The Best Wall Art You Can Find

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Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

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Gone are the days of the Scotch-taped posters you had in your college dorm. Now, you’ve got the furniture, all the strategically placed lamps (so you never have to turn on your overhead lighting), and even some nice sheets. The last thing you need? The best wall art.

We reached out to experts like Schwanda Rountree, principal of Rountree Art Consulting, who specializes in sourcing art for clients, and Olivia McDowell, a lifestyle, beauty, and fashion creator, for everything you need to know about wall art — from finding it to hanging it.

➼ FAQs
➼ Best places to purchase wall art
➼ Our experts

“Gone are the days of having to physically shop around for artwork to go on your walls,” Rountree says. “There are several online art marketplaces that make it super-easy to choose work online and have it shipped directly to you.” Artsy is her go-to when it comes to sourcing affordable artwork for her clients. Prices range from low to extremely high, but it’s fairly easy to find a painting on print in your price range. If you’re serious about getting into art, Rountree suggests shopping art fairs, too; Artsy has a roundup of a few.

Yes, the place you bought your couch likely sells something nice enough to go above it. McDowell likes to shop local on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn at places such as Humble House and Collier West. One of her favorites pieces by Mitsushige Nishiwaki comes from Collier West.

“I immediately fell in love with this collection of artwork. His prints showcase playful and romantic scenes inspired by the landscape of New York City,” she says. “These pieces are now part of a gallery wall that sits above my bar cart.”

If you want something unique, start with Drool Art. It was founded by a graphic designer, and you’ll find a mix of trippy graphic design, typography, and photography you won’t find anywhere else. If you want psychedelic patterns, chromes, and bold colors, this is your best bet. Print sizes and prices vary, and framing will set you back a bit, but Drool uses handmade wood frames in three colors and a printing process for high-quality prints.

If anyplace is going to be a good source for wall art, it’s a museum. That’s its whole thing, no? So, next time you browse your favorite museum, we recommend heading to the gift shop. There are also a lot available online, like the MoMA Design Store, the Met, and Studio Museum. You don’t even have to leave the house.

Desenio has a little bit of everything, literally. There are illustrations that would fit a kitchen or a nursery and photography to hang right above a vanity. There are so many options, it’s best to go into it with an idea of what you’re already looking for to avoid scrolling endlessly. You won’t find tons of unique pieces, but if there’s something specific you had your eye on, like line art, minimalist graphics, or a nice cityscape, you’ll likely find it here.

Most of the prints at Urban Outfitters start at $24 and are usually about $300 for the largest size framed, which gets you about eight different recycled-wood frame styles, pending availability. There’s a smaller selection here, but still a decent amount to choose from. Lean into the quirkiness of the brand and opt for the colorful and cutesy prints; maybe you don’t need a print of a heart-shaped cake, but why not?

Rountree loves that art can inspire conversation, so she suggests choosing a space where you can “highlight a piece, the moment you step inside — like in a foyer, above your sofa, or even near a cocktail area.”

She also highly recommends creating a gallery wall since you might have even less wall space than floor space.

Not necessarily. Keep an open mind about where you’re placing your art. Not everything has to go on a wall. “I have a low-profile Togo-inspired couch in my living room, and because it sits so low to the ground, I’ve found leaning artwork on the ground next to the couch rather than above is much more pleasant to look at,” McDowell explains.

You have a good idea of where you’d like your wall art to go. Now what? Well, be sure to check that the location works in the long run. You want to avoid direct sunlight to preserve the work. “If you’re worried about sunlight exposure, try a moodier space in your home like a bedroom or even a powder room,” Rountree explains.

Hanging wall art can be intimidating, but it’s pretty easy if you have a lighter piece. Rountree recommends grabbing a digital smart level and a brass picture-hanging kit. “If it’s heavier framed work, get help from a handyman or contractor,” she says. If you are renting and you want your security deposit back when your lease is up, then Command Strips are your best friend.

Patience is key. “Reduce the pressure to make everything align perfectly, so the final product looks much more organic and you are able to continue adding to it effortlessly,” McDowell says.