The Honest Guide to Buying Prints That Won't Disappoint You | Art-Home Decor |
- SCJ
- Sep 11
- 6 min read
You know that feeling when you walk into someone's home and think, "How cozy is this?" Often it's because of those perfect prints on the walls. But then you go looking for something similar and... ugh, that's hard, isn't it?
I'll let you in on a secret: not all art prints are created equal. Some have that magic that transforms a space, and others just sit there taking up space. After years of helping friends choose art for their homes and decorating their homes, I've learned some life-changing tricks.
Why Artprints Are Your Best Option (Seriously)
They're Real Art Without Breaking the Bank
Imagine having an original work of art in your home and decorating it. The idea is lovely, but the price... let's not even talk about it. Quality prints give you that feeling of owning something special without having to break the mortgage.
You can change them when you get bored.
Unlike wall paint (what a pain to change), you can change the prints whenever you want, from frame to location... Today bohemian style, tomorrow minimalist. Your home, your story, your rules.
They talk about you
Everyone has a random poster—because they're everywhere. But a special fineart print, one of those limited editions, says, "This person has good taste and knows what they like."
What You Have to Look for to Avoid Making a Mistake
1. Let it come from real art
This is super important and no one tells you:
The ones that DO work:
They come from paintings that an artist actually painted.
They have a story behind them, they are not "pretty just because"
Every detail is there for a reason.
The ones that are NOT (and are everywhere):
Those computer designed ones you see in a thousand places
Typical motivational phrases in cursive
Anything that seems made to "please everyone"
2. That the Materials Are Not Trash
Look, there's nothing more frustrating than buying a print you love, only to have it faded and ugly two years later:
Really good paper:
It should be thick (300g minimum, otherwise it will wrinkle even with air)
Don't let it turn yellow in the sun
May it last for years without breaking down
Inks that don't disappear:
May the colors not fade
Moisture resistant (in case you live in a humid place)
3. The Right Size for Your Home
A4 (like a sheet of paper): Perfect if:
Your apartment is tiny
You want to make a composition with several
It is for the bedroom or an intimate corner
A3 (larger): Ideal for:
Normal rooms
If you want it to be the protagonist of the wall
Spaces that need a point of attention
Tip from a friend: You can buy an A4 print and, to give it more importance, frame it with a larger mount. This way, not only does it take up more space, but the work breathes more. An A4 print with a mount can look like an A3 or larger print. And it looks beautiful.
The Trick to Know If You'll Like It at Home
The Smile Test
Look at the print for five seconds. If it doesn't provoke anything at all (no smile, no curiosity, no desire to keep looking), ignore it. Art should make you feel something, even if you don't quite know what.
Think about what your house is like
If your style is:
Minimalist: Look for things with lots of white space, clean
Bohemian: Bright colors, organic shapes, plants, that vibe.
Classic: Traditional techniques, watercolors, timeless things
Modern: Original ideas but well executed
(Although if I'm honest, I prefer the eclectic style - I think it brings more authenticity. In the end, I care more about the work conveying something than following 100% decorating rules.)
The Light in Your Home Matters
If your living room is dark, you need prints with strong contrasts to make them stand out. If you have plenty of natural light, you can afford more subtle colors.
The Mistakes We All Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: "I Need Something That Sticks to the Wall"
Why it's wrong: You end up with something bland that doesn't add anything . Do this instead: Choose something you truly love. Walls can be painted, good art is forever.
Mistake 2: "Better if it's small, so it doesn't bother you."
Why it's wrong: You think art can be "annoying." Do this instead: Don't be afraid—art is never annoying. You can choose three small prints that complement each other or one larger one as the main focus. The important thing is that you like them, not the size.
Mistake 3: "I'll Frame It Someday"
Why it's wrong: You end up with the print sitting in a drawer for months . Do this instead: Factor the frame into your budget from the start and take it in to be framed that week. I know it's scary to make a mistake with framing—we want the perfect frame that really enhances the work... but which one?—that makes us put it off, but it's really hard to make a mistake . Also, keep in mind that the workshops offer great advice—on both style and price. Take it in and trust them: you won't regret the framing or enjoying it as soon as possible (you will regret storing it where it can get damaged).
Why It's Worth Spending a Little More
Limited Edition Prints: Are They Worth It?
The short answer: yes.
Because:
Only a few people in the world will have that same sheet.
If you ever want to sell it, it will have a better value.
Your friends will always ask, "Where did you get this cool stuff?"
How Much Should I Spend Without Going Crazy?
To start (€35-60): If you've never bought art before, start here. It's enough to have something of real quality without overwhelming yourself financially.
If you already have the urge (€60-120): Once you know what you like, you can invest a little more in pieces with better materials and more elaborate concepts.
What you have to look for:
Museum-quality paper (don't get carried away by the name, it's just the good stuff. Not good: the best)
Certificate that it is authentic
That it is numbered
Let them tell you the story of the original work
Where to Put Your Sheets to Make Them Look Great
In the Hall
Above the sofa: The sheet has to cover more or less 3/4 of the width of the sofa (if not it is too small) At what height: The center should be at the height of your eyes when you are sitting on the sofa
In the Bedroom
On the headboard: Create a super cozy spot On the side wall: So you can see it from the bed while you read or rest
In Unexpected Spaces
Shelves and sideboards: Small panels work great between books or decorative objects. They create a casual yet sophisticated look.
Next to the desk: If you work from home, an inspirational print can be your perfect companion during work hours.
In Hallways
Hallways are perfect for creating your own "personal mini-gallery." You can display several original but thematically related prints.
I love compositions, for the same reason I mentioned before: more eclectic, more personal, and more authentic.
How to Know You've Got It Right
You Still Like It After a Week
If after having it up for a week you still look at it and like it, you've made the right choice.
(This is my favorite part: the joy of waking up in the morning and seeing something so special. It's almost intimate to me. You enjoy your first cup of coffee, look at your little acquisition, and feel that connection, that small pride in having chosen well, because it's a part of you.)
People Comment on It Without You Saying Anything
When your friends come in and say, "What a pretty print! Where's it from?" without you saying anything, you know you've made the right choice.
The Room Feels Different
You don't quite know why, but the space feels more yours, more welcoming, more "home."
Amiga's Final Advice
Look, decorating with art doesn't have to be a world of its own. You don't need to know art history or have a master's degree in fine arts. You just need to trust your instinct and look for things that make you feel good.
For me, that's the purpose of art. That's why art isn't decoration: because it makes you feel. If a work makes you feel: it's that one.
The best hand-painted prints are those that come from real art, those that are made with materials that last, and, above all, those that make you smile every time you see them.
The next time you look at that empty wall in your living room and think, "There's something missing here," you know where to start. Find something that came from the heart of an artist, that was made with love, and that, when you see it, makes you think, "This is for me."
Because in the end, that "home sweet home" feeling is built on those little things you choose with love that reflect who you truly are. (And frame it, trust me.)
Ready to find that print that'll transform your home? I promise you, when you find yours, you'll know it's right away. Have you ever fallen in love at first sight? That's it.
♡♡♡
| |Artprints art decorate home |.
Comments