Budget-friendly artwork for your home

Looking for that perfect piece of art for your home? Follow these top tips to bring your walls to life through art – without breaking the budget.

Plate it up! Art doesn't have to be a framed picture hanging on your wall. Why not display a collection of beautiful plates? You can buy hooks from Spotlight, but make sure you buy the right size for the weight of the plate or else they’ll end up in pieces on the floor. Other options include African baskets, silk kimonos, weavings, and tapestries.

Skip mass-produced art! The fastest way to devalue your walls is to hang mass-produced art – anything that is neither original nor limited-edition prints. Not only is there no limit to how many people can own the same piece but buying this sort of art doesn’t support or celebrate an artist. You’ll only be supporting a large manufacturing chain. You’re better off finding ways to buy affordable art that supports the ‘little guy’.

Op shop art. you can often pick up art at op shops and second-hand markets. Not only is it a cost-effective way to buy original art, the pre-loved condition adds vintage charm. Frames are also typically ornate and interesting.

Fabrics and tea towels. Framing different types and textures of art can help tell a story. Consider framing and/or hanging fabrics like Japanese wrapping cloth or even tea towels to provide your walls with a textural element. Ideally, frame fabrics without glass in front so that you can better see them. A professional framer will know how to stretch the fabric correctly and will also advise you on the best way to frame it.

Photo walls. Scattering photos around the house on horizontal surfaces can sometimes create clutter and lose impact. Instead, brighten up a hallway or a stairwell with a framed collection of photos. Candid snaps in a variety of colour and black and white prints in new and vintage off-the-shelf frames is a simple and effective way to celebrate friends and families and decorate the walls.