I feel like this might be a popular question – where can I find simple, stylish art that doesn’t break the bank? I know I’ve often wondered the same thing. It’s taken me a while to find affordable art I really like and then commit to putting it up on the walls. Often I’ve been so indecisive, the walls have just been left blank, with framed pictures leaning against the walls for months at a time (some still are). My approach has been slow and steady, saving for pieces that really connect with me and building up a collection that has meaning. Now I’ve got a little sourcebook of all my favourite online shops, independent artists and galleries that I go to for affordable art – for interior clients and myself – so I’m sharing a few of the best here today.
My number one tip would be to curate an art collection for you. Art is a way to express yourself in your home – don’t just go for what everyone else has got, but find an eclectic array of pieces that tell your story. That might mean a map of where you first met your partner, a framed postcard from a friend or a something that expresses your core values. I personally like mixing high and low – not everyone can afford lots of expensive prints and painting and it can take years to create a collection – so I have a beautiful original painting given by my family on my 30th birthday, but I also have cheap posters, art books leaning on picture ledges (perfect for those afraid to commit to one piece of art on the wall) and photo booth snaps pinned on the fridge with washi tape.
Affordability is very subjective and I can’t tell you what’s affordable to you or not. So with these 8 sources of affordable art I’ve tried to have a wide spectrum of prices. Some prints start at as little as £2.95, other one-off pieces and rare prints are nearer £500. Even though that may seem expensive, I think you’ve got to see it as an investment. I would rather have one stunning piece of art I really, really love and feel I could pass down to my children, than lots of cheaper pieces I may fall out of love with in a few years time.
Hotel Magique
I recently discovered Hotel Magique recently, via The Basics Store, which is a lovely lifestyle concept store for everyday essentials curated by Londoner Marina Guergova. Hotel Magique was set up in 2013 by graphic designer Milou Neelen. The brand began when she painted a ‘hotel-vibe’ artwork for her own home on a piece of Japanese momi paper and fell in love with the word ‘Magique’. Today she combines her love for hotel nights and paper goods into an online store for illustrated art prints and greeting cards. As my other half is French, I’m really drawn to the cute French phrases and bought the Je T’aime Magique print for my own home.
The Poster Club
The Poster Club is usually my first port of call when sourcing minimalist art – they’re a Copenhagen-based online store offering a curated selection of high quality posters and art prints from both established artists and up and coming names. Greatly inspired by trends in Scandinavian lifestyle, fashion and interior design, their collection takes in everything from ink drawings to abstract art and urban photography.
I’ve got my eye on their new collection of six art prints created in collaboration with former fashion designer Malene Birger (shown above). Available as fine art giclée prints exclusively through The Poster Club, they feature bold, abstract and graphic forms in black and white. With six of my favourites below from the rest of their range, there’s plenty of choice for monochrome interiors.
Trouva
Trouva collates unique products from some of the UK’s best local independent boutiques, so it’s a useful resource for browsing everything in one, easily navigable place. You can find some beautiful pieces from lesser-known names, from botanical prints to typography posters.
King & McGaw
King & McGaw has been producing art prints and handmade frames in England since 1982. They started out as a small screen print workshop in a Brighton basement and now run the company from a factory and design studio in Newhaven.
Their ethos is to bring inspiring, affordable art to everyone, working directly with galleries and artists to create exclusive, museum quality images. I love their prints from old exhibition shows and reproductions of literary book covers. Their website is really easy to navigate and super simple to choose a frame to fit your print. The best bit is that the frames are very sturdy and beautifully made to last.
Print Club London
I was introduced to Print Club London as a screen printing workshop at their east London space. Established in 2007, Print Club London is a screen printing studio and contemporary online gallery dedicated to nurturing creative talent and the craft of screen printing. Their aim is to product high quality, handmade, limited edition screen prints at an affordable price – ranging from £30 – £1000.
They have a really diverse collection if you’re looking for something slightly quirky and unique. You’ll find street art, hand drawing, typography and illustrations. Reminding me of my own sausage dog Francis, I’m loving the flying dachshunds by Hannah Carvell.
Desenio
You’ve probably seen Desenio‘s prints on Instagram. They’re an online shop that offers a wide range of stylish posters and prints that tie into interior trends. They offer everything from monochrome prints, city maps, motivational quotes and children’s posters, and update their range frequently. The prices are really accessible and it’s worth keeping an eye out for sales, regular offer codes and influencer campaigns with 20% off discounts.
My favourite thing to get on their site is the Moebe frames, designed in Denmark by Moebe. The simple, backless frame is held together by a rubber band, from which it can be hung by.
Partnership Editions
If you’re looking to start your first, proper art collection, Partnership Editions is the place to go. They work with emerging and mid-career artists to produce limited edition prints and multiples as well as affordable unique works of art. They say: ‘We want to make art accessible to all levels of collector as well as to give emerging artists a platform to experiment with new mediums and engage and evolve with new audiences.’
Partnership Editions offer one-of-a-kind pieces and limited editions of artworks, ranging from £50-1000. Alexa Coe’s pieces are popular and always sell out quickly.
Paper Collective
Paper Collective offers graphic prints and products from a range of designers, artists and illustrators across the world. They have a strong ethos for social responsibility and sustainability, regularly promoting causes and charities close to their heart. At the moment they are building a school in rural Nepal and prints are produced in Denmark using only high-quality, FSC-marked material. ‘We believe that good design can do more than just look good,’ they say.
Other recommendations:
– Head to art fairs to browse work by established artists and rising stars. You’ll often find independent artists that you wouldn’t ordinarily find in a gallery. I find that seeing a piece in real life really helps decide whether I like it or not. I recommend the Affordable Art Fair and The Other Art Fair
– Art doesn’t have to cost a fortune – pick up postcards from an exhibition and arrange in a clip frame to create a simple form of affordable art
– It doesn’t have to be an original piece of art – I like tearing pages out from my favourite magazines and framing them. Think of the beautiful photography in Cereal and Kinfolk magazine and you have something for next to nothing (bar the price of the mag)
– Pick up things on your travels – I love exploring antique shops and flea markets when I’m in a new place. I’ve found old maps, vintage magazines and postcards to frame. Then you’ll have something totally unique to you
– Use social media and blogs to find independent artist that might not be listed on big online sites or shops like those listed here. Most of my favourites I’ve found through Instagram, such as Kristina Dam, James Wilson, Saar Manche and Liza Giles.
Where do you like to shop for affordable art?
