While planning summer travel, I noticed a recurring theme in vacation rental listings: bare walls. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a space feel unfinished—and one of the easiest things to fix.
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Bare Walls? Here’s How I Find Art That Makes Vacation Rentals Look Finished
I’ve said it before: hanging art is one of the best ways to give your Airbnb personality and polish. But today, I’m sharing exactly how I find (and frame) art that looks expensive but isn’t. Save this post for your next decor refresh!
Photo/Art: Victoria Atelier via Etsy
Where I Find Art
There are a few sites I like for art, like Juniper Print Shop, but Etsy is typically my go-to for prints and digital downloads.
- Juniper Print Shop. Founded by interior designer Jenny Komenda. A wide variety of original and vintage art, available as downloads, prints, or canvas, with nice framing options. Great for very large prints.
- Victori Atelier: A Spanish artist with bold, colorful work available as prints on paper or canvas. I just found her work and can’t wait to use one of her giant prints in a vacation rental. The listing photos will be striking.
- Legacy Fine Art Prints: This shop appears in numerous searches because it offers a wide range of prints in various styles. There’s something for everyone here, so it helps if you have an idea of what you’re looking for before you dig in. They also have art for Samsung Frame TVs.
- Robert Moro: Gorgeous abstracts that work particularly well in mid-century modern homes.
Dan Hobday: A perennial designer favorite, London-based Dan Hobday Chic works in several styles, typically in neutral tones. I like his sets of 2–3 prints because they’re ideal for over beds or sofas.
If you’re browsing, try searching by location (e.g., “California art print”) or by style (like “modern coastal” or “desert abstract”), subject matter, color, or size.
Pro Tip: Mix up styles and subject matter. Avoid the cookie-cutter “Home Goods look.”
Where to Print Digital Art
If the artist only sells digital downloads, don’t worry—you have options. Here’s where I send files to be printed:
- Seven Paper Prints: They also sell prints, but I use them for printing Etsy downloads.
- MPix: Great for fine-art quality giclée prints; keep an eye out for sales. I like their fine art or deep matte paper.
- Shutterfly Offers prints as well as photo books.
Prints: Wall Decor Ideas | Frames: Amazon | Design: Wildheart Design
Where I Buy Frames
I used to rely on Michaels or Target, but lately, Amazon has had some great finds. I recently ordered these light oak and these walnut frames, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality.
Here’s what to look for:
- Real glass (not acrylic or plexiglass, which scratches easily). Some frames on Amazon claim to include tempered glass, which is good to have, but not necessary.
- Acrylic or plexiglass is preferred for art that will hang over beds for safety reasons.
- Easy Returns: If you’re on a deadline, order a few extras and return any that arrive damaged.
Heads up: Frame sizes refer to the artwork size inside the frame. An 11×14 frame fits 11×14 art, but the outer dimensions will be larger—double-check measurements, especially on Amazon.
Why Mats Matter (and How to Use Them)
The mat makes a big difference in how polished your art looks. Here’s what I recommend:
- Toss the mat if it looks dinky or if the bevel edge is yellowing—it’ll age your art.
- Go oversized. A 3” mat (instead of the standard 2”) instantly feels more gallery-like.
- Try a weighted bottom: Make the bottom border taller than the top and sides. Example: For a 5×7 print, use an 11×14 frame with 3” sides and top, and 4” bottom.
Stick to white mats to keep things simple and fresh.
Frames: Target (mats included) | Design: Wildheart Design
Where to Get Mats Cut
- Local frame shops or Michaels are usually your best bet. Be sure to bring both your frame and print to the shop to avoid sizing issues.
- I recently discovered Redimat for custom cuts online.I plan to try this option soon, but I don’t recommend it if you’re new to DIY framing.
And don’t forget the backing: The cardboard backing that comes with most frames is acidic and will yellow your art over time (this is called foxing). I usually have acid-free foam core or backing board cut at the same time as the mat.
Putting It All Together
You can assemble your framed art yourself or have it done at the frame shop (it’s called frame fitting).
If you’re DIYing:
- I skip the tabs that come with the frames and use a point gun instead—but that’s for a future how-to.
What About Online Framing?
Places like Framebridge are convenient, but I usually skip them. They’re pricey for what you get, and most use acrylic instead of real glass to simplify shipping.
In a Nutshell…
Creating expensive-looking art doesn’t have to cost a lot—it just takes a little know-how.
With the right digital download, print shop, and framing setup, you can make your Airbnb look professionally styled without overspending.
Let me know if you try any of these tips—or if you want help picking art that works with your space!
