Why You May Want To Thrift Your Wall Art Instead Of Buying From Home Decor Stores

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What makes thrifted artwork so special? It might be the unique medium used, or it may be the unusual (if not just plain funky) subject matter. It could even be that famous or valuable pieces may be hiding in secondhand stores, or a piece that suits your aesthetic perfectly is just waiting to be discovered. Whatever the reason, it's definitely fun to thrift your artwork — like participating in a treasure hunt where only you know what the treasure is. However, thrifting your wall decor is more than just a way to pass the time: it can actually elevate your home more than stock or mass-produced prints found at modern home stores. Instead of throwing up a framed piece that also inhabits every salon, doctor's office, and eatery, secondhand art will bring in both texture and dimension and even round out your aesthetic in a more authentic way, which is why you should opt for pre-loved pieces before going to the big box stores for your wall art.

One key feature of antique or thrifted art is the quality. Even if it's just a random painting of a landscape or a rabbit wearing a hat, you're probably getting a piece of art that someone paid a lot of money for, at less than half the price. Custom framing alone can cost hundreds of dollars, yet pre-framed artwork abounds at your local vintage shop. Plus, you can find a piece with some history and provenance that will be different from what all your friends have in their homes. Be unique, and take a sustainable approach by thrifting art.

In addition to the thriftiness of buying a pre-framed painting, you can even buy a work of art just to use the frame. Many people remove the artwork or print from inside the frame to repurpose the latter, these borders can be considered art in themselves. Gilded frames, intricate details, thick molding: you can pay a lot of money for the vintage finish found on a lot of these settings. Even if you're just framing a family photo, a vintage frame can give you some retro glam. If you want to give your vintage frame a slight upgrade, you can upcycle thrifted frames using a microfiber to clean away dust, then sand and repaint them. Rub n buff metallic wax gives a great vintage finish as well.

Some of these old paintings may need a little TLC (or you can choose to keep that worn-and-weathered vibe). When shopping, it can be useful to inspect both the art and the matting to ensure there is no water damage. Mold and bacteria can damage prints and paintings, so give your pieces a good once-over before purchasing. While there are plenty of tips to find artwork for your home, sometimes a good thrifting trip and a DIY spirit is all you really need for the most unique vintage decor.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons you should thrift your artwork is sustainability. Buying art that has been pre-loved and reusing it or giving it new life is a great way to be eco-friendly and sustainable with your decor. Rather than updating your wall art every season or whenever a new trend comes, investing in lasting pieces that are both timeless and enjoyable will ensure that you have decor that lasts. Seeking out truly unique pieces could also inspire you on a new path towards decorating or updating your house. Why not visit your local thrift store and peruse the various pieces available to get color palette inspiration for a room that you haven't yet decorated or chosen a theme for?

When you go thrifting for wall decor, you don't even necessarily have to find exactly what you're looking for. An old, loved piece of art can often be updated or altered to suit your needs. For example, a fabulous mat can be re-used to house your favorite family portrait, or an empty frame can be used to press flowers from your garden. The possibilities are endless, and you won't regret owning a timeless piece of art with a bit of history.