One of the most crucial—and most difficult—aspects of decorating is filling your home with art. Rush to cover a space, and you may end up with cheap wall art you don’t quite connect with. Hold out for the right, meaningful fit, and you may end up with empty real estate on your walls for longer than you’d like. Or worst of all: you find exactly the right piece to complete a room, but it’s massively out of your budget. To help you avoid the utter tragedy of that last option, we scoured some of the best art sources on the internet (from Tappan and Saatchi Art to Etsy and Chairish) and tapped some of our favorite emerging artists (invest in them now before they blow up) for unique, affordable art pieces all comfortably under $500.
Image above by Michelle Nash.
Affordable Original Art
From abstract paintings made with vibrant acrylics to striking mixed media pieces, owning unique, original works have never been more accessible.
Drawing inspiration from womanhood and wellness, the Brooklyn-based artist and Parsons The New School grad often paints the female form and yoga poses. No matter the subject, the result is always pure joy.
Jonathan David Lange “In Apartment, In Chicago, Looking Over Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonalds”
Despite its highly specific title, this one-of-a-kind abstract work by Illinois artist and comic book maker Jonathan David Langer could evoke something unique in every viewer.
Alan Efron Art Abstract Painting
When you’re looking to cover some serious space on a budget, Etsy’s painting section is filled with endless, fantastic finds. Based on the glowing reviews, artist Alan Efron will match the tone of your room to this large oil painting.
This abstract oil pastel drawing, featuring the artist’s signature, is simplistic in its subject matter, but the toned pink paper makes an impact.
This abstract acrylic piece by the Montreal-based painter arrives ready to hang and bring instant joy to any space.
Marta Zamarska “Summer Postcard 11 Painting”
Using the landscape of the Middle East as its reference, the beauty is in the simplicity of this pre-framed, oil-on-paper piece by emerging Polish artist Marta Zamarska.
Simeoni Art Studio Abstract Textured Painting
We’re obsessed with the textured details of this abstract work. The artist can paint with black, silver, or gold as the secondary color, but the clean white is perfect for the minimalist design lover.
Josh Young Design House “Emma”
Using vibrant acrylics and oil paints, the Washington D.C.-based artist blends modern techniques with classical portraits for this mixed media work.
Urbano Espinosa “Words XII Painting”
Part of the Spanish artist’s “Words” series, this original acrylic on Canson paper focuses on symmetry, minimalism, and a less-is-more ethos.
The North Carolina artist’s lovely expressionism lets you summon the beach wherever you might call home.
Affordable, Unique Art Prints
From limited-edition works to bold giclée prints, the following fresh finds fill your walls and start conversations.
Dorothy Shain “The Kaling Collage”
The Charleston-based artist has been commissioned to complete vibrant works for actress Mindy Kaling in the past. In honor of that creative partnership, Shain released a signed, limited-edition giclée print aptly called “The Kaling Collage.”
The Texas-bred fiber artist and illustrator behind Actual Footage of Me explores how the “perceived self” influences Black women’s “presenting self,” capturing simple moments that are easy to identify with.
Pop artist Reagan Corbett offers her playful take on Texas iconography, which, as any Texan knows, Whataburger accurately represents.
Jessica Poundstone “Color Cloud 10- We’ve Been Here Before Pigment”
This dreamy, minimalistic work by the Portland artist is meditative, immersive, and could add just the right amount of color to your space.
The versatile canvas print, which can be hung without a frame, injects just the right amount of dimension.
Desireé Vaniecia “Blessed But Hardly Favored”
Another limited-edition giclée print, “Blessed But Hardly Favored” by Desireé Vaniecia represents those who master their craft but go unrecognized. If the Dallas-based artist’s style looks familiar, she recently completed a towering mural for Soho House Austin’s pool deck.
Daylight Dream Editions “Contemporary Colorful Modern Geometric Prints” – Set of 6
This made-to-order print from the Los Angeles-based art studio is an experiment with tones, values, and hues. A textural touch at the center of each square (look closely to catch it) makes each print unique.
Bella McGoldrick “Single Serving”
The New Zealand native’s hyper-realistic works, which highlight the texture and details of everyday objects, take 100 hours to draw. Studying one of her pieces up close, the time investment will not come as a surprise.
Postcards from far-flung locales inspired this abstract work—perfect for encouraging daydreams.
Mona Vayda’s “Still Life Arrangement Series No. 9”
Satisfy your love of house plants with a new addition that requires literally zero care.
