Choosing a piece of original art for your home is one of the most personal decisions you can make — and one of the most rewarding. Unlike a sofa or a lamp, the right painting can stop you in your tracks every single day, lift your mood on a grey morning, and make a house feel unmistakably like yours.
But where do you start? Here's my simple guide to choosing original art you'll love for years to come.
1. Buy what makes you feel something
This sounds obvious, but it's the rule that matters most. Don't buy art because it matches your curtains, or because it seems like the "right" kind of thing to have on the wall. Buy the piece that made you stop scrolling. The one that made you smile without thinking about it. That instinctive reaction is the most reliable guide you have.
2. Don't overthink the colour scheme
A painting that clashes slightly with your room is often more interesting than one that blends in perfectly. Art is meant to be noticed. That said, if you're worried about colour, look at the mood of a piece rather than its exact tones — a warm, joyful painting will feel at home in most spaces regardless of whether the colours match precisely.
3. Consider the size of your wall
As a rough guide, your artwork should fill around two-thirds of the wall space above a piece of furniture. A small painting on a large wall can feel lost; a generous, bold piece can anchor an entire room. If in doubt, go slightly bigger than you think — it's rarely a mistake.
4. Think about what brings you joy
The best art collections are personal. Do you love animals? Flowers? Scenes from a favourite place? Paintings that reflect what you already love in life will always feel right in your home. My own work tends to feature things that make people smile — cheeky donkeys, sunflowers, ladies at lunch, cottage gardens — because I believe your walls should make you happy every day.
5. Original vs print — both are wonderful
An original painting is completely unique. No one else in the world has that exact piece, with those exact brushstrokes. There's something very special about that. But a high-quality fine art print of a painting you love is a beautiful thing too — and a more accessible way to bring original art into your home. I offer both, so you can choose what works for your budget and your walls.
6. Buy directly from the artist when you can
When you buy directly, you know exactly who made the piece and why. You can ask questions, find out the story behind the painting, and know that your purchase goes directly to supporting an independent artist. It's a more personal experience — and often better value too.
Ready to find your perfect piece? Browse original paintings and fine art prints at Maureen Chaloner Art — from joyful florals and whimsical animal portraits to bold acrylics and delicate watercolours. Free UK postage on all orders.