How to Buy Cheap Art

Yard sales can be a good place to look for cheap art.

If you are trying to decorate your new home on a budget, or need to find a way to decorate an office, one approach is to find cheap art you can use. Original art, such as paintings, prints and pottery, may be pricey. However, you can also find quality art and a reasonable price if you know where and when to look.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Check yard and garage sales. Some of these will be advertised sales on front lawns, while others might be held at unadvertised community yards sales. While much of what you will find at these sales will not be valuable art, you may also come across some inexpensive treasures. Also, check local flea markets and consignment shops.

2. Look for estate sales. Estate states often sell all the contents of a house at set prices. The quality of art at these sales is generally higher, as are the prices, but you can still often find bargains.

3. Go to online to auction sites like eBay, eBid and OnlineAuction.com. You can find a variety of art for sale. However, be careful, since it is much easier to be cheated online than while doing business face to face.

4. Visit a local university campus with an art department. You can often find notices posted by art students who are selling their work inexpensively because the rent is due.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with the black and white mode on your camera and take "art shots" often, not just when you travel.

References

• The Smarter Wallet: Where To Buy Cheap Treasures
• eBay: Art Buying Guide