Art under $100 : 10 Sources for Affordable Art
Pssst! My # 10 source is free!!
What kind of art defines you and your style? Calming outdoor and nature related or dramatic and whimsical?
Art is a wonderful way to set tone and style throughout our homes. The good news? There’s plenty of affordable artwork to be found if you know where to look.
Here are 15 places to buy affordable art:
1. IKEA
We all know that IKEA is the go-to place when it comes to furnishing our homes on a budget, but did you know they have a wonderful selection of home decor items, including wall art?
I think this sweet baby bear piece would look so cute in our nursery or in the family bathroom. Baby’s and kids will go through various iterations of ‘their style’ and the window for when mom and dad can pick the wall decor is rather limited, isn’t it?
Browsing IKEA online and checking in-store availability before heading into a store that requires an Indiana Jones Spirit For Adventure.
2. Structube
Affordable OVERSIZED art can be challenging to source, and Structube offers a range of affordable oversized art, ranging from abstract, nature city scapes, topped off with a few off the wall edgy pieces!
Large art can really give your space that ‘wow’ factor, making your space feel really chic and put together. Something like this pink beauty can be purchased for under $90. I think it would look really nice in a glamorous walk-in closet, or in a hallway.
This piece, called PRAIA is 82 cm x 122 cm (2’6″ by 4″)
3. Etsy
Etsy is one of my favorite sources for home decor. Budget permitting, I try to be conscious of where I shop and what I buy, so what I love most about Etsy is that I am supporting small businesses and artists who truly care.
It is an excellent source for original, one of a kind pieces. The two prints by a Canadian artist from Halifax Nova Scotia, hang in my kitchen.
4. Society 6
Much like Etsy, Society6 is an online marketplace for artists. It’s a great source for beautiful, original artwork and decor. It’s a great place to peruse and discover new and emerging artists. I’ve fallen in love with this hummingbird painting, it’s less than $30. I love how the artist sees colour.
5. Amazon
Amazon.ca has an art store! We can shop on Amazon for fine art from galleries all around the world. Easy to use search tools allow you to search by category and art style. Anything you can imagine, you can probably find it here, from paintings, photography, drawings, prints, everything!! The following print is framed, and is listed at $30.
6. Juniper Print Shop
Juniper Print Shop has carefully curated the most beautiful, oft whimsical collection of art. You’ll find abstracts, vintage-inspired prints, modern photography, landscape paintings and more. Plus, they offer digital downloads for about $20. You can then have it printed at a print shop like Blacks, Henry’s, Staples, VistaPrint or Costco. If you tire easily of the same ol’ same ol’ art, or are not ready to commit to a one of a kind original, then throwing a few things at the wall and seeing what sticks may be a good option! Alternatively, they’ll ship a paper print to you. I’ve purchased a print from JPS, Powell hangs above my couch in my living room. While I ordered a huge print, this same art is available at a smaller scale for less than $100 I love the deep turquoise and rich orangy browns in this print.
7. Vintage Markets | Thrift Stores | Flea Markets | Yard sales
This strategy requires patience, dedication and persistence. Most importantly, under no circumstance should you hit the road on an empty tummy as nothing will derail a treasure hunt quite like a hangry husband (or spouse, wife, partner…). With a little serendipity you may just find something that you truly adore. See below for a few cute items I’ve acquired through thrifting:
8. Kijiji | Facebook Marketplace | Craigslist
You can find all sorts of great artwork on these sites, the only caveat is you really have to keep on top of your search efforts as the good stuff tends to be snapped up quickly! I’ve found that these are excellent sources of home decor items in general: many antique dealers who sell their collections at vintage markets also list items on these sites. Furthermore, people who change out their decor often, and professionals who stage homes, will often sell items at a fraction of the price they paid! For example, I was looking for a bird figurine, I found one at a local home decor store that I liked, so I searched and found the exact item for a fraction of the cost. Some good keywords are: “Watercolour painting”, “Oil painting”, “Vintage art”. I found these two antique prints listed on one of these sites, and they found a home in my guest bedroom.
9. Online Auction and Estate Sales
Auction format, so prices can be unpredictable, to the winner goes the spoils though! Check back regularly to keep on top of new arrivals. Maxsold is a pretty active site.
10. The MET Open Source Gallery
Free. Museum. Artwork.
Yep, this is as good as it gets! The MET Open Source Gallery has made 1500 pieces available for download. Print (or have it printed at a local print shop) place it in a pretty frame and you’re done!
You can download this, 1870 – 75 Winslow Homer, Saddle Horse in Farm Yard and hang it in your formal dining room.
Art need not be expensive, simply choose pieces that resonate with you. I hope these sources will have you bringing beautiful art into your home.
More Nixon Farm Home Decor:
