One of the biggest milestones of adulthood is the transition from a home with walls bedecked by concert posters to one which boasts a careful curation of actual art. This process can take some time to actualize, as eye-catching art isn’t always easy to find on a starter budget. To this end, we’ve put together a list of our favorite online “galleries” for sourcing unique and beautiful pieces that will grow your home into aesthetic maturity.
Citizen Atelier
Citizen Atelier feels like a gallery owned by your best girlfriend, which is probably because the site is curated by its young-and-chic founder Alessandra Salituri. This is one of the shops we have to add to our "do-not-browse-if-trying-to-save-money list," as we tend to want one of everything we see. Prices start at $120.
Pictured: Cloud's Walk by Antonio Mora
Artsy
If you've ever wished you could be one of those one-percenters who roams the globe scouring its galleries, art fairs, museum collections, and auctions for the world's most exceptional art, Artsy is your best bet for approximating the experience from your couch. Its massive database contains over 350,000 images spanning historical, modern, and contemporary works. Prices range from $50-$50,000.
Pictured: Marilyn with Lute, 1953 by Milton H. Greene
Artspace
Like Artsy, Artspace has partnered with thousands of galleries, museums, and foundations to bring their best works to your laptop. These partners include The Met, The Whitney, The Andy Warhol Museum, and more. Prices start at $50 and range to over $1M.
Pictured: Bird Hannah, 2012 by Liz Cohen
Artsper
Artsper is a French site, which inherently means its superior than others, just by virtue of its nationality. Artsper partners with galleries in much the same was as do Artsy and Artspace, but their selection is limited to contemporary works, and the galleries with which they partner are largely European. Prices start at 100 euros.
Pictured: Gainsbourg & Birkin by Just Jaeckin
Artnet
Artnet has some pretty advanced features for those looking to step up their savvy, but you can also simply shop from their selection of artworks sourced through gallery partnerships, or bid on pieces via online auction. Prices upon request.
Pictured: Mick Jagger by Andy Warhol
20x200
If the sites listed here prior feel a bit intimidating, you might want to start simpler with a browse through 20x200's offerings from both established and emerging artists. The site's tagline is "It's art for everyone!", and prices start at just $10.
Pictured: Baby Deer by Sharon Montrose
Saatchi Art
We love Saatchi Art's Advisory feature, which offers personalized guidance and curation based on the results of your needs and preferences. If you're still unsure of your own taste, this is a great way to get clarity. Prices start at $100.
Pictured: Woman P2 by EJ Koh
EyeBuyArt.com
Photography junkies should use EyeBuyArt.com to source works from emerging photographers for as low as $100.
Pictured: Jump, 2007 by Gabriela Herman
Art.com
Art.com's sheer number of offerings can feel overwhelming, but these prices are worth mustering up the patience to seek out the site's treasures. We love Art.com's "search by room" function, which allows you to specifically source art for distinct areas of your home—because your nursery definitely need a Picasso print, right?
Pictured: Blue Nude by Pablo Picasso
Minted.com
If you're interested in discovering and supporting emerging artists from all over the world, Minted.com is a great place to do so. Get to know obscure artists you would otherwise never encounter, and buy prints of their work for as little as $20.
Pictured: Blue Cactus by Wilder California
Tappan Collective
Tappan Collective features affordable works by emerging artists, many of which are created exclusively for the site. We're big fans of their photography offerings. Prices start at $50.
Pictured: Sois Belle 10 by Annelie Vandendael
ArtStar
ArtStar allows you to collect limited edition fine art prints of the highest quality from today's best contemporary artists, and we find it to be one of the least overwhelming sites through which to start collecting. Prices begin at $150.
Pictured: Faye Dunaway by Terry O'Neill
The Ghostly Store
Ghostly started out as a record label, which instantly gives the site a little street cred, as does the fact that The New York Times called it "Goop for the Pitchfork set." If that's the type of curation you'd like to employ, this is the place to find high quality fine art prints to your taste. Prices start at $40.
Pictured: Shore by Charles Bergquist
Exhibition A
Exhibition A was co-founded by designer Cynthia Rowley, and it features weekly releases of exclusive, limited edition prints from contemporary artists. Prices start at $150.
Pictured: Couples Swim by Katherine Bradford
Paper Collective
Each art print you purchase from Paper Collective donates 10% of the proceeds towards a charity or cause of the artist's choosing. The prints are also made sustainably. Prices start at 45 euros.
Pictured: Bambi Heels by Julie Pike
PurePhoto
PurePhoto caters to designers, but that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of its photography curation. Prices start at $125.
Pictured: White Swan by Alex Axon
Serena and Lily
Serena and Lily offers art curation with Cali vibes. Prices start at $300.
Pictured: Wipeout by Stephanie Sherman
Artfully Walls
Artfully Walls is another good place to start as an art beginner, as the site allows you to curate based on your aesthetic preferences (e.g. "bohemian chic" or "romantic cottage") or by specific area of your home (e.g. bedroom or bathroom). Prices start at $50.
Pictured: Woman in Mask by Anna Ullman
1000Museums.com
If you've always wanted to be one of those people who seemingly knows everything going on in the art world at any given moment, 1000Museums might be your best bet for getting started. It serves as a shoppable discovery tool for museums around the world.
Pictured: Salons des Cent by Paul Berthon
LUMAS
LUMAS features limited edition photography, hand-signed by the artist. Prices start under $50.
Pictured: Her Last Call by Stefanie Schneider
AHALife
If you're looking for trusted curation and a selection that's not completely overwhelming, AHALife is a good place to start for contemporary artwork. Prices start at $50.
Pictured: Pineapple Burst T2 by sunbow
@60"
The works sold on @60" are vetted by industry professionals, so you know you'r not going to embarrass yourself with anything bought on this site. Prices start at $150.
Pictured: Path of Phlox by Julie Testwuide
Society6
For trendy art prints at budget-friendly prices (under $20), you will find no better source than Society6.
Pictured: Beverly II by The Aestate
Great.ly
Great.ly's offerings are diverse, but we'd suggest sticking to the site for its brightly-colored, affordable abstract pieces. Prices start under $50.
Pictured: Awakenings #4 by Artsy Forager
UGallery.com
What makes UGallery unique is that it allows you to commission original art directly from its artists. Prices vary.
Products: Dance by Sergey Kozienko
Etsy
If you know—and trust—your taste, Etsy can be a great place from which to source your art on a budget.
Pictured: Palms Sway by LupenGrainne
