10 Chic & Affordable Ways to Display Art in Your Home

Looking for creative ways to display art in your home without breaking the bank? From gallery walls to minimalist floating shelves, discover 10 stylish and affordable art display ideas. Plus, get Amazon product recommendations to make decorating easy.

Katie

9/1/202511 min read

Up-Level Your Home With Customized Art Displays

There’s something magical about the way art can instantly transform a space. The right piece can make your home feel cozy, chic, and uniquely you—but knowing how to hang or display art can feel tricky (and sometimes expensive). The good news? You don’t need an interior designer’s budget to create walls you love.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 stylish and affordable ways to hang and display art in your home. From gallery walls to floating shelves and even creative small-space hacks, these ideas will help you showcase your favorite prints, photos, and artwork with ease. Plus, I’ll link my favorite Amazon finds—so you can bring your vision to life without overspending.

Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, or even a tiny apartment nook, these tips will help you turn blank walls into beautiful, eye-catching spaces that truly feel like home.

a wall with a bunch of paintings on it
a wall with a bunch of paintings on it

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What Type of Art Should You Display?

The art you choose to display in your home will help to create the atmosphere of the space. So, you'll want to intentionally choose the pieces you use and make sure they tell a story that resonates with you and that you want to be surrounded with.

The art you choose for each space or room can vary, it doesn't have to be uniform through the entire home! For instance, in the living room you may want to create a more fun or energetic vibe than in your bedroom, where you may want art that will create a soothing and relaxing tone. In the office space, you may want to plan a mix of structure and creativity with grid-like display patterns of bold art. Maybe in the kitchen, you want to focus on artwork that depicts food or outdoor related themes. The best part is - it's up to you!

The second best part, if you try a certain artwork theme or configuration and you don't love it - change it! Experiment. Play with it until it's just right.

a dog and a dog sitting on a couch
a dog and a dog sitting on a couch

Where to Find Your Dream Art

The wheels are turning as you start to think about how you can incorporate displays of artwork in your home. You're excited to bring life and personality into your space with pieces that inspire you!

But. . . where do you find these pieces of artwork, you ask? Great question. Here are a few options!

Personally, I always prioritize buying art from local artists, whether originals (tend to be pricier) or prints of originals. The best is when you can actually meet the artist at a local fair or in a gallery.

I even have a rule for myself that if I'm buying art from a place where I get to meet the artist, I won't buy it if I don't get good energy from the artist. Just think about the amount of time and energy they put into their art. It's something you will be bringing into your sanctuary, so you better be careful about the energy you invite in!

Buying art from a gallery or directly from the artist isn't always realistic on a budget or in every corner of the world. Some cities and towns have much more access to artwork and places to buy art than others. That being said, there are still endless ways to find and invest in art that you want to add to your space!

Local Artisanal & Craftsman Shops

Stop by your local downtown area (or a nearby town or city with a vibrant downtown) and pause the local artisanal and craftsman shops. You'll likely find at least a few of these types of shops in mid-sized or big towns or cities. Smaller towns may not have these types of marketplaces unless it's a small town with a big art scene.

Try googling 'local artisanal shops & marketplaces in X city/town' to see some options to check visit and find the perfect artwork for your home.

Seasonal Markets & Fairs

Seasonal markets and fairs are one of my top favorite places to buy art. This is for a few reasons. First, you typically get to meet the artist selling his or her own pieces. The chance for connection with thew artist and to heart the story of the piece is so special!

The second reason why I love buying art at seasonal markets is because you can typically find some great deals. The artists usually will have a bin in front of their booth with affordable prints (sometimes even originals!) or will sometimes even take a few bucks off of the total if you buy multiples.

Look up seasonal events in your area, including farmers markets, that you can save time to check out for your next favorite piece of art!

Local Galleries

Galleries can sometimes seem intimidating, I get it. There's this stigma that they are very high brow, classy, fancy places. I didn't grow up going to anywhere fancy, designer, classy, etc., so places like this often seem very unapproachable to me.

However, I always remind myself that I (and YOU!) deserve to be in these places just as much as anyone else. I used to think about how the curator or gallery attendant is judging me and assuming I can't afford the art. The thing is, that was just me projecting my own insecurities, which I have since learned to stop and am always practicing! Okay, back to the art though, I'll get off my soap box. My point is, don't pass by an art gallery because you think it's too fancy.

You never know the beautiful art you'll find or the wonderful conversations you'll have!

Etsy

Etsy is the perfect and highly accessible way to find and buy amazing art from the peace of your own home. You can find almost anything you are looking for on this site, and often you can learn a bit about the artist selling it, too.

A major win on Etsy is that many artists offer digital downloads instead of a physical piece. This means you download it (and usually choose the size you want, the artists provides options), print it (Send it to Staples or a local print shop), and hang it. The affordability factor is a huge plus!

Another perk is that many sellers offer customized or personalized art, anything from portraits based on a photo you provide, to custom requests. How amazing to have a one of a kind piece!

One note: I'm always careful to avoid mass-produced art by big companies and make sure I'm buying art pieces by individual creators. Also, there seems to be a bit more AI art on the platform than there should be. Do your due diligence to read the descriptions of the artist and art before buying to make sure it hasn't been copied from another artist.

All in all, Etsy is a fantastic way to acquire lovely art for your space.

TJ Maxx or Homegoods

Let's be real, this isn't ideal. But, I'll admit, every once in a while these big box shops have surprisingly lovely artwork that even comes pre-framed. TJ Maxx had a series of woven scene wall art that I fell in love with. I wouldn't exclusively decorate with TJ Maxx art, but I won't hate on it either!

A person holding a newspaper in a wicker basket
A person holding a newspaper in a wicker basket
person using laptop computer
person using laptop computer
unknown person facing on paintings
unknown person facing on paintings
a group of people standing around a table with pictures on it
a group of people standing around a table with pictures on it
landscape photography of vehicles parked on side of a street
landscape photography of vehicles parked on side of a street

Ways to Display Art in Your Home

The art you display and the way you display it will play a major hand in the mood of the room or space. Colors, styles, scenes depicted, and textures of the art, as well as the way you hang it will be major points to consider.

You can either start collecting art first and then decide where to put it and how to hang/display it later - OR you can decide on the way you'd like to decorate a space with art and find pieces that fit that structure. I've done a mix of both. I have a wall in my living room that I completely planned out first ( I know I wanted 3 or 4 brightly colored, cozy, and unique pieces uniformly spaced behind my sofa) and I also have an ever-growing cluster of photos and art on a wall in my office/sewing room.

If you already have some art you want to redecorate with, gather it together and play around with different configurations on the ground so see how they look together or what pieces would go well with it.

Also, when you buy art or have art and you aren't sure where to display it, take it on a field trip around your house and hold it up to different walls until it feels right.

The following are 10 ways you can design your cozy and chic space with a variety of ways to display art in your home.

white wall photo frame
white wall photo frame

Classic Gallery Wall

A classic gallery wall is one of the most timeless and stylish ways to display art in your home. By arranging a mix of frames in various sizes and styles, you can create a curated look that feels both personal and polished. The beauty of a gallery wall is its versatility—you can showcase family photos, prints, or even abstract pieces, all tied together with a consistent color palette or frame style. Whether you choose a symmetrical grid for a clean, modern feel or an eclectic arrangement for a more relaxed vibe, a gallery wall instantly turns a blank space into a statement feature that reflects your personality.

Floating Shelves for a Modern Look

Floating shelves are a budget-friendly and flexible option for displaying art without committing to hammering nails into the wall for every piece. Simply prop up frames of different sizes and layer them with small decorative accents like plants or candles for a cozy, styled look. The best part? You can easily swap out your art seasonally or whenever you need a refresh, making floating shelves the perfect solution for those who love variety.

Grid Layout for a Clean, Minimalist Vibe

For those who love structure and balance, a grid layout is the perfect way to display art. Matching frames arranged in neat rows or columns give your walls a modern, gallery-inspired look. This method works especially well with photography, minimalist prints, or black-and-white artwork. The clean lines create instant order, making it ideal for living rooms, offices, or hallways.

Lean Your Art or Use an Easel

If you want a laid-back, effortless way to style art, try leaning frames against a wall or mantel or securing it with an easel. This method is renter-friendly and requires zero hardware while still looking chic and intentional. Layer different frame sizes together to create depth and interest, or keep it minimal with one striking piece. Leaning art works especially well in bedrooms, home offices, and entryways, giving your space a cozy, lived-in feel.

Use Picture Ledges for Flexibility

Art ledges are like floating shelves but designed specifically for rotating art displays. They’re sleek, simple to install, and allow you to mix and match frames without drilling new holes each time. Layer pieces of different heights and sizes, and don’t be afraid to overlap them for a casual, modern look. Art ledges are a smart choice for anyone who likes to refresh their home often or showcase different prints throughout the year.

Mix & Match: Art with Mirrors or Wall Decor

Who says walls have to be just for pictures? Mixing framed art with other décor pieces like mirrors, woven baskets, or wall hangings creates a dynamic, textural look. This is a fun way to break up a gallery wall or bring personality to your space. Start with a few neutral frames, then add unique objects that complement your style for a layered, collected vibe that feels like it’s been built over time.

Oversized Statement Pieces

Sometimes less is more—and one oversized piece of art can make just as much impact as a wall full of smaller frames. A large print or canvas creates a dramatic focal point, instantly elevating the room while keeping things simple. This is an especially great option for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with multiple frames. Choose artwork that sets the mood of your space, whether that’s a calming abstract for a bedroom or a bold, colorful piece for the living room.

Hanging Clips and Cork Boards

For a fun and functional way to display art, try using clipboards or cork boards. This approach makes it easy to rotate prints, photos, or even inspirational quotes whenever you’re ready for a change—no frames required! Clipboards give off a modern, minimalist vibe and can be arranged in neat rows for a structured look, while cork boards are perfect for layering art with personal touches like postcards, notes, or fabric swatches. Both options are budget-friendly, renter-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves to update their walls frequently without the commitment of permanent frames.

Wall Lighting: Aesthetic Touches

Lighting can completely transform the way your art or photos look on the wall. Adding wall-mounted lights, picture lights, or even stylish sconces above your frames not only highlights your favorite pieces but also creates a cozy, gallery-inspired atmosphere in your home. Warm-toned lighting adds softness and enhances the colors of your prints, while adjustable spotlights let you direct focus exactly where you want it. This small detail instantly elevates your art display, making it feel intentional, elegant, and professional—without requiring a huge investment.

Mixing Mediums

Bring variety to your walls by mixing different types of art. Pair framed prints with canvases, tapestries, or even sculptural wall décor for a unique, gallery-like feel. Combining different mediums keeps your space interesting and gives your walls more depth. Try balancing textures—like soft textiles with clean glass frames—for a cozy yet chic look that feels personalized.

Use Art to Customize Your Space, Add Personality, and Make it All Yours!

Creating a home that feels stylish and inviting doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. With these 10 affordable ways to hang and display art, you can turn empty walls into a reflection of your personality and style. The best part? Small details like gallery frames, floating shelves, or even peel-and-stick hooks can make a big impact without breaking your budget.

If you’re ready to start decorating, check out my favorite Amazon finds linked throughout this post—they’re affordable, chic, and perfect for making your walls come alive.

Here’s to cozy, creative spaces that inspire you every day! 💫