Starting an art collection for your home can be super exciting! What kind of art do you think of first? Maybe a painted canvas, a print, or a cool ceramic piece?
I have to confess—I’ve brought home art just to cover up a blank wall. But over time, I learned that it’s totally fine to wait for the perfect piece.
In this post, I’ll share how I go about finding art for my home. Hopefully, it’ll give you some ideas and inspiration for starting your own collection!
Turn Personal Items into Art
One of my favorite art history professors in college said, “Art is anything the artist calls art.” This idea really stuck with me, and now, I see art in everyday items.
For example, I have a little framed flower in my bedroom. My daughter (when she was a toddler) picked it for me during a trip. I wasn’t sure what to do with it at first, so I stuck it inside my iPhone case. A month later, I found the perfectly pressed flower and decided to frame it.
That tiny dried flower might not mean much to others, but to me, it’s a lovely memory of my daughter. Think about small, simple things you can turn into art—things that tell your story and bring you joy every time you see them.
Support Artists You Know
Supporting creative friends by buying their art is awesome. For instance, the beautiful weaving in the photo above is by my talented friend Rachel Denbow.
Another idea is getting art from kids you know—your own, a niece, a nephew, or a friend’s child. Kids have an amazing way of seeing the world and expressing it on canvas or paper.
When we were stuck at home during the early 2020 lockdown, my kids and I watched “Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems” during their lunch breaks. It was a bright spot during that uncertain time. One day, my first grader asked to paint on a large textured canvas we had in the garage. He worked on it for hours over the week until it was finished.
This painting now serves as a sweet reminder of that period and the art lessons my kids loved so much.
Hunt for Secondhand Paintings
I took painting classes in college, but I’ll admit—I’m not great at it! Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to paintings. They can be beautiful in so many ways, from colors to composition.
My favorite places to find original paintings are antique malls and thrift stores. If a painting gives me that “love at first sight” feeling, it’s coming home with me! Other great places to find unique paintings are eBay, EBTH, Etsy, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
Once, when my husband and I were house hunting, I noticed a listing had incredible art in the photos. We visited the house mainly so I could see the art in person. We ended up buying not just the house but also some of their art! The elderly couple selling the home was thrilled to share the stories behind their collection. That art now has a special place in our home, and it reminds me of them every time I see it.
Create Your Own Art Collection
My uncle, an amazing interior designer, has a home that feels like an art museum. Each piece tells a story, and I love hearing about them.
Inspired by him, I started collecting paperweights. They’re tiny crystal globes with intricate designs inside, and some are just mind-blowing!
Although my collection isn’t rare or expensive, I have fun hunting for pieces at thrift stores and antique shops. I also keep an eye on eBay and Etsy.
Another collection I’m building is white pottery. I wanted to fill my china hutch with simple yet beautiful pieces, and Goodwill and garage sales are perfect hunting grounds.
Collecting art for your home is a fun adventure. I hope you enjoyed reading my tips. Happy art hunting!
P.S. Don’t miss my post on Tips for Framing Unique Art for more ideas!
