Shopping for Artwork Online

Every morning before I start my day, I sit down and draft the list.

You know what I'm talking about, right? Okay, so not everyone physically writes down their list, but we all have one in our minds. That constant run down of the things we have to do today/this week/should've done last week.

(And by "all" I mean "all women".).

One of the things on my list this week was to find artwork for above our bed. That space has been forever empty, largely because I haven't been able to decide what I want to do with it. I have an idea of what type of space I want the artwork to take up, which is a start, right? Well, I still haven't made a final decision, but I have made progress. And in the meantime, I've discovered some good websites to share with you.

It is not enough for me that artwork be somewhat visually pleasing and that it match the space. It absolutely HAS to have a meaning behind it, and one that is very "us". So when I started searching, I searched by cities, countries, artists, and photography that we already care about.

My first stop was allposters.com. This site has a HUGE inventory of reproductions of art, photography, and vintage prints. And it's an affordable option, too. Even large prints can be purchased relatively inexpensively. I'm intrigued by the vintage as well as the impressionist art, but am excited that they also have old maps on this site!

This would probably be too feminine for Joe, but I loved this print by Aurore de la Morinerie on Allposters.com. The 12X16 is only $17.99.

So this is a bit more pricey, but it doesn't get any more custom than custom silhouettes! I love this etsy shop, Pretty Faces, by Amanda and Jackie. Even if not for above the bed, I really want to get some of these for our house. They even do pet silhouettes! Douglas would make a handsome silhouette model, that's for sure. Hurry- they're offering 10% through the end of October!

Custom Silhouette Portrait: $50 from the Pretty Faces Etsy Shop. 

Another good option for prints or canvas art is Zazzle.com. Their site is much more user friendly than All Posters, and boasts a hip, fun design. It's also a bit quirkier, and plays to a younger audience (for example, the first category is labeled "Awesome Posters" and features a hipster lion). Still, Zazzle is so much more than posters, so even if you can't find the right one for you, there's always more fun shopping to be done.

This guy will set you back $56.99 at Zazzle.com, and can be customized!

Lastly, I've thrown around the idea of blowing up a picture of us, maybe from our wedding, or perhaps a panorama from one of our vacations. However, it felt a bit cliche, and I am not sure how I feel about a giant me floating above my head. One thing that may change my mind is the prospect of printing on wood, giving more texture and depth. Shutterfly.com offers Wood Wall Art, starting at $89.99. You can also add text and collages!

"Home and Heart" Wood Wall Art. $89.99 for an 8X10. 

With so many places to view art online, it is easier to find something great (rather than settle for the decor section at a department store) AND meaningful. How do you pick out a piece for your home?