Starting an art collection can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Art is deeply personal, and the best pieces are the ones that connect with you on a gut level. Whether you’re browsing a gallery, scrolling through an online marketplace, or wandering an art fair, the most important thing is to focus on what you love. After all, you're free to do anything you want with your own blank wall space.

Trust Your Gut: Start With What You Love

The best way to choose art is to trust your instincts. “My first rule is that you have to love it and that it pops out to you," shares Diego Urrutia, Senior Vice President at Merrill Private Wealth in Palm Beach. "When something truly appeals to you, it will catch your eye and make you want to stop and look at it again. It should intrigue or even confuse you, capturing your imagination and making you think."

He continues, "Forget about whether it’s a good investment or if you have a place for it—you will find the space. Just focus on loving it. And rule #2, never forget about rule #1.”

This means letting go of the pressure to pick something that others approve of or that fits a specific mold. Spend time looking at a variety of styles and mediums to figure out what draws you in. Maybe you love bold color palettes and abstracts that make a statement, or maybe quiet, minimal abstracts give you a sense of calm. Take note of how a piece of art makes you feel—this connection is what makes art worth having.

Charlie Plaid Wool Rug, Rugs USA
Charlie Plaid Wool Rug Credit: Rugs USA
AI-generated living room or library with bold artwork, lots of wood, and plentiful shelves.
AI-generated living room design featuring warm wood and bold red tones by Palazzo AI. Credit: Palazzo

Don’t Worry About Matching

A lot of people think all the art in a collection has to fit together perfectly, but this isn’t true. “I disagree because art is one of the few places where you can definitely mix and match," notes Urrutia. "The beauty of art is that the pieces don’t have to go together well. You can have a beautiful Louis XV or Louis XVI chest with a provocative Warhol or Lichtenstein; the beauty is in the contrast.”

In fact, mixing different styles can make a collection more interesting. It'll tell a bigger story. Here are some ideas for how to create contrast:

  • Pair traditional furniture with a modern piece of art.
  • Use bright, bold pieces to balance neutral tones.
  • Combine different textures, like a smooth painting with a rough sculpture.
  • Hang a mix of large and small works in the same room.
A contemporary kitchen with original artwork and sage green cabinets.
Don't overthink art if you love it; matching your space isn't everything. Credit: Lutron

Go Big

One of the most common questions new collectors ask is how to pick the right size for their space. “My motto is: go big or go home! I love big art pieces that make a statement," emphasizes Urrutia. "Art is meant to be admired and appreciated, and I find that larger-scale pieces can produce the desired ‘wow’ factor and really transform any room into a captivating space.”

Statement pieces often feel bold and confident, making your space more memorable. If you’re not sure how to make a bigger piece work, keep these tips in mind:

  • Hang it above a major piece of furniture, like a couch, bed, or dining table.
  • Leave space around the edges so it doesn’t feel crowded.
  • Use vertical pieces of art to make a room feel taller or horizontal ones to make a narrow room feel wider.
  • If you’re not ready to commit to one larger piece, try a gallery wall for a similar effect.
Dis Ocean ombre sits beneath a gallery wall of frames in a home.
Create a gallery wall that tells a story of your travels. Credit: Heymat

FAQ

Should I buy framed or unframed art?

When we asked, Urrutia recommended going with unframed art: “Definitely unframed, because you can play with the frame to tie in the room’s overall aesthetic.” Why? Because it gives you more control over how a single piece looks in your home. A sleek white frame color can feel contemporary. A black frame might make a painting feel modern. A more ornate frame, or one with a dominant color could give it a personal touch. Framing is an opportunity to customize and make the artwork feel like it belongs in your space.

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How do I figure out my style?

Urrutia believes that your style will find you if you pay attention to what catches your eye: “When something truly appeals to you, it will catch your eye and make you want to stop and look at it again. It should intrigue or even confuse you.” Start by looking at different types of art—abstract pieces, images, realistic, modern, traditional prints—and notice what excites you. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you’ll start to develop a sense of your own preferences.