Where to Buy Affordable Art for Your Rental Apartment: 8 Cool Ideas

Moving into a new rental can be exciting, but also challenging if you’re on a tight budget. One of the best ways to make your empty rental feel welcoming and personalized is by adding some great apartment art. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank to decorate your walls with beautiful and unique pieces that reflect your style. Here’s our list of resources and tips to help you get that visually pleasing, homey feeling in your new apartment without spending too much.

Check local thrift and vintage stores

Thrift stores can be treasure troves for finding discounted art. Check out the wall art section for framed prints and paintings. You can often find great quality frames and art for under $10. Vintage shops are also great spots to discover unique art prints, photographs and paintings for reasonable prices. Take time to dig around, as some shops will have bins or bargain areas with lower priced items. And if you’re lucky (or just patient enough), you’ll most probably find some cool sculptures or artsy objects to decorate your rental. Some of the best cities for thrift and vintage shopping are New York City, Denver and Seattle.

Go online

Ah, the internet! This vast virtual space that offers so, so much. There are several online marketplaces for affordable art that it will take you days to go through all of them. Our personal favorites are:

• Art.com for its affordable prints of artwork by famous artists.
• Society6 for ultra cool posters. Bulk order it is.
• Sonic Editions for epic photographs of your favorite artists.
• Minted for its offerings that go beyond wall art. They have some minimalist sculptures and objects that are in line with the quiet luxury.

Browse Facebook Marketplace for unique apartment art

Speaking of online sources for affordable art to decorate your new rental, don’t forget about Facebook Marketplace. People are always looking to sell or exchange objects and you might be surprised to find some unique artwork. Another advantage is the local aspect of it all. Most likely, you’ll find a seller who lives nearby, which means you won’t have to deal with waitlists or long waiting time for shipping. Plus, you can pay via Facebook or in cash upon pickup.

Check out discount home goods stores

Stores like HomeGoods, Tuesday Morning and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet sell discounted home goods, including a variety of wall art. You can often find large canvas prints, framed art, metal signs and wall sculptures for under $50. But make sure you visit frequently as inventory changes often. You never know what affordable art gems you may uncover on each trip.

Visit some student art sale events

Local community colleges, universities and high schools often sell affordable student art several times a year. You can find original paintings, photographs, mixed media pieces and more by up-and-coming student artists. Art typically ranges from $5 to $50. By purchasing, you support local student artists. See what exhibits your nearby schools have coming up.

Look for art fairs and festivals

Outdoor art fairs and festivals are great spots to browse and purchase directly from artists. You can find paintings, pottery, photos, jewelry, textiles and more. While some pieces may be pricier, artists often have bargain bins for discounted works under $50. Plus, getting to know local artists at these events can help you find new affordable art for years to come. You’ll be all set for upcoming renovations. New York City even has an Affordable Art Fair, but similar events take place in cities such as Ann Arbor, MI (Ann Arbor Street Art Fair); Des Moines, IA (Des Moines Arts Festival); or St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Art Fair).

Create your own apartment art

Don’t be discouraged or intimidated by this possibility. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already experimented with art, been considering it or never crossed your mind, you should still give it a try. There are so many creative avenues to explore. And many of them are not only affordable but also therapeutic. Here are some options:

• Painting: Pick up inexpensive canvases and wood plaques at craft stores when they go on sale, usually for under $5. You can paint designs on blank canvases using acrylic paint from the dollar store. You could even try and use watercolors on smaller pieces of paper and frame a bunch of them to give a corner of your rental apartment a new look and feel.
• Pressed flowers: This is something you must have seen before or tried to do as a kid. Pick some flowers that you love and press them between the pages of a heavy book. Leave them to dry there and then carefully place them on a piece of paper. You can even add dried leaves and create a picture that will remind you of your favorite season. You can use flowers from a bouquet you received from a loved one and add even more value to your art.

• Photography: You must have felt inspired at least once to take a photo of a sunset, the sea or a fisherman’s boat. Browse your camera roll for an image that gives you a warm feeling. Print it and frame it. Easy as that. You can also ask friends or relatives to send you some of their photos, if they have more artsy shots in their camera roll. Another great option to fill a frame are magazine cutouts. Here too, the possibilities are endless.
• Ceramics and more: There are many ways to create an object that could beautifully decorate your rental apartment. You can sign up for a ceramics class and learn how to make one or look for cafes where you can paint a ready-made blank cup or plate. You could also use older objects in your home and paint them or upcycle them. You can find interesting articles online to guide you through this, so pick an object and take your time.

Check neighborhood message boards

This one might take a little more time but may be totally worth it in the long run. So, if you’re not in a hurry or if you love a good, artistic bargain, sign up for Nextdoor or check Facebook neighborhood groups. Residents will sometimes list local art or wall decor for cheap or free on these platforms as they declutter. You may be able to find art, mirrors, prints, tapestries and more. Arrange a quick pickup.

With some effort and creativity, you can find great art for your rental apartment without going over budget. Shop secondhand stores, online discounts, community sales or create your own art. Before you know it, your rental will become a beautiful home in perfect harmony with your personal style.