Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong: What to keep in mind when buying art for your home

The Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong returns for its 12th edition from May 22 to 25, 2025. David Ho offers some things to keep in mind when buying art for your home

If you have been thinking about adding some artworks to your living space, the upcoming Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong is where you should be doing your shopping. 

Running from May 22 to 25, the Affordable Art Fair will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. There will be thousands of contemporary artworks priced under HK$100,000, presented by 98 local and international exhibitors, making the 12th edition of the fair the best place for those looking to dip their toes into art collecting. It is also just a great event to shop for great deals. 

This year, there is a dedicated zone in partnership with the British Consulate General Hong Kong will showcase special collaborations and highlights.  In collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Hong Kong Design Institute, the fair has curated an engaging showcase that highlights Hong Kong themes through the works of local artists. 

Finding the perfect piece to fit your home is no small task though. We’ve listed a few considerations if you are looking to transform your home with art:

The intention

First of all, let’s consider the room you are looking to spruce up with art. If it’s the living room, you would likely want to go for something striking either thematically or colour wise that could make a great centrepiece and spark conversations. If it’s the kitchen, you could pick up something that reminds you of your favourite dining moments, be it a sunrise scene as you enjoy your morning coffee or paintings featuring your favourite ingredients. 

But if it’s for the bedroom, you would probably want something that blends in harmoniously with your décor so it remains a restful area. Remember the intention and energy you want to fill the space with, and that should help you find the right piece. 

Size and space

Hong Kong residences are not known as the most spacious of places, so be conscientious of the space limitations. If you are looking at wall-hung pieces, be sure to get the dimensions of your blank wall(s) and find pieces that fit while still leaving enough space on the wall for it to ‘breathe’. If it’s something more sculptural, keep in mind the size of what could fit in the lift or stairwell as it gets transported to your place too.

Remember that an artpiece doesn’t have to remain at the same spot in your home, so make sure to pick one in a size where it can be flexibly displayed. Also hanging your art pieces at different heights can create an illusion that a room is of a different size than it is, so use that to your advantage when it comes to reconfiguring your place. 

Lighting

Remember that artworks can look different in a brightly lit gallery versus your home. So keep that in mind when buying. You can even check if a gallery offers a trial period before committing to a purchase. 

You also want to remember how lighting affects the art. It is usually not advisable to expose paintings to direct sunlight as UV rays can damage them, so do get UV protective film if you want to keep them close to windows. 

Display

Even small details like the frame can change how an artwork is perceived. Invest in professional framing that protects your piece and spotlights the art in harmony with its surroundings. 

However, showcasing a piece of work isn’t just about getting the right frame or wall to hang it on. Cast an eye on the surrounding furniture or objects that help to accentuate your new piece. It doesn’t just have to work by matching colour tones alone, art can be visually juxtaposed with textures, patterns, origins of its influences, or size. Get creative! 

Have fun

Buying art can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first few pieces. But have fun with it and allow yourself to evolve on your collecting journey. Visit the Affordable Art Fair, soak in the art and atmosphere, and discover the joy of collecting art during the four-day fair.

"At its heart, the Affordable Art Fair is about more than just art — it’s about discovering a love for creativity, connecting with the stories of artists, and finding pieces that speak to your soul,” says Regina Zhang, the fair director. “We want visitors to fall in love with the art they bring home, knowing that it will bring joy and inspiration to their lives for years to come. Our mission is to create an inclusive and approachable space where everyone, can experience the transformative power of art and support a thriving, sustainable art community in Hong Kong."

Get your tickets to the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong here.

Also see: Art Central reveals programme highlights for 2025 edition