Edit Template

When is the Right Time to Upgrade Wall Art?

Shop

Edit Template

You’ve been looking at that same art on your wall for a few years now and it’s getting boring.  You want something different to look at.  You think it might be time to step it up and get some fine quality artwork but you’re not sure it’s really time.  If this sounds familiar, then you are in luck.  We’ve got several tips here to help you determine if it’s the right time to upgrade and invest in quality fine art for your wall.

Photograph of Cramer Imaging's landscape photo titled "Ice Castle" in an office or home office setting

I’ve had that cheap commercially produced artwork on my walls too.  I’ve also had smaller prints and custom crafts too.  It fills a space and gives me something to look at other than boring white walls.

Cramer Imaging's fine art landscape photograph of a rainbow arc appearing over mountains and a rural cattle field in Utah
I would rather have large versions of art like this landscape shot on my wall.

If you’re like me, though, you want something else to look at.  Something that says you have good taste.  Something that says you’ve arrived.  Well, there’s a right time to start considering this curation process in home.  How do you know when that is?  Here are a few ideas to help you know when the right time is to upgrade your wall art.

Are You Ready Financially?

Cramer Imaging's professional quality photograph of a hand holding a one, five, ten, and twenty dollar bill

One of the first points to consider is your financial situation.  Purchasing a large format piece of fine art is a significant investment of money.  It might also be a significant investment of time shopping around for the right piece.

Fine art is generally very expensive to purchase and expensive to replace.  That is if you didn’t purchase a one-of-a-kind piece which cannot ever be recreated.  Insurance prices are a very important consideration when determining your financial eligibility for a fine art purchase.  Also, most art won’t hold its value long-term: meaning you won’t get your purchase price back out of it.

If you can afford to drop a few hundred dollars into something frivolous, and also afford upkeep along with insurance to cover damage or loss, then you might be ready to start fine art shopping.

What Is Your Family Situation?

family of seven portrait

Another important consideration is whether or not your children are old enough that they won’t damage or destroy this art investment of yours.  Most children mean well but lack the fine motor skills or discipline necessary around valuables such as high-end art.

Your children don’t have to be tall enough to reach your wall art.  If they’re old enough to fling spaghetti at you, they can damage quality artwork the same way.  This is something that you must consider when you are thinking of purchasing new fine art.

If you can answer “yes” to this question or if the answer is “I don’t have any kids,” then this might be the time to consider upgrading your wall art.  If not, you might consider waiting a little longer.

Do You Have A Place For Display?

Another point you need to think about is what kind of wall space you will have for this new acquisition.  The larger the piece of art, the more wall space you need to display it on.  You also need enough unused space around the art so that it doesn’t devour the entire wall and look too big for its place.

Cramer Imaging's fine art landscape photograph of a golden sunset over the Canyon Overlook trail view in Zion's National Park Utah
You don’t hide a glorious sunset like this one off in a corner or a back room someplace.

The larger the wall devoted to artwork, the more options you have for your wall art.  Options like giant single pieces of art or galleries of several smaller pieces become viable options.  Smaller wall spaces mean less wall art options for you.  Only smaller pieces and only small clusters reduced size art will work.

Ideas For When To Start Shopping

While there is no specific right or wrong time to begin shopping for quality fine art for the wall, here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Your last child has moved out for college
  • You have purchased a new home
  • You have just paid off your mortgage
  • You’ve just come back from an amazing vacation
  • You’re re-designing your interior space
  • You just feel like changing things up
  • You see a piece of art which speaks to you
Cramer Imaging's fine art landscape photograph of a blooming field full of large sunflowers in golden hour

Any of these times might work along with many more.  Just make sure that you can meet your financial obligations in addition to your beautiful new acquisition.  After all, purchasing a new piece of fine art should be a fun and fulfilling process not one of dread and worry.

Have any more ideas about when is a good time for buying new fine art?  Share them in the comments.

Cramer Imaging Newsletter

Cramer Imaging's professional quality landscape panorama photograph of the sky and moon reflecting in Henry's Lake at dawn with blue and golden hours

Receive monthly updates in your inbox from us.

* indicates required
Newletters (Please Choose At Least 1)

Affiliate Links

Photograph of falling money on a table and Cramer Imaging's fine art landscape photo titled "San Diego Pier"

Receive discounts and special offers from vendors and products we use.

Edit Template
Edit Template