Byard Art Logo
Home
Cottages

Artwork Perfect For Cottages

Choosing art for cottages asks more than most spaces — lower ceilings, smaller walls and rooms already full of character. Byard Art curates paintings, prints and ceramics that work with older buildings, from over 100 contemporary UK artists, with delivery, expert advice and interest-free Own Art finance handled by our Cambridge gallery. Browse pieces suited to cottages below, or visit us on King’s Parade.

Andrew Bird, Daytripper — shown in situ. Preview any piece on your own wall with the Art Visualiser.

The short version

What works in this space

01

Small works, big character

Low ceilings and broken-up walls suit smaller, intense pieces rather than one large statement. A jewel-like painting or print holds a cottage wall beautifully — and a considered grouping can do the work of a single big canvas.

Browse art under £600 →
02

Contemporary against the old

Beams, brick and uneven plaster don’t call for chintz. A modern abstract or a crisp contemporary print set against old surfaces creates the contrast that makes both sing — the same instinct behind the best barn conversions.

See abstract paintings →
03

Ceramics made for nooks

Window sills, mantels and alcoves are natural plinths. Hand-made ceramics and small sculpture bring craft that sits comfortably alongside a cottage’s own making — and they move easily whenever the room changes around them.

Explore ceramics →

From the gallery

Artwork we’d suggest

People behind the work

Artists to know

Spring Flowers 50cm sq £1000

Fletcher Prentice

A Falmouth School of Art graduate in Fine Art Painting, best known for his birds and flowers. His work celebrates the natural world and paint itself, combining a fluid, confident handling of oil with a meticulous eye for detail, and often drawing on the birds and plants of his own rural garden. Flowers, birds and garden scenes that bring the view from the window indoors.

Visit Artwork →
The British Bird Book Alison Stockmarr Scaled

Alison Stockmarr

A contemporary British artist who builds 3D collages from old books, record covers and envelopes, layered with found ephemera and original photographs. Taking each book's title as her starting point, she collages in detailed layers to create miniature dioramas set within the books themselves. Collage work drawn from classic literature, made for bookshelves and snugs.

Visit Artwork →
Pale and interesting rununculas

Emma Dunbar

A Fine Art Printmaking graduate of West Surrey College of Art and Design, she has painted full time since 1984 and exhibits throughout the UK. Working mainly in acrylic on board, she lays down flat blocks of vivid colour and scratches back through the surface to reveal the layers beneath. Jugs of garden flowers and fruit that bring colour and cheer to a cottage kitchen.

Visit Artwork →
Limes In A Bag

Ian Rawling

Norfolk-born pastel artist working in contemporary realism, with a Foundation from Chester School of Art & an Industrial Design degree from Sheffield Hallam. A member of the Pastel Society, he works in soft pastel, pastel pencil & charcoal, building texture and fine detail down to every scuff and highlight. Teapots, books and well-loved objects with a nostalgic charm.

Visit Artwork →

Before anything goes on a wall

Practical notes

Hanging and placement

Standing eye level — artwork centred at 145–152 cm — still applies, but in low-ceilinged rooms let the architecture lead: centre works within the wall space available rather than forcing the rule. In seated snugs, drop the height so pieces meet the eye.

Old walls are rarely flat or solid where you expect. Lime plaster and soft brick need different fixings from modern walls — worth checking before anything heavy goes up. Keep works on paper away from open fires and direct sun.

Living with the collection

We advise piece by piece on what suits older rooms — where a work should hang and what it needs to stay well — and delivery is arranged by the gallery, wrapped and insured, worldwide.

Damp and temperature swings are the enemies of works on paper in period buildings. For the trickier spots, ceramics, oils and well-glazed pieces are the safer choices — we will point out which is which.

Artwork for New Homes

Good to know

Cottage artwork, answered

Yes. Use the free Art Visualiser to preview any piece on a photo of your own wall, to scale. You are also welcome to view works at the gallery on King’s Parade, seven days a week.

Smaller original works, portrait-format pieces and groupings tend to sit better than one oversized canvas. Bring photos and measurements to the gallery and we will shortlist pieces to scale.

Almost always — it is about the fixing, not the wall. Lime plaster and soft brick need different fittings from modern plasterboard, and we advise on the right approach for each piece.

Original works range from under £600 upwards. Cottage rooms rarely need scale to feel finished — many of our most-loved pieces for smaller spaces sit between £200 and £1,500.

Yes — we offer interest-free credit through the Own Art scheme, repayable over 10 months.

Preview it at home

Upload a photo of your wall and see any piece from the gallery hanging in your own space, to scale, before you decide.

Try the Art Visualiser →
own-art-scheme.png

Finance options available with Own Art

Learn about Own Art →

Talk to us

Also see

Art Visualiser

Artwork Perfect For New Homes

Make freshly plastered walls feel like yours from day one.

MMP 204 - N53.9675 W1.5621 D

Artwork Perfect For Hotels

Original art guests remember — from lobby to landing.

Our Ways I

Artwork Perfect For Restaurants

Set the tone before the first course arrives.