Buying art for the living room on eBay
That familiar itch to refresh your living room has struck again, hasn’t it? You know the feeling: a sense that something’s missing, a desire to inject new life into the space where you relax, entertain, and spend much of your time. Perhaps the sofa cushions are looking a little flat, or the walls feel a bit bare. You might have rearranged the furniture a dozen times, but the room still lacks that certain “Je Ne Sais Quoi”. Often, the perfect finishing touch isn’t a new rug or a statement lamp, but rather a carefully chosen piece of art.
Art has a unique ability to transform a room. It can add colour, texture, and personality, reflecting your individual style and creating a focal point. A striking canvas above the fireplace can become a conversation starter, while a calming landscape print can create a sense of tranquillity. Whether you are drawn to vibrant abstracts, classic portraits, or photography that captures a special moment, the right artwork can truly elevate your living room from simply functional to wonderfully inviting.
However, finding that right place can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The sheer volume of options available, coupled with the desire to find something that resonates with you and complements your existing décor, can be overwhelming. You might spend hours scrolling through online marketplaces or wandering through galleries, feeling a little lost and unsure where to begin. This is a common challenge, and one that we’ll address in this blog post, with a particular focus on navigating the treasure trove of art on eBay.
1/ Understanding your style:
Before you begin browsing for art, it’s important to understand your own personal style. This might seem obvious, but many people jump into the art-buying process without a clear vision, which can lead to impulse purchases that don’t quite work in the long-run. Taking the time to define your taste will not only make your art search more focused and efficient, but it will also ensure that you end up with pieces you love and that reflect your personality. Think of it as laying the foundation for a cohesive and stylish living room that tells your story.
2/ What’s your art style:
To get started, let’s explore some common art styles. Don’t worry about fitting perfectly into one category: Most people are a blend of different influences. Consider which of these descriptions resonates with you:
Minimalist: Clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on negative space. Think about abstract art with a limited colour palette, black and white photography, or simple geometric shapes.
Bohemian: Earthy tones, eclectic patterns, and a sense of global influence. Consider macrame wall hangings, vintage textiles, or prints inspired by nature.
Modern: Bold colours, abstract shapes, and a focus on contemporary trends. Think vibrant abstract paintings, pop art prints, or sleek minimalist sculptures.
Traditional: Classic landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings. Consider oil paintings in ornate frames, antique prints, or historical maps.
Coastal: Nautical themes, calming blues and greens, and a relaxed, airy feel. Think seascapes, beach scenes, or prints featuring marine life.
Creating a mood board:
Once you have a better understanding of your style, creating a mood board can be helpful. This is a visual collection of images, colours, and textures that inspire you. You can use Pinterest, a physical corkboard, or even a digital document to compile your ideas. Include examples of art you like but also consider other elements that contribute to your overall aesthetic, such as furniture, fabrics, and colour schemes. Looking at your mood board will help you identify recurring themes and solidify your vision for your living room. Don’t be afraid to experiment and include a variety of styles—the goal is to discover what truly speaks to you.
2/ Navigating eBay for art:
eBay can be a treasure trove for art lovers, offering a vast selection of pieces at a range of price points. However, the sheer volume of listings can also be overwhelming. Knowing how to navigate the platform effectively is key to finding those hidden gems and avoiding any potential pitfalls. Here are some tips to help you master the art of eBay art shopping.
Keyword search strategies: The key to successful eBay searches is using the right keywords. Be specific; instead of just searching for “paintings,” try “original watercolour painting, landscape” or “vintage portrait, Victorian era.”. If you have a particular artist in mind, include their name in your search. Don’t forget to use UK-specific terms. For example, if you are looking for a watercolour painting of Liverpool, try searching for “Liverpool, watercolour painting” or “Merseyside watercolour art.”. Experiment with different combinations of keywords to see what results you get. eBay’s search functionality is quite powerful, so the more specific you are, the better your chances of finding exactly what you are looking for.
Understanding eBay’s categories and filters: eBay has a dedicated “art” category, which is a great place to start your search. Within this category, you’ll find various subcategories, such as paintings, prints, photography, and sculptures. Utilise eBay’s filters to narrow down your search by style, size, price range, and other criteria. This will save you from having to scroll through hundreds of irrelevant listings. Pay close attention to the “item condition” filter. You can choose from “new,” “used,” “open box,” and “seller refurbished.”. Understanding the condition of the artwork is crucial, especially when buying vintage or antique pieces.
Assessing the condition of artwork: When buying art on eBay, it’s vital to carefully assess the condition of the piece. Read the seller’s description thoroughly and look at all the photos provided. If the listing mentions any imperfections, such as scratches, dents, or fading, take them into consideration. Don’t hesitate to contact the seller and ask for more information or additional photos if needed. For vintage or antique pieces, some signs of wear and tear are to be expected, but it’s important to understand the extent of the damage before you bid or buy. Pay attention to the framing as well. Is it original? Is it in good condition? These factors can all affect the value and overall appearance of the artwork.
Choosing the right size and placement: So, you’ve found a piece of art you love on eBay—congratulations! But before you click that “Buy Now” button, it’s important to consider the size and placement of the artwork in your living room. A beautiful piece can look awkward if it’s too big or too small for the space, or if it’s hung in the wrong location. Taking the time to plan will ensure that your new artwork enhances your living room rather than detracting from it.
Measuring your wall space: This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people skip this important step. Before you buy any art, measure the wall space where you plan to hang it. Consider the dimensions of the wall itself, as well as any existing furniture or architectural features that might affect the placement of the artwork. For example, if you’re hanging art above a sofa, make sure it’s not too wide or too tall in relation to the furniture. A good rule of thumb is that the artwork should be about two-thirds the width of the sofa.
Different hanging techniques and arrangements:
There are various ways to hang artwork, each creating a different effect. A single, large statement piece can be a striking focal point in a room, while a gallery wall, featuring multiple smaller pieces, can add visual interest and personality. When planning a gallery wall, consider the spacing between the pieces and the overall arrangement.
You can create a symmetrical grid, a more organic and eclectic arrangement, or a combination of both. Think about the eye level of those viewing the art. The centre of the artwork should ideally be at eye level, which is typically 57-60 inches from the floor.
Thinking about existing furniture and décor:
Your artwork should complement your existing furniture and décor. Consider the colour scheme of your living room and choose artwork that either harmonises or provides a pleasing contrast. If your living room is decorated in neutral tones, you might choose a piece with a pop of colour to add visual interest. Alternatively, if your room is already quite colourful, you might opt for a piece that complements the existing palette. Also think about the style of your furniture. A modern abstract piece might look out of place in a room filled with antique furniture. Aim for a cohesive look that ties all the elements of your living room together.
Conclusion:
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from understanding your personal style to navigating the exciting world of eBay art shopping. Hopefully you now feel more confident and equipped to find the perfect pieces to transform your living room.
Remember, art is a personal expression, so don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and choose pieces that resonate with you. Whether you’re drawn to bold abstracts, serene landscapes, or quirky vintage finds, your art should reflect your personality and create a space that you love.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to eBay and start exploring. Just click the button below to be directed to my eBay art shop.
Comments