How to Beautify a Room with Beach Artwork Even When Your Budget is Squeaky Tight

Attractive, Affordable Beach Prints & Posters

One of the most popular themes for decorating a bedroom, den or bathroom is the beach.  Because most people associate the surf, sand and sunshine with happy days, it’s a natural as an interior décor motif.

You’ll probably want to select wallpaper or a border that introduces the beach theme and then supplement it with a few beach-related accessories.  In a bathroom, you might choose a shower curtain and towels that are “beachy.”  In a bedroom it can be a bedspread and decorative pillows.  In a den, curtains or knick-knacks on a shelf can represent the beach motif.

No matter the room though, you should also consider adding beach-themed artwork.  The pictures on your wall will be immediately visible to anyone entering the space and will set the tone for the decor.

Beach artwork offers many fun and attractive options.  If you’re decorating on a budget, you’ll want to shy away from original artwork.  While having an authentic original is great, the cost often makes it impractical.  Instead, consider reproductions of original paintings and illustrations available as high-quality prints and posters.

The key difference between original art and print reproductions is affordability.  The gap between them can be significant.  Whereas the sky is the limit on original art, most prints cost just $20-$40.  For that price, you can probably afford more than one!

The Many Subjects of Beach Artwork

Once you’ve honed in on the beach theme, you’ll quickly be able to find relevant beach artwork.  A search will deliver pictures of children playing in the sand, couples walking along the shore, and teens tanning on colorful towels.

Seashells of every variety are also artist favorites.  You’ll find images of them poking out of the sand, gathered in a child’s plastic bucket, even artfully arranged as mementos on a shelf.

Aquatic animals and sea life are a wonderful variation on the beach theme.  Paintings of swimming fish, playful seahorses, smiling dolphins and golden starfishes will brighten any room.  Even some of the less visually appealing creatures, like lobsters and crabs, can make for engaging pictures.

Word art combined with sea life can be an intriguing mix.  One popular beach print has a detailed illustration of a starfish with the expression, “Create peace of mind with the waves of the ocean and the warm wind tickling your face.”  What a wonderful sentiment to remind you of the lazy days of summer.

You’ll even find straightforward word art like a picture of a crab with the hand-drawn caption “Steamed Crabs.”  Or an illustration of a shell labeled as a “scallop.”  These simple but beautiful images would be a lovely addition to any home.

Talented Beach Artists

As you browse through collections of beach artwork, you’ll notice that every artist takes a unique approach to depicting their beach subject matter.  Some will create realistic and highly detailed images of aquatic animals and sea life, while others will be more abstract, allowing a bit of imagination to enter into their art.

Take note of the works of some of the genre’s best-known artists.  Paul Brent is a Florida coastal artist who paints colorful watercolors of the beach, seashells, shore birds and sand dollars.

Another Florida artist is Kathleen Denis, who paints watercolors of tropical, coastal and floral scenes in Florida. She says she delights in “capturing the charm” of the locales she paints.

Klaus Strubel has gained recognition for his realistic paintings of lighthouses, many perched on wave-battered, rocky shores.  And Australian artist Gerard Kearney creates colorful surf paintings that represent the surf culture of the 60′s and 70′s, a period he calls a “cool time of innocence and wonder.”

Art Fronckowiak does detailed oil paintings in a classical style, depicting palm trees and beach landscapes in what he calls “Old Florida.”

Michael Paraskevas is an artist best known for his illustrated children’s books. In his fun, colorful style, he paints “big sky, warm sun and beach people.”

Diane Romanello does scenic paintings of the beach and palm trees.  She is known for her ability to recreate a serene, natural world.

As you can see, you’ll have plenty of choices of styles and subjects when choosing your beach art prints.

Choose a Mat & Frame for Your Beach Artwork

Once you’ve found a beach art print you like, you’ll want to get a mat and frame for it.  They’ll protect your print from getting dirty, creased or faded over time.  And they’ll focus attention on the image while complementing the style of your room.

You can buy a mat and frame right off the shelf at stores like Michael’s, Walmart or Target.  However, for optimum results, invest in a custom mat and frame through an art gallery or framing store.

The cost is reasonable, usually under $100, and they’ll make a huge difference in the appearance of your print.  The right mat and frame will transform it into expensive-looking artwork.

In making your selections, start with the mat.  Most prints look best with a neutral color mat such as beige, off-white or light gray.  If the print is smaller than 11″ x 14″, choose a mat that’s 2.5″ or slightly smaller.  For a larger print, a mat that’s at least 3″ will work well.

Want to add a bit more depth and drama to your print?  Instead of just one mat, use two.  Simply layer one mat on top of another.  For the inner mat, you’ll only show about ¼”, so no need to go with a neutral tone here; instead choose a color from your print.  It can be bright and bold or pale and subtle, whatever you think looks best.  Using double mats will greatly enhance your artwork’s appearance, and it only costs a few dollars more.

Your final decision is the frame.  And you’ll find there’s no shortage of choices.  How do you select the perfect frame?  Consider the décor of the room in which it will hang and also the artistic style of the picture.

Is it a beach scene complete with sand and ocean?  Perhaps a weathered wood will bring out the print’s best features.

For a detailed painting of a seashell, consider an elegant gold frame.  It will add class and sophistication.

Do you have an abstract drawing of fish and sea creatures, weaving their way along the ocean floor?  Then a painted metal frame with a contemporary feel might do the trick.

The best way to know what works is to simply place your print, mat and frame together and ask yourself these questions:  Do I like the combination? Do the colors and styles seem to work well with each other?  Will the art complement the décor of my room?  Play with the various pieces until they look right to you, creating the vision you have for your finished artwork.

Beach Artwork Collections Can Be Found Online

You can probably find some beach art prints at art galleries in your local area.  But they usually stock only a limited inventory.  Instead, go online to a virtual art gallery.  You’ll be able to view hundreds of beach art prints, all from the comfort of your home.

After you’ve chosen a print, you can also purchase the mat and custom framing from the virtual art gallery.  You should be able to see a representation of how your selections all look together.  Some virtual art galleries are even able to show you the finished artwork on a wall that matches the color of your space.  That means no guesswork.  You can be 100% confident in your print, mat and frame selections.

In most cases, your finished artwork will be assembled and shipped to your door within five to ten days.  Total price will likely be $70-$150, not bad for custom artwork that will last you for many years.  And many virtual art galleries offer a money-back guarantee, just in case you’re not pleased with the end result.  But you will be!

Hang Your Print at Eye-Level

When your finished beach artwork arrives, you’ll want hang it at eye level.  The challenge is to determine where eye-level is and that varies depending on the function of the room.

In a family room where most people end up sitting in chairs or lounging on a couch, the correct height is “sitting eye level.”  If the picture is to hang in a hallway, then most people who see it will be standing at the time and eye level will be higher.

Once you’ve found the perfect height, check the lighting.  If the space where your beach artwork hangs is too dark to fully appreciate the picture, then you can add a couple of ceiling track lights.  Another alternative is to add some indirect lighting by placing a lamp on an end table in the room.

Your Beach Art, Your Way

Framing prints to create your own custom artwork is a great way to decorate your walls and support your theme, whether it’s a beach motif or something else.  Even when your budget is small, you’ll still find plenty to work with.

So here’s one last piece of advice.  Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed by all the options.  Just look for prints you like and select mats and frames that create the finished image you want.  Choose with confidence knowing you can’t make a wrong decision.  It’s your artwork, framed your way, to enjoy for many years to come.

About the Author

Mark Reff is the owner of One Touch Art, an online art and framing store with more than 250,000 affordable prints.  You’ll find pictures and matching frames for every room in your home.  View custom-framed beach artwork here to add that perfect finishing touch to your décor.

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