Let’s face it. You’re not a millionaire. Perhaps you never will be. But you are a lover of art, and you don’t really want to put up a poster of “The Scream” because you’re not in college anymore. You need to decorate the bland white walls of your apartment or house, and you need to do so affordably and distinctively.
Thankfully many sites sell unique and budget-friendly art prints that’ll spice up your home.
Austin Art Garage
www.austinartgarage.com
Access your inner hipster with cool works by indie artists. Started by Jake Bryer and Joel Ganucheau, “two guys that wanted to make it easier to find and purchase original art without entering a world of debt,” the Austin Art Garage offers much that is whimsical. Take Graham Franciose’s 9-by-12-inch canvas print “She Hoped to Emerge a New Woman” ($100), for example. It features a girl hanging from a cocoon that she’s in the process of knitting. It’s ultra-adorable. Other pieces reflect a locale like Daniel Aranda’s melting cityscapes series, which includes a 12-by-15 print titled “SoCo?” ($85). Although most of the art on the site is ridiculously affordable, be sure to peruse the Under $100 section.
ClickforArt.com
It may have a stupid name, but this cute website has even cuter pop art. Order bright, imaginative art prints or get designs printed on pillows, dinnerware and limited-edition chairs (if you’re feeling really fancy). You can get this sweet, colorful floor pillow with a Simon C Page abstract design dubbed “Cuben Space - Atlas”($218). Or pick up this Alberto Seveso abstract pastel titled “Words Experiment 7.” Depending on your pocketbook, choose from various sizes in print or canvas and select whether you want the work framed. At its smallest size, “Words Experiment 7”on canvas is only $124. Although this company is based in the U.K., don’t be afraid of the shipping rates; U.S. shipping is free on purchases of more than $235.
20x200
www.20x200.com
Started by Jen Bekman in 2007, 20x200 aims for two things: getting art in people’s homes and enabling artists to make a living off their craft. Here, you’ll be able to find limited editions from hundreds of working artists at a price point that won’t hurt your bottom line. Sort through prints and photos by artist or browse by categories like typography, landscapes, New York City and animals. For a nostalgic touch, check out Christine Berrie’s “24 Telephone Drawings,” which starts at $24 for an unframed 10-by-8 print and goes up to $240 for the 20-by-16-inch (framing costs extra). Or peruse works from accomplished photographer Tod Seelie. I like “Quiet Planes” ($60 for an 11-by-14), a close-up of miniature airplanes. All pieces are signed and numbered for authenticity, and if the already enticing prices aren’t enough, sign up for 20x200’s daily 16-Hour Steal newsletter.
Dwell Studio
Christiane Lemieux founded Dwell Studio in 1999 as a highly stylized foray into textile design. Initially, the company focused on bedding but has since expanded to include nearly every aspect of home decor, from furniture and baby gear to pillows and shams. The site now has a section called The Art Shop, which features gallery-quality prints framed and ready to be hung. Much of the small, tightly curated collection centers on abstract styles with bold colors and patterns. Although much of the art is more expensive than you might anticipate, these works will take up a large space on your wall (many of the pieces are around 25 by 19 inches). As an extra bonus, Dwell Studio recommends furniture and accessories that complement the art if you’re looking to redo a room. The series of 14-by-14-inch framed animal prints features a leopard, boar and zebra ($330 each) and contains some of the site’s most affordable pieces.
Serena & Lily
www.serenaandlily.com
Like Dwell Studio, Serena & Lily is about all-around home decor and furnishing. But the site does have a small art section called Bazaar. Some of the works can be quite pricey (up to $3,500), but you can still find affordable, distinctive pieces like this minimalistic 19-by-25-inch screen print by Wayne Pate called “Rising of the Setting Sun” ($275). It features an ocean comprised of various-size blue circles and a yellow orb for the sun.
L’Affiche Moderne
www.laffichemoderne.com
L’Affiche Moderne is all art all the time. It’s got a separate photography section as well as a dedicated area for kids (subcategorized into boys, girls, retro, educational and the like). I especially like the adorable Mr. and Ms. Bear series, which features Mélusine Allirol’s simple drawings of bears with brightly colored backgrounds. “Ms Bear” has rose and “Mr Bear” gets green ($48 each for a 12-by-16 print). Note: L’Affiche Moderne, based in France, ships internationally, and the rates aren’t as scary as you’d expect.
About the Author
