How to Buy the Right Art for Your Space: Answers to Common Questions + Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Buying art is exciting—but it can also come with a lot of questions! At Katie Garrison Art, I want to make the experience easy and inspiring, whether you’re a seasoned collector or buying your very first art print. So let's talk through some of the most common questions I get from customers—and hopefully these tips will help you confidently choose artwork that feels just right for your home.
1. What Size Should I Get?
One of the biggest challenges when choosing art is figuring out what size will look best in your space. A good rule of thumb: go bigger than you think. A too-small piece can feel lost, while a larger one creates more impact and helps anchor the room.
Quick tips:
- For above a sofa or bed, aim for artwork that spans about 2/3 the width of the furniture.
- For gallery walls, mix small to mid-size pieces and lay them out on the floor first to find a balanced arrangement.
- For narrow walls or small nooks, vertical pieces or stacked smaller prints can be great solutions.
💡 Try my “View on Your Wall” feature! Every art print page on katiegarrisonart.com includes this handy tool so you can preview the piece in your own room, to scale. More on that below.
2. What Colors Are Right for My Space?
Color choice is all about personal preference, but here are a few guidelines if you’re unsure:
- Look at your space’s existing palette—pull colors from rugs, pillows, or accent pieces for cohesion.
- If your room is mostly neutral, bold or vibrant artwork can become a stunning focal point.
- Soft, cool colors (like blues and greens) tend to create a calming feel, while warm tones (like reds and golds) add energy and warmth.
My art often blends both—so whether you're drawn to vivid mountain landscapes or more serene natural tones, there’s likely a piece that complements your style.
3. Do You Offer Framing?
Yes! I offer framing options for both paper and canvas prints. My frames are made from solid wood in a variety of colors and finishes to suit your décor.
Framing makes your artwork ready-to-hang and adds a polished look—plus, it saves you a trip to the frame shop!
4. Which is Better: Stretched Canvas or Paper Prints?
It depends on the look you’re going for and how you plan to display it.
- Stretched Canvas Prints come ready to hang with no frame required (though you can add one if you like). They have a clean, gallery-style appearance with the artwork wrapped around the edges.
- Paper Prints offer a more traditional feel and are perfect for framing behind glass. They're a great choice if you already have a specific frame in mind or want to match other framed pieces.
Both options are professionally produced and color-matched to the original painting—so you can’t go wrong!
5. What’s the Difference Between Stretched and Rolled (Unstretched) Canvas?
- Stretched Canvas is canvas that’s been pulled tightly over a wooden frame—it's ready to hang right out of the box.
- Rolled or Unstretched Canvas comes as a loose, flat piece. This option is more affordable and easier to ship, and it’s ideal if you plan to take it to a local framer or stretch it yourself.
Bonus Tip: Try Before You Buy with "View on Your Wall"
I know it’s hard to picture how a piece will look in your space, which is why every product page includes a “View on Your Wall” feature.
Here’s how to use it:
- From your phone or tablet, go to any art print product page.
- Select the art print size you want to see on your wall.
- Tap “View on Your Wall” (just below the "Add to Cart" button).
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Follow the prompts and use your phone/tablet's camera to see the art print to scale on your wall.
This is one of the best ways to make sure you're choosing the right size and style for your room.
Have More Questions?
I'm always happy to answer questions or help you find the perfect piece. Just email me at hello@katiegarrisonart.com or reach out through my contact page!
Art should bring joy into your home—and we’re here to help you find something that feels like you.