5 Sources for Wall Art (That You Haven’t Already Seen Everywhere)

If you’re looking for a large art print but don’t have an enormous budget, consider digital downloads on Etsy. You purchase a file, which you can then have printed at a local printer or office supply store. (In our experience, a 24×36″ print runs around $40.) While we don’t condone buying from the many stores selling unauthorized works without artists’ permission, we love supporting artists such as painter Christa McCann-Silver and her printable watercolors.

The Library of Congress has an incredible collection of digital photographs and posters, many of which—like this portrait of blues singer Bessie Smith—are free to use. Note that most files won’t print well at large scale, but if you need a smaller piece (say, a 5×7″ print) this is an excellent resource.

You don’t need to be a high roller to buy original artwork. LiveAuctioneers has ongoing auctions, and if you’re open-minded, you might discover a hidden gem like this serigraph by Kazuo Hirai—or an original painting by an unsung artist. Note that winning bids are charged a premium (typically 18-30%) and you’ll have to figure out shipping, so factor that into your bid.

Artstar curates a selection of always-colorful, often-dreamy, and highly covetable artworks—like this photograph by Carla Sutera Sardo. Artstar also offers framing, which knocks that task off your to-do list.

Museum posters are a trove of inexpensive-but-impressive finds. Case in point: this Alexander Calder poster, $19, from LACMA). Don’t overlook vintage posters, either—that’s what Ashley chose to anchor part of the Frenshe office space.