Collector Q&A: What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Artwork
A calm guide for new homeowners who buy with their eyes first.
Book a consult or a viewing: hello@unsungart.co.za
Why this guide
Most first art purchases begin as decor choices. That’s perfect.
Make a room you love, then let your taste grow into a collection, we’ve added examples from Unsung so you can picture it.
1) Start with the room, not the rules
Ask: What feeling do I want here?
- Living room: welcome, conversation
- Bedroom: calm, soft
- Dining/office: energy, focus
2) Get the size right (the quick tape trick)
Art that’s too small gets lost.
Easy guide:
- Above a sofa/sideboard: artwork width ≈ 60–75% of the furniture below.
- Above a bed/headboard: aim for two-thirds the width.
Do this: Tape the size on the wall. Take a front-on photo.
We’ll mock it up for you in a room composite using pieces from unsungart.co.za
Try: A strong single piece (e.g., Gary Frier single portraits) or a calm diptych built from our Abstract or Landscape filters. unsungart.co.za
3) Colour & mood, made simple
- Neutral/soft rooms: go for gentle texture and light palettes—think Cathlyn Massingham Underwood Breath of Hope – Skyscape 34. unsungart.co.za
- Moody/modern rooms: deeper colour, contrast, and a touch of metallic — Hurricanes by Liffey Joy unsungart.co.za+1
- Bright/joyful rooms: playful colour and graphic lines — browse Originals and New Art for pops (Jay Bubbles’s Dream 01 is a crisp, graphic option). unsungart.co.za
4) One statement or a small cluster?
- One large piece = instant focal point, less visual noise (e.g., a single Gary Frier work). unsungart.co.za
- Small cluster/gallery wall = rhythm and story (mix prints and small originals from Original Artwork and New Art). unsungart.co.za+1
5) Framing without fuss
- Natural oak: warm, timeless (great with Rest, Kin). unsungart.co.za
- Slim black: crisp, modern (great with bold Gary Frier works). unsungart.co.za
- White: fresh; blends into pale walls (pairs nicely with graphic pieces like Dream 01). unsungart.co.za
Rule of thumb: the frame should support the artwork, not compete.
What real buyers told us
“I taped out the size before I looked. — less room for disappointment, you want your process to be fluid throughout. Purchasing art is a joyous process.”
“I chose three words for my living room and only viewed pieces that fit.”
“Seeing price, size, and a short artist descrition up front made decisions easy.”
Simple 10-minute path to your first piece
- Pick your room.
- Choose three mood words.
- Tape the size on the wall.
- Send a front-on photo.
- Get five artworks curated to your space.
- Purchase or even Book a viewing (in-person or virtual) to see favourites up close.
Quick care tips
- Avoid harsh direct sun.
- Dust frames lightly.
- Works on paper: ask for protective glazing.
- Moving house? Keep your invoice as your certificate of authenticity
Ready-made starting points (shop these looks)
- Calm Neutrals: Liffey Joy’s Kin, Rest. unsungart.co.za
- Moody & Luxe: Liffey Joy’s Hurricanes; Tales of Both Beginnings and Goodbyes. unsungart.co.za
- Bold Portraits: Gary Frier selection (Gaga, Mindscape, Cleverkid). unsungart.co.za
- Graphic Minimal: Jay Bubbles Dream 01. unsungart.co.za
- Figurative with mystery: Naeemah Petersen collection. unsungart.co.za
Not sure what fits your wall?
- Book a 10-minute consult — we’ll send five options matched to your room, mood, and size.
- Ready to see favourites in real life? Book a viewing (studio, or virtual).
Book a 10-min consult or in person viewing: hello@unsungart.co.za