How to Buy Art Online

Pick your prints from the comfort of the couch

The icing on the proverbial, there’s nothing like a fabulous piece of art to really complete a space. And with so many affordable art options available online, and print techniques improving all the time, bringing quality art into the home is easier than it’s ever been. But while some things are relatively easy to purchase online, buying art can prove a little tricky. From style to size considerations, there are many things to contemplate when you buy art online.

“Decorating your wall is a fantastic way to express your style especially if you are lacking on floor space.” — Georgia Eldridge, Early Settler buying team

1 Define your home’s style

Whether your home is an inner-city industrial-style apartment or a suburban Hamptons-style retreat, the type of wall art that you choose will help enhance your home’s unique personality. For example, do you want your home to have a casual or more formal feel? As a general rule, framing instantly adds formality whereas a canvas print feels more relaxed.

From painterly blooms to travel photography or something more minimal, it’s important that your art choice complements your preferences too. For instance, if you’re located in the hustle and bustle of the city, you may like to choose something that makes you feel relaxed – a scenic mountainscape or beautiful beach scene perhaps? Likewise, if you live in the countryside, a cityscape might be just the ticket.

“I love how our prints span across different genres. From mid-century to coastal, we have you sorted.” — Georgia Eldridge, Early Settler buying team

2 Consider the Size & scale

When it comes to choosing artwork online, size and scale are just as important as style. First up, you should measure the space that you would like the artwork to fill – nine times out of ten, it pays to go with the biggest piece of artwork you can afford. No matter how beautiful an artwork may be, if it’s too small for the wall it simply won’t have enough presence in the room.

If a large artwork is out of your budget, then you can employ the gallery wall technique whereby you select a series of complementary prints and hang them in an artful grouping.

“Our range allows you to mix it up with a variety of beautiful finishes. From frame colour to glass enclosures, you can find a print that fits your sizing and aesthetic preferences.” — Georgia Eldridge, Early Settler buying team

3 Buy what you love

You only have to look at some of the many great art controversies the world has seen (Duchamp’s Fountain sculpture, for instance) to realise that art is in the eye of the beholder. Whether it’s realism or something more abstract that pushes your buttons, art is an intensely personal thing.

It’s important that you figure out what it is that you like and make sure to buy what you love. Try not to get swept up in trends and only buy something that you feel a connection with. Afterall, you’ll be spending a lot of time looking at it so it might as well make your heart sing.

“My favourite pieces from the exclusive to online range are The Harlow & Sofia Garden Life matching prints. Featuring bright oranges and greens, these prints bring the outdoors inside and make your home feel like a hidden oasis.” — Georgia Eldridge, Early Settler buying team

4 Check the returns policy

Finally, before purchasing artwork online, be sure to check on the site’s return policy. Ultimately, you’re not really going to know whether the piece will complement your home until it is placed in situ.

At Early Settler, we pride ourselves on delivering quality craftsmanship made for your home, so if you’re not completely satisfied with your order, we have a flexible 21-day return policy on prints. Returns will be refunded via the same method of payment, require a proof of purchase (invoice number) and with the original packaging if possible, as long as it’s in a saleable condition.

More in-store at Early Settler

Visit Early Settler online to check out the huge print collection, from cheeky llamas to luscious leaves and palm trees to Palm Springs. And get the latest tips, trends and styling inspiration at Home Life.