Welcome! This article is part of a new series I’m working on called the Colorful Art & Frame Guide. It shares everything to know about finding, framing and hanging art you love. Hope you enjoy the sneak peek of the series!
This post is all about finding art that you love for your space– what to look for and how to know it’s the one.
One thing to keep in mind: collecting art takes time!
You don’t need to stress about finding every single piece in one day. Collect as you find pieces that make you smile and soon enough you’ll have enough to fill your walls.
How To Find Art You Love
So, you’ve decided you want to decorate your home, and the idea of adding art (maybe even a gallery wall!) is exciting. But the excitement is quickly met with a mental block. Finding art for your home can feel overwhelming— like you need to know “the rules” or have some secret designer skill.
But I’m here with a genuine, non-negotiable truth: You don’t need to be an art expert. You just need to pick pieces that make you smile. It’s that simple.
Art isn’t about what’s trendy or what matches your sofa—it’s about surrounding yourself with things you love.
When you stop worrying about whether something is the right choice, you open the door to creating a home that feels playful, joyful, and totally you.
Below I’ll dive into a few ways to find the art that speaks to you– starting with your interests! Imagine that!
Start With Your Interests
The easiest way to choose art? Pay attention to what you naturally gravitate toward.
- Do you love color? Look for bright, bold prints.
- Do you love whimsy? Try playful illustrations or animal art.
- Do you love memories? Frame your own photos or a postcard from your favorite trip.
For me, I love color and whimsy. The art that fills my house includes balloons, fair swings and circus monkeys. I love the joy I get when I see each piece!
I also have a lot of fruit-themed art— mostly by David Shrigley— and many pieces by a local Columbia, SC artist known as The Chicken Man. Alex and I are both from Columbia so we love having a nod to our hometown (and we love his work!)
You’ll also find a lot of embroidered pieces around the house. I didn’t do any myself but I have found them vintage shops and on Etsy. I love that they are handmade!
Here’s the takeaway: you don’t have to know why something calls to you—if you feel drawn to it, that’s reason enough.
Need some inspiration? Check out this article!
25+ Art Prints To Add Color To Your Home
Mix Art with Personal Treasures
Not everything on your wall needs to come from a gallery. Some of my favorite pieces are:
- Vintage finds from antique shops or Etsy (have I mentioned that I love crewel embroidered pieces?)
- Kids’ drawings
- Family photos
- DIY or craft projects
- Old recipe cards
Mixing personal pieces with prints and paintings makes your walls feel less like a “museum” and more like you.
If you are interested in making your own art, check out the Daily Threads kit from local Asheville, NC artist Ashton Zager! The kit walks you through the process of making your own colorful weaving and includes all materials and instructions.
Don’t Overthink The “Matching”
This is silly but… have you ever heard of The Cheerleader Effect? If you’ve seen How I Met Your Mother, you might remember it — it’s the idea that people look more attractive in a group than they do on their own. I think the same thing applies to art!
A single piece of art can be lovely, but when you group art together — like on a gallery wall — everything instantly looks more interesting, more intentional… just better.
I think this is also true if you have a piece that isn’t particularly special. Art can look great in a group even if all of the pieces aren’t absolute standouts.
So here’s the takeaway: don’t stress about whether every piece “matches” your house or each other. Mix colors, styles, and time periods. Alone it may not seem like something you’d like to hang, but in a group the odd pieces will only add character.
Let your gallery wall be a collection of little stories—each piece says something on its own, but together they tell your story. And honestly? Just like the cheerleader effect, lots of art together will almost always look amazing.
Consider The Size
One of the easiest things to overlook when shopping for art—especially online—is the size. A piece might look perfect on your screen, but once you see in person it can look totally off.
Here’s what to keep in mind when buying art:
- Factor in the frame. The frame adds inches all around your art. A small print in a thick mat and frame can suddenly feel much larger than you imagined.
- Visualize before you buy. A quick trick: cut out a piece of kraft paper (or newspaper) the same size as the framed art and tape it to your wall. Step back—does it feel balanced? Too big? Too small?
If you collecting art for a gallery wall, just be sure to vary the sizes if you are after an eclectic look. Choose several anchor pieces that are larger and then fill in gaps with the smaller pieces.
The Joy Rule
If you’re stuck on a decision, here’s the only rule I follow when buying art: Does it bring me joy? If the answer is yes— even if it’s a silly doodle or a $5 thrift store find— HANG IT! Your walls should make you smile every time you walk by.
Coming Up Next: Where To Shop For Art!
You’re ready to find some art that brings joy but– where to start looking? I’ve rounded up my favorite places to shop for art prints (and it’s a great resource to find independent artists!)
