Nothing says relationship goals like a lively debate over whether that abstract painting is ‘a stunning masterpiece’ or ‘just a bunch of squiggles.’ If you and your partner are on the brink of an art-induced standoff, don’t worry; collecting art as a couple doesn’t have to end in dueling decor or passive-aggressive picture hanging. Here are some tips to make building your dream collection a fun (and peaceful!) journey, even if you can’t always agree on what goes up on the walls.

Above: "After Sex II" by Amelia Rosales

Discuss Art Preferences

Step one: Start by talking about the types of art each of you likes. Visit galleries, museums, or online art platforms together to explore different styles, mediums, and artists.

Step two: find common ground…or acknowledge that there is none. Identify the overlaps in your tastes, but also be open to introducing each other to new styles. You might find that your preferences evolve through these discussions. It's natural to have different tastes. If one of you loves a piece that the other doesn't, consider rotating artwork or designating spaces in your home for individual selections.

Sometimes there is no consensus to be had, in which case we recommend alternating purchases. Or one person could take the high road and bow out…unfortunately this rarely happens, though it does make the waters significantly less tumultuous.

Set a Budget for Your Art Collection

Determine a budget that both of you are comfortable with and try to stick to it. This could be for individual pieces or a total amount for a year. (Pro tip: if you work with our advisory team, we curate collections adhering to budgets of all sizes.) Start Small! If you’re new to art collecting, consider starting with smaller, more affordable pieces. You can gradually increase your budget as your collection and confidence grow.

Create a Vision for Your Art Collection

Decide if you want your collection to follow a specific theme, whether it's focused on a particular style, period, or subject matter. Or just go HAM and buy what you want…over time you will notice trends in your buying that you weren’t even aware of.

Communication Is Key!

You love florals but he prefers portraits? Collaborate on your decisions but respect your differences. Make decisions together, ensuring that both of you feel involved and satisfied with each acquisition.

Explore Art Together

Attend art fairs, exhibitions, and gallery openings together. These experiences can be both educational and fun. If you’re traveling, look for local artists or galleries. Art bought on trips can serve as a meaningful reminder of your experiences together.

Curate The Space for Your Art Collection

Once you’ve acquired pieces, take time to decide where and how to display them. Consider the lighting, the interaction between different artworks, and how they fit into your space. To keep things fresh, consider rotating pieces between rooms or changing displays periodically.

Learn and Grow

Continue learning about art together. Read books and newspaper articles, or follow art blogs to deepen your knowledge. Your tastes and preferences may change over time. Be open to selling or trading pieces if they no longer fit your vision.

Celebrate Milestones With Art

Consider purchasing art to commemorate special occasions or milestones in your relationship. While they may not fit on your finger, they will hold sentimental value beyond their aesthetic appeal.

Enjoy the Process

There is no rush! Building a collection is a journey, not a race. Take your time, enjoy the hunt, and let your collection grow organically.

While art collecting as a couple might start with a bit of eye-rolling, it can actually bring you closer as you learn more about each other’s tastes and grow your collection together. Art is in the eye (or eyes) of the beholder(s) and there is a seemingly unlimited supply of works. You're bound to find something with a little patience (or you could let our advisors help you). In the end, you’ll have a space filled with pieces that represent not just your individual styles, but the memories and laughs you shared along the way. And remember: a little compromise (or maybe just giving each other one veto per year) goes a long way.

Happy collecting, lovebirds!