Hi, friends! I'm Peter Ashworth, and I have a confession to make—I absolutely love art prints. As much as I adore creating original pieces, I also appreciate the power of a well-chosen art print to completely transform a space. Whether you're decorating your first apartment, adding a fresh touch to your living room, or just looking for something new and exciting to fill that empty wall, quality art prints are a fantastic way to bring affordable luxury into your home.
If you’ve ever thought that art is only for those who can afford big, original paintings, think again. Art prints are the unsung heroes of interior design, offering all the beauty and elegance of fine art without breaking the bank. So let’s dive into how quality art prints can elevate any room—and how you can make them work for your space.
1. Why Art Prints Are the Best-Kept Secret of Interior Design
First off, let’s talk about why art prints are such a game-changer. Art prints allow you to bring the aesthetic and emotional impact of art into your home without the investment that comes with buying an original. And don’t get me wrong—original artwork is amazing! It’s one-of-a-kind, and it comes with a certain presence and depth. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still brings beauty and character to your space, prints are the way to go.
The beauty of prints is that they are high-quality reproductions of original works, offering you the chance to enjoy the same stunning visuals as the original piece. They can come in a variety of sizes, paper types, and finishes, giving you flexibility to choose something that fits both your budget and your style. And they’re perfect for experimenting with different looks and vibes in your space without feeling like you have to make a permanent (and pricey) commitment.
2. Affordable Luxury: Making Art Accessible
What I love most about art prints is how they democratize art—they make it accessible to everyone. You don’t need a huge budget to own beautiful artwork; you just need to know where to look and how to pick prints that speak to you. Affordable luxury is all about making your home feel rich and welcoming without spending a fortune. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of a little luxury in their life?
The great thing is, art prints allow you to explore and enjoy the work of different artists from around the world. You can experiment with styles, colors, and themes that reflect your personal taste, all while adding elegance and character to your home. Plus, because prints are often more affordable, you can build a collection of artwork that you can change up seasonally or as your tastes evolve.
3. Choosing the Right Art Prints for Your Space
Okay, so you’re ready to bring some art prints into your home—fantastic! But where to start? Choosing the right prints for your space is both an art and a science, and I’m here to share a few tips to help you find the perfect pieces.
Consider the Room’s Mood and Purpose: Think about how you use the space where you’ll hang your art print. Is it a lively social hub like the living room, a serene retreat like the bedroom, or a creative workspace like your home office? The purpose of the room should influence the type of prints you choose. For a lively room, go for vibrant colors and energetic compositions. For a calm space, lean into more peaceful tones and gentle themes.Think About Color Schemes: You don’t need to match your art to your room perfectly, but it helps to think about how the colors in your print will complement the existing decor. A well-chosen art print can tie together the colors in your room, acting as a beautiful focal point that pulls everything together.Mix and Match Styles: Prints allow you to have fun with different styles and themes. Don’t be afraid to mix modern abstract prints with classic botanical illustrations, or pair bold graphic art with softer watercolor pieces. This contrast creates visual interest and adds depth to your decor.Choose the Right Size: Size matters! If you have a large empty wall, a bigger print can make a bold statement, whereas a smaller print can add a touch of elegance to a more compact space. As a general guideline, prints should cover about two-thirds of the wall space above a piece of furniture like a sofa or console table. But remember, rules are made to be broken—if you want to create a gallery wall with a mix of different sizes, go for it!
4. Elevating Your Space with Quality Art Print Materials
One of the key differences between cheap posters and quality art prints is the materials used. Quality prints are often produced on archival paper, which is designed to last and won’t fade or discolor over time. You might also find prints on canvas, wood, or metal, each offering a unique texture and look.
When choosing prints, consider what material and finish best suit your space:
Paper Prints: Fine art paper prints offer a classic and versatile option. Choose matte for a more understated look, or glossy for a vibrant, eye-catching effect. These can be easily framed to suit your style.Canvas Prints: If you love the look of an original painting but want the affordability of a print, canvas is a great option. Canvas prints have a rich texture and can be displayed without a frame for a modern, gallery-like feel.Metal or Wood Prints: Looking for something more contemporary? Metal or wood prints can add a sleek and stylish touch to your decor. They’re also durable, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces.
5. Framing: The Perfect Finishing Touch
One of the simplest ways to elevate your art print is to frame it beautifully. The right frame can enhance the artwork, complement your decor, and add that luxurious touch to your room. Choose a frame that reflects the style of your space—sleek and minimal for a modern look, ornate and detailed for a more traditional feel.
If you want to make a statement, try framing your prints with a large mat border; this not only makes the artwork stand out but also gives it a high-end gallery look. And don’t be afraid to mix different frames within the same room or gallery wall—this can add visual interest and make your collection feel curated and personal.
6. Gallery Walls: A Statement Worth Making
If you have a large wall to fill, consider creating a gallery wall—a collection of prints and artwork that you arrange together to make a powerful visual statement. The beauty of a gallery wall is that it allows you to showcase a mix of your favorite prints, photographs, and even smaller original pieces in a way that's totally unique to you.
Start by picking a theme or color palette to create a sense of harmony, but remember, it’s okay to mix and match! Play around with different layouts on the floor before you start hanging, and don’t be afraid to include a variety of frame styles and sizes. A gallery wall is an opportunity to create a stunning focal point that reflects your personality and style.
7. Art Prints as Seasonal Decor
One of the things I love about prints is how easy it is to switch them out to suit your mood or the season. In the same way you might change your home decor to reflect the changing seasons—think cozy blankets for fall, fresh flowers for spring—you can also rotate your art prints.
For example, choose warm and moody prints for fall and winter, then swap them for brighter, more airy pieces as spring and summer roll around. This simple change can refresh your space and keep things feeling new and exciting.
8. Making a Space Your Own
Art prints allow you to personalize your space in a way that feels authentic to you. They can reflect your interests, passions, and memories—whether it's a print of a favorite cityscape that reminds you of a special trip, a colorful abstract that sparks joy, or a minimalist piece that brings calm to your day.
Every time you walk into a room and see a print that resonates with you, it will bring a smile to your face and make you feel at home. That’s the magic of art—it’s not just something to look at; it’s something to feel. And with prints, you get to create that feeling in a way that fits your style and your budget.
So there you have it—art prints are the perfect way to bring affordable luxury into your home, elevate your space, and add that touch of elegance and emotion that only art can provide. They’re versatile, stylish, and accessible, making them a brilliant option for anyone looking to enhance their decor.
Remember, choosing art is all about following your intuition and finding pieces that bring you joy. Explore, experiment, and let your walls tell the story of who you are. And if you ever need some inspiration, my shop is always open with a curated selection of prints ready to help you transform your space.
Happy decorating!
—Peter Ashworth
Peter Ashworth is a Southern California impact artist (@peterashworthart) whose purpose is to inspire people to feel alive, take them on a journey of transformation, and help them live their best creative life. Hi purpose is to inspire and uplift people to feel alive through his art, to take them on a journey of transformation, and help them live their best creative life. Contact him for custom artwork commissions, or check out his original art, and high-quality reproduction prints in his store, peterashworth.art
“I want people to feel something when they experience my art.”