing artworks in a room, or for building a collection. Every piece can show off a different side of your style. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Now you have the knowledge to successfully buy art online, browse our Curated Collections and find the perfect artwork for your home.

NEW RELEASES

The Wild Swim from £120

Oli Mumby

Various sizes

Off You Pop by Louise Nordh
Exclusive
Off You Pop £95

Louise Nordh

35 x 35cm

Limited edition of 30

Moving Forms by Mr Penfold
Exclusive
Moving Forms £165

Mr Penfold

26 x 30cm

Limited edition of 15

Inside Mickey's Heart from £150

Angel London

Various sizes

Navy Boy £175

Charlie Evaristo-Boyce

50 x 70cm

Limited edition of 25

I Will Bite from £135

Mathilda Mai

Various sizes

Italian Summer by SODA
Exclusive
Italian Summer £125

SODA

42 x 29.7cm

Limited edition of 40

Let's Get It On £595

Linda Charles

56 x 76cm

Limited edition of 45

Wash the Blues Away by Charlie Haydn Taylor
Exclusive
Wash the Blues Away from £150

Charlie Haydn Taylor

Various sizes

Inhale £175

Joe Webb

50 x 70cm

Limited edition of 30

Roarsome - Green by And Wot
Exclusive
Roarsome - Green £195

And Wot

50 x 70cm

Limited edition of 2

Fresh £200

Hannah Adamaszek

60 x 75.5cm

Limited edition of 15

Destroy the Patriarchy Not the Planet (Mini) £400

Hannah Shillito

27.9 x 21cm

Limited edition of 20

Scratchin' Cats (Blue) £150

The Cameron Twins

33 x 36cm

Limited edition of 20

Fast Dog £95

Gavin Dobson

50 x 70cm

Limited edition of 100

Pangolin - Framed by Lisa Lloyd
Ready To Hang
Pangolin - Framed £150 £130

Lisa Lloyd

44 x 44cm

Limited edition of 50

In The Sky With Stars £195

Charlie Evaristo-Boyce

70 x 100cm

Limited edition of 16

Meet Me in Matisse's Garden - Framed by Benjamin Thomas Taylor
Ready To Hang
Meet Me in Matisse's Garden - Framed £275 £255

Benjamin Thomas Taylor

56 x 76cm

Limited edition of 25

Gamebuoy by Nick Chaffe
Exclusive
Gamebuoy £100

Nick Chaffe

29.7 x 42cm

Limited edition of 50

Seascape W £300

Newton Blades

50 x 30cm

Limited edition of 100

Space Cadet - Magma by RYCA
Exclusive
Space Cadet - Magma £180 £100

RYCA

13 x 26cm

Limited edition of 12

Attitude - Framed by Sara Pope
Ready To Hang
Attitude - Framed £110 £100

Sara Pope

33.5 x 33.5cm

Limited edition of 100

Ley Lines £450

Maxine Gregson

100 x 50cm

Limited edition of 250

'Amazing' Shell - Framed by Charlie Evaristo-Boyce
Ready To Hang
'Amazing' Shell - Framed £125 £113

Charlie Evaristo-Boyce

54 x 20cm

Limited edition of 50

What's That Then by Nick Chaffe
Ready To Hang
What's That Then £400

Nick Chaffe

27.8 x 54.8cm

Limited edition of 5

Les Oiseaux - Artist Proof £295

Epi

42 x 29.7cm

Limited edition of 50

See You Later Alligator! £550

The Cameron Twins

51 x 72cm

Limited edition of 10

The Olive Branch (Azzuro) £2,500

Magnus Gjoen

95 x 120cm

Limited edition of 3

Down The Rabbit Hole... by Mark Petty
Ready To Hang
Down The Rabbit Hole... £295

Mark Petty

27 x 37cm

Limited edition of 50

AZUL Mini £125

Florence Blanchard

40 x 40cm

Limited edition of 25