Why designers are constantly buying art on Facebook Marketplace

It’s no secret that Facebook Marketplace is an incredible resource for finding all sorts of used items for your home, closet, and more. While many people turn to the platform for large furniture pieces like dressers, beds, and sofas, it’s important to remember that you can also shop for many types of decorative accents—like lamps, serving ware, plants, and more. But that’s really not all!

In a conversation with some of my interior designer friends, it turned out that There’s one particular home decor category that professionals especially like when searching on Facebook Marketplace: artwork..

So consider this a PSA: You no longer have an excuse to leave your walls bare when you can find so many incredible pieces of used art (including originals at prices well below retail) on Facebook Marketplace!

“On Facebook Marketplace you can find a lot of original art at reasonable prices, both vintage originals and originals created directly by the artists themselves,” says designer Becca Meyer, founder of BB Meyer Design. “Original art is a great way to enhance your home and give it a put-together feel.”

Sometimes artists clean out their home studios and part with pieces they no longer have room for. In other cases, collectors may be downsizing (or simply doing a facelift) and eager to see the works they’ve acquired over time pass on to enthusiastic buyers.

Designer Michael Graham-Smith, founder of Graham-Smith Designs, agrees that Facebook Marketplace is full of all kinds of art that are worth purchasing. “Inexpensive pieces of art in cool vintage frames—like landscapes, nature scenes, portraits and sketches—are hidden gems that can add character to a space.”

Another benefit of shopping for art on Facebook Marketplace? Because items tend to be smaller and lighter in weight than other products on the platform, sellers are often more willing to ship them by mail (locally or nationwide). When searching, expand your radius to see what types of work are selling outside of your hometown. I have purchased beautiful abstracts (that I enjoy displaying) from a number of talented artists from all over the US. It’s been fun building the collection while also supporting fellow creators.

What if you get tired of something? You can always sell it back! I once missed a set of framed prints that I liked and was very upset, but about a year later I found them listed again on Facebook Marketplace. Apparently they had to get into my house and I’m so glad I noticed them when they showed up again!