Your Guide to Buying Artwork
Choosing artwork is a personal and rewarding process. Whether you're buying a print or commissioning an original, this guide will help you feel confident every step of the way.
1. Choosing the Right Scale for Your Wall
Scale is one of the most important — and most overlooked — decisions when buying art.
- Measure first. Use a tape measure to mark out the dimensions on your wall with painter's tape before purchasing. This gives you a real sense of how the artwork will sit in the space.
- Furniture as a guide. Art hung above a sofa, bed, or console should ideally be around two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it.
- Hanging height. The centre of the artwork should sit approximately 145–150 cm from the floor — roughly eye level for most people.
- Small walls, small art — not always. A single large statement piece can work beautifully in a compact space, creating a focal point rather than clutter.
- Gallery walls. If you're grouping multiple works, lay them out on the floor first and photograph the arrangement before committing to hanging.
2. Framing and Ready-to-Hang Options
How you present your artwork affects how it looks in your home and how long it lasts.
- Check the product listing. Each artwork listing specifies whether it arrives framed, unframed, or canvas-stretched and ready to hang. Read the details carefully before purchasing.
- Framing prints yourself. If a print arrives unframed, a professional framer can advise on mounts, glass types, and frame styles that suit the work. Ask for UV-protective glass to reduce fading.
- Canvas works. Original paintings on canvas are typically gallery-wrapped and can be hung directly without a frame, or framed with a float frame for a more finished look.
- Matting (mounts). A mount creates breathing room between the artwork and the frame, and can enhance the presentation significantly.
Framing, mounting, and stretching options vary by product — always refer to the individual listing for details.
3. Lighting Your Artwork
Good lighting brings artwork to life. Poor lighting can dull colours and flatten texture.
- Avoid direct sunlight. UV light causes fading over time. Hang artwork away from windows or use UV-protective glass or acrylic.
- Warm vs. cool light. Warm lighting (2700–3000K) tends to enhance earthy tones and works well with most artwork. Cool lighting (4000K+) suits more graphic or monochromatic works.
- Picture lights and spotlights. A dedicated picture light mounted above the frame or a ceiling spotlight angled at 30° can highlight texture and depth beautifully.
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting that casts shadows or creates glare — especially on works behind glass.
4. Caring for Your Artwork
With a little care, quality artwork lasts for generations.
- Dust gently. Use a soft, dry brush or lint-free cloth to dust frames. Do not apply cleaning products directly to the artwork.
- Avoid humidity and temperature extremes. Bathrooms, laundries, and areas near fireplaces or air conditioner vents are not ideal locations for artwork.
- Store carefully. If you need to store artwork, keep it upright, wrapped in acid-free tissue or glassine, and away from moisture.
- Unframed prints. Store flat in an acid-free portfolio or tube to prevent creasing.
Care requirements can vary depending on the medium and materials. Refer to any care information included with your purchase.
5. Delivery and Timing
We want your artwork to arrive safely and in perfect condition.
- Delivery times. Estimated delivery windows are listed on each product page and at checkout. These are estimates and may vary depending on your location and carrier.
- Packaging. Artwork is packaged carefully to protect it in transit. If your order arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible with photos of the packaging and the damage.
- Original works. Original paintings and one-of-a-kind pieces may have longer dispatch times — check the listing for details.
- International orders. Delivery times and any applicable duties or customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Check your country's import regulations before ordering.
For specific delivery information, refer to the product listing or contact us directly.
6. Questions to Ask Before Buying or Commissioning
Whether you're buying an existing work or commissioning something original, asking the right questions helps ensure you get something you'll love.
Before buying an existing work:
- What are the exact dimensions, including any frame?
- Is the work framed, unframed, or canvas-stretched?
- What is the medium and surface (e.g. oil on canvas, archival print on cotton rag)?
- Is this an original or a limited edition print? If a print, what is the edition size?
- What is the returns or exchange policy?
Before commissioning an original:
- What is the process and how long will it take?
- Is a deposit required? What are the payment terms?
- How many revisions or check-ins are included?
- Who holds the copyright to the finished work?
- What happens if I'm not happy with the result?
- Will I receive a certificate of authenticity?
Have a question not covered here? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
Ready to find your next piece?
Explore our Original Artworks or browse our Prints collection.