Art is subjective, true.
But getting art into your home? That should be an objectively simple process.
And yet, there are considerations: Where to buy it, how to frame it (traditionally, a racket on par with car mechanics and loan sharks), even how to place it on your wall. Fortunately, we’ve got a line on a few apps and services that can ease the move from the gallery to your living room.
Because in the end, art is the triumph over chaos, right?
Frame your art … in five minutes: Level
Level makes custom-quality frames — with natural wood profiles, archival matting and UV-protection acrylics — for about 50% of a custom frame store’s price. To use, simply measure the print you want framed. Plug those numbers into Level’s interface. See a frame you like? Click a button and order.
Birchbox your art: Art in a Box
Like a CSA for ceramics, prints and painting, AIAB offers a monthly “box” of fine art by a local San Francisco artist. And like most subscription services, they’ll tailor part of your box each month to your preferred medium and taste. (Bonus: this month they launched Bronze in a Box, a separate entity offering limited edition bronze sculptures.)
Preview your art: Pixels
This app uses the iPad’s camera to show you what your selected artwork will look like in your house before you even lift a hammer. You can also choose from millions of images and purchase/customize frames.
Hang your art: West Elm
For $129, the upscale furniture company will now send a team to construct a “gallery wall” of your preferred artwork or photos. (Not available in your area? Redbeacon and Angie’s List can set you up with a handyperson.)
Channel-surf your art: Frame by Depict
This 50” digital canvas features an American Maple frame and 4K Ultra HD screen … for displaying hundreds of different digital canvases, all controlled via an app and a monthly subscription to new artwork.
Get alerted to art: Artsy
Follow the museums and galleries of your choice. In return, Artsy (an art news, store and curation service) will send you alerts and notices about new exhibitions and openings every week. Or just buy the artwork of your choice via the app: there are 230,000 pieces available.
Phone in your art: Art Concierge
Like the app Magic, you simply text your preferences to an “art pro.” They’ll text you back some ideas.
Rent your art: TurningArt
After you take a quiz to learn your preferences, you’ll receive a different piece of art every month for little more than a Spotify membership. While more ideal for offices, TA does offer a home service.
Protect your art: Gibraltar Wine Vaults
May we suggest storing your more expensive prints within the WWII bunkers carved out underneath the Rock of Gibraltar?
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