Is fine art in your home worth it? Things to consider

When it comes to interior design, apart from furnishings, lighting, rugs, and other fixtures and fittings, a lot of people also integrate art into their homes to enhance the look and feel of the place. So, while many fine art pieces reside in museums and art galleries around the world, some of them eventually find their way into people’s houses. After all, it can be argued that art is not made to be kept in an exhibition space; it’s made to circulate and enrich people’s lives. So, what better place to display art than the walls and rooms of a home? 

Collectors and those with a keen eye for fine art enjoy adorning their interiors with all sorts of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to prints, photos, drawings, and so on. But is it a good idea to spend your money and time on turning your home into an art oasis? Opinions on the matter are divided since there are various aspects and facets to this endeavor, but considering we’re not discussing run-of-the-mill mass-produced art pieces that one can find everywhere, this is a topic worth exploring.

The benefits of bringing fine art into your home

Curating a small (or large, depending on the possibilities) collection of fine art pieces for your home comes with a series of benefits, some of which might not be immediately apparent, so let’s explore them one by one. 

The aesthetic quality of art 

Fine art doesn’t have a practical function, being created for aesthetic and intellectual purposes only. The interplay of lines, colors, shapes, textures, and materials in art pieces can complement and elevate your home’s décor, adding interest and shaping the atmosphere. 

Although not all art is meant to be conventionally beautiful, all artworks hold aesthetic value, in that they carry meaning and have the uncanny ability to evoke and stir feelings and thoughts through the visual elements they encompass. Besides, beauty is a highly subjective concept that has evolved throughout history, being subject to cultural and societal influences. Therefore, what some might find visually appealing, others might not.   

The point is that art provides a venue for expressing and showcasing your style, interests, and personality and embedding them in every room in your home. Whether you’re passionate about classical art or enjoy the work of modern artists, you have the opportunity to create a space that is uniquely yours through the art pieces that you choose to decorate your home with.  

Investment 

Beyond the beauty and sophistication that art collections can infuse a home with, they can also make for a good investment. Although this might not be the first aspect to come to mind when purchasing art, the fact that fine art pieces tend to hold or even appreciate over time underlines their potential as an investment. 

Therefore, if you purchase art that is generally considered valuable and hold it for a certain period, you might be able to sell it for a higher price at some point in the future and gain a considerable return on your investment. While other investment options such as stocks and bonds experience significant fluctuations in price due to market volatility, the art market tends to be a lot more stable, ensuring a safer investment. 

Obviously, the investment potential of an artwork depends on a variety of factors such as the provenance, rarity, condition, and desirability of the piece, or the artist’s reputation. From this perspective, fine art can be regarded as a great asset to diversify your investment portfolio. 

A rewarding experience 

The personal enrichment and satisfaction that collecting artwork provides are not to be disregarded either. As a form of expression, art offers access to a world of ideas, and perspectives, challenging people’s perceptions and broadening their horizons. When you surround yourself with art, you open the door to culture, creativity, and personal growth.   

In addition, the process of hunting for new art can be quite thrilling in itself, and seeing your collection grow can provide immense satisfaction, like any other hobby or passion. When you find great paintings for sale or when you finally get your hands on a piece that you’ve been searching for a long time, you’ll be met with feelings of joy and fulfillment. As you pursue your love for art, you’ll learn a lot about the world and yourself, and become more open-minded. 

How much should one spend on fine art?

This can be a rather tricky question to answer. Art implies a profoundly personal and emotional experience. Establishing the value of an artwork is not an exact science, as it has to do as much with individual perceptions as with its intrinsic qualities. Therefore, a piece that might seem overpriced to some could be considered underrated by others. However, there are certain aspects to keep in mind as you look at the price tag of different art pieces.

First of all, you have to consider your budget. Before you go on an art shopping spree, you need to decide how much money you can afford to devote to your passion for art. The good news is you can curate a personal art collection without spending a ton of money, as you can find great pieces in all price ranges if you know where to look.

You should also know when to save and when to splurge. If an art piece speaks to you, then it might be reasonable to spend a bit more on it than initially planned. On the other hand, if you don’t find yourself particularly attracted to the piece but you still like it, you might want to put your negotiation skills to good use and try to obtain a better price, or continue your search.

At the same time, it might be wise to take a bit of time and research the art market, so you can gain a better understanding of how works of art are priced and make a sensible choice when you’re ready to buy. 

The bottom line 

The fusion of fine art and interior design can be equally exciting and challenging, but it can’t be denied that art makes a great addition in every home. So, if you are an art enthusiast or you want to develop your artistic taste, you have more than enough reasons to cultivate this passion and go on a quest for pieces that resonate with you and bring you joy.

 

Feature photo courtesy of vecteezy.com