5 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying Art Online
As an online art gallery, we’re all for buying art online and making it as smooth as possible! Just like any online purchase, there are a few factors to keep in mind to make the process pleasurable. Follow these five rules for buying art online, and you’ll have that perfect artwork in your hands in no time. Next stop, dream piece!
Rule 1: Size Does Matter
Would you keep a piece of clothing that didn’t fit properly? Probably not. Art should be the same; make it easy for yourself and plan out the size of the artwork you need for a space before purchasing. “I have been suggesting more and more to people to get some masking tape or colored washi tape, mark corners of a proposed work on a wall, and live with it for a day or so to get a visual feel of really how big something is,” says Art Advisor Amélia Davis. “The most common mistake with size is going too small for the space!”
Are you working with a particularly long space? Consider hanging a series of artworks.
Rule 2: Orientation is Essential
“We put a lot of emphasis on the size of an artwork, but the orientation of it is also a key player in choosing the right piece,” says Bluethumb’s Head of Art Advisory and in-house Interior Designer, Alexandra. “I always advise clients and collectors to consider what orientation will best suit the space for the most impact.”
Usually, the orientation will denote the style of the artwork (i.e., portrait orientation for portraiture; landscape orientation for landscapes and seascapes). Bluethumb artist Elena Parashko advises: “For instance, above a lounge, landscape orientation works well, and at the end of a narrow hallway, portrait orientation is a good choice.”
With the perfect style and size, this commissioned piece by Theo Papathomas from one of Alexandra’s previous trade projects couldn’t look better in this space.
Rule 3: Framed, Ready to Hang, or Needs Framing: Know the Difference?
So, you’ve found the perfect piece and are ready to make it yours. Before going ahead with your purchase, check the current situation with the artwork listing. Is it framed? Is it ready to hang? Or does it require framing?
If you see ‘Framed’ on the artwork listing, the artist has done the framing for you. ‘Ready to hang’ indicates the artwork is secured with an internal stretcher bar but does not have an external decorative frame. If the artwork ‘Requires framing,’ you’ll need to send the artwork to a framer for stretching, plus a decorative frame if that’s your preference.
When purchasing the artwork, take the sting out of the task by adding a custom frame through Bluethumb. The artist will ship the piece directly to our framer, who will make a slick custom frame before sending it to you.
Freshly made and ready for its new home, this white floating frame is available with canvas works on Bluethumb, thanks to our framing partners. Featured artwork by Leni Kae.
Rule 4: Listen to Your Heart
Do, give yourself a couple of days to imagine the artwork on the wall. But don’t set yourself up for heartache when buying artwork online. You don’t want to miss the ideal piece by umm-ing and ahh-ing about it for too long! Bluethumb’s 7-day returns policy means that if, for whatever reason, you have a change of heart, you have plenty of time to return the piece and get a 100% refund.
The heart wants what it wants!
Rule 5: Don’t Settle. Get the Artwork You Want
Rather than waiting for that artist to make the ideal artwork, ask them for it! Many artists are open to commissioning artworks for collectors, producing a truly one-of-a-kind piece that is tailored exactly to your needs. Contact the artist directly via their profile to kick off the conversation! For more information on the commission process, click here.
A commissioned piece by Tatiana Georgieva stands loud and proud in this mid-century meeting room.
With these five tips, your next online art purchase will be a breeze. Click below to shop for popular art on Bluethumb!
