Knowing how to choose the “right” piece of art for your space can feel a bit daunting. How much can/should I spend? Where should I hang it? What size is the best? How do I know if it will look good in my room? Maybe I’ll just hang this family photo up and call it a day.

By all means, hang the family photo – hang lots of them. But don’t give up on having real art in your home too. Carefully selecting a piece of art and displaying it in your home can add just the finishing touch you need and can bring beauty into your world for years to come.

So where do you start when it’s time to choose the right piece of art? Here are 4 tips to help you get started:

Educate yourself

And look, you’re already doing that by reading this blog! Visit local art fairs, galleries, museums. What types of art grab your attention? Get to know a local artist – or with the beauty of the internet, get to know any artist. You could start with Laura. Find out about framing, museum glass, size options. Just a quick tip – always get museum glass, you won’t get a glare! And for bigger spaces, aim to have your art cover 2/3 to 3/4 of the wall.

© Laura Gabel, “Bark and Bluebells”. Pastel, 22.5x29. Framed in a mahogany wood frame with museum non-glare glass. $2500. Creation speaks
© Laura Gabel, “Bark and Bluebells”. Pastel, 22.5×29. Framed in a mahogany wood frame with museum non-glare glass. $2500. Purchase Here

Choose what you like

At then end of the day, that’s what really matters. Art is an investment, it should be something you love, something that makes you happy when you see it. Don’t worry so much about what others will think. If they question why you have a particular piece of art, now you have an opportunity for great conversation about why you love that piece! Here is where all that work to educate yourself comes in handy. You’ve had a chance to get to know what styles resonate with you. Maybe it’s abstract that really excites you, maybe it’s impressionism. Maybe it’s a little bit of both! Which brings me to the next point.

© Laura Gabel, “New LIfe Ps. 92:14”. Acrylic on canvas, 29.25 x 23. $850.
© Laura Gabel, “New LIfe Ps. 92:14”. Acrylic on canvas, 29.25 x 23. $850. Purchase Here

Mix it up a bit

Don’t be afraid to combine different styles. If your room is modern and contemporary, choose a classic portrait to stand out.

© 2015 Laura Gabel, "GG". Pastel on Uart in a gold frame, 13 1/4 x 16 1/4. $950.00.
© Laura Gabel, “GG”. Pastel on Uart in a gold frame, 13 1/4 x 16 1/4. $950.00.Purchase Here

Or maybe your home is antiques and lace. Why not try to spice things up with a more abstract work?

© Laura Gabel, “Day Three”. 24 x 30, acrylic. Private Collection. <a href="https://www.lgabel.com/product/Day-three/" target="_blank" rel=
© Laura Gabel, “Day Three”. 24 x 30, acrylic. Private Collection. Purchase Here

There’s no need to limit yourself to just paintings. There are amazing sculptures, pastel drawings, wall hangings, yes, even prints. In fact, if you find something you like, but the size is wrong, or maybe the color is not quite what you like, ask the artist. Remember that work you did getting to know an artist? Ask for a commissioned painting that is exactly what you want. Laura would love the opportunity to create something just for you!

Get Started

Finally, just do it! Take the plunge and buy the painting. Display it with confidence and share the story when people come to your house. Your home is an extension of you, the art on your walls should be too.

art buying

So how about it? You know that blank wall that you just can’t decide what to put there? Go out and choose the right art for you and your space. You can do it! Post a picture of what you’ve purchased and where you’ve place it. If you’ve got Laura’s work in your home, we’d love to see it! You can check out the many satisfied collectors who already have!


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