How to Budget for Wall Art: Find Quality at Every Price Point

How to Budget for Wall Art: Find Quality at Every Price Point

Want to decorate your walls but not sure how much to spend? You're not alone.

Many people think you need a huge budget to get nice art. But the truth is: you can find great wall art at every price point. It just takes a little know-how.

Here's how to budget for wall art—no matter what your budget is.

Figure Out Your Total Budget First

Before you start shopping, figure out how much you're willing to spend total. Not just per piece—for the whole room.

A good rule of thumb:

  • Living room: 5-10% of the room's total budget
  • Bedroom: 3-5%
  • Smaller spaces: less

So if you've spent $5,000 on your living room, budget $250-$500 for art. That gives you a range to work with.

What You Get at Every Price Point

Here's what to expect at different budget levels:

Under $100: Prints & Small Pieces

  • Art prints on paper or canvas
  • Small sizes (up to 16x20 inches)
  • Good for: small spaces, gallery walls, rentals

You can find beautiful prints online. Just make sure the print quality is good—cheap prints look cheap.

$100-$300: Mid-Range Pieces

  • Larger canvas prints
  • Small original paintings
  • Good for: living rooms, bedrooms, entryways

This is the sweet spot for most people. You get quality and size without breaking the bank.

Our Best Sellers Collection has great pieces at this price point—hand-painted quality at affordable prices.

$300-$1,000: Investment Pieces

  • Original hand-painted canvases
  • Large statement pieces
  • Good for: focal points, main living areas

This is where you start getting original art, not prints. These pieces will last a lifetime and hold their value.

$1,000+: Collector's Pieces

  • Large original works by established artists
  • Investment-grade art
  • Good for: serious collectors, high-end homes

At this level, you're buying art as an investment, not just decoration. Do your research and buy from reputable galleries.

Where to Save (and Where to Splurge)

If you're on a tight budget, here's where to save and where to splurge:

Save on:

  • Smaller pieces (prints are fine for small spaces)
  • Secondary rooms (guest rooms, bathrooms)
  • Temporary decor (rental homes, apartment)

Splurge on:

  • The main focal point (above the sofa, over the bed)
  • Rooms you spend the most time in
  • Pieces you'll keep for years

The idea: put your money where it matters most. One great piece beats five mediocre ones.

Tips for Stretching Your Budget

Buy rolled canvas, frame it yourself. Rolled canvas is cheaper than framed canvas. Find a local framer, and you'll save money while getting exactly the frame you want.

Shop sales. Most art sites have sales throughout the year. Sign up for their email list, and wait for 20-30% off sales.

Start small, add over time. You don't have to fill every wall today. Buy one great piece, then add another in a few months. Your collection will feel more personal that way anyway.

Mix prints and originals. Use prints for smaller pieces and gallery walls. Save the budget for one original statement piece.

The Bottom Line

You don't need a huge budget to have beautiful art in your home. You just need to be smart about where you spend your money.

Figure out your total budget, know what to expect at each price point, and splurge on the pieces that matter most. Do that, and you can have a beautiful, art-filled home—no matter what your budget is.