I’m a big fan of artwork hanging in my home – back when I was renting, it was one of the only ways I could make my apartment look and feel like home. Even now, I find that artwork adds so much personality to a room, so frames line the walls… and just about every surface too!
I get a lot of questions about the art in our home, so I’ve put together a quick guide on how to choose prints, where to buy them, and how to get them framed…
Choosing Prints
I love prints that add colour or character, and I tend to go for art that means something to me. Maps of places I love, music posters and inspiring quotes all feature prominently in our flat as they channel our personalities. I’m usually drawn to interesting and unique (but totally Pinterest-worthy!) prints.
Typography never gets boring, and I find quotes are pretty versatile (and androgynous!) and work great in just about every room. Go for a monochrome colour scheme or opt for gold foil – you can’t go wrong with a gold foil quote print.
Cute patterns also work – I love designs that fill the whole frame, like leaves or polka dots or herringbone. Again, this is a great way to inject colour so be bold!
Where To Shop
I have so many favourite artists that I filled a whole shop with cute prints! I have a lot of Cat Coq and Rifle Paper Co. prints as they’re lovely and bright. I like a mix of florals and typography and they offer a good combination of both.
Of course, Etsy is the one for finding prints – I found a lot of my favourites just by searching ‘gold foil print’ and scrolling on through. This is where I found my Meowie Bowie print, and Old English Company do the awesome New York map.
I also recommend Society6, if you can bear to find frames for the awkward US sizing (and then there’s the custom charges – eep!).
Framing
I know a lot of people find choosing frames difficult, but I always keep it easy and opt for black or white. It’s simple and it doesn’t draw the eye away from the artwork itself. On a rare occasion, I’ll pick up something ornate and gold, but usually I keep it monochrome.
I tend to choose black more often, as I find the contrast usually works better. White frames work on colourful prints and with gold foil, but it’s usually just trial and error. Try both and see what you like best.
For A4 prints and smaller, I head to Asda as they have a great range of black, white or gold frames for a couple of pounds. I find their simple designs are way neater than the likes of IKEA, but it’s all down to personal preference.
For larger sizes, I usually look to Amazon – again, black and white always!
When I do order from Society6, I have to get frames custom made as I can never find the right sizes here in the UK. It’s annoying, but worth it!
I use FramesRUs, they’re not too expensive and you can put in the exact measurements from the Society6 site. I tend to trim off the white border from the print too, so I’m left with a neater finish, so I usually measure the prints first before I order the frames to make sure.
Displaying
As for displaying my favourite art, I tend to lean prints on cabinets, mantlepieces and even line them up along the floor. While I do have a few prints hanging on the walls, I don’t always feel like I can commit to hanging up a print. I’m quite fickle, you see.
For smaller prints, I quite like using washi tape to display them – it’s a lot less work than framing and hanging!
Of course, gallery walls are always a good idea. We have a huge one in our hallway and I just love it. It took a bit of work, but it’s mesmerising in person!
I’m all about walls and floors lined with prints! Are you a fan of artwork in your home?