Buying a print online involves a small leap of faith. You see an image on a screen, fall for its colours, picture it above the sofa, and click «buy». But you haven’t touched the paper, seen the colour with your own eyes, or checked how big it will really look on your wall. Most of the time it all works out. When it doesn’t, it’s almost always down to some detail that was, or wasn’t, in the listing. It’s worth spending two minutes checking a few things before you pay.
The measurements, and what they include
The first check is the simplest and saves the most surprises: the exact size. «A3» or «large» isn’t enough. Look for measurements in centimetres, and notice what they cover: the paper, or the printed image? If there’s a white border, the image will be smaller than the sheet. Do they include a frame, if there is one?
Then check the orientation, portrait or landscape, as we explain in portrait or landscape art prints. And before deciding, cut paper to the exact size and tape it to the wall. It’s the best cure for «I thought it would be bigger».
If you already have a frame, make sure the format matches: an A3 and a 30 × 40, for instance, aren’t interchangeable, as we explain in A3 vs 30 × 40 cm prints.
Paper and printing
A good listing should say what paper is used and how it’s printed. Useful questions: is it fine art paper or standard poster stock? Matt, satin or gloss? Smooth or textured? What weight? Which technique: inkjet, giclée, screen print, offset?
You don’t need to be an expert to judge the answers. What matters is that they exist and are specific. A vague description like «high-quality print» with nothing further is a cue to ask. There’s more in types of paper for art prints.
Framed or unframed?
It sounds obvious, but it’s a frequent source of confusion: many product photos show the print framed even when it’s sold unframed. Check the description for whether a frame is included. If not, think now about where you’ll buy one and whether the print fits standard sizes.
Reading the photos
Photos are what draw you in, and what most deserve a careful look.
Notice whether they’re real product photos or mock-ups. Many shops use digital mock-ups that place the print virtually in a living room. They’re useful for imagining the effect, but don’t show the real paper or colour. Look for detail shots if there are any: a corner, the paper up close, the print in someone’s hand. They tell you the most.
Remember too that your screen affects colour, as we explain in why printed colours look different under different light. If colour is crucial, for matching a particular sofa, say, ask the shop.
Delivery and packaging
Before buying, check how the print is sent: flat or rolled, how it’s protected, how long it takes and what it costs. And see what happens if it arrives damaged: is there a deadline to report it? Do you need photos of the parcel? We cover this in how to transport unframed art prints safely.
Returns and your rights
In the UK and EU, online purchases from a business generally come with a cancellation right: you usually have fourteen days from receiving the goods to return them without giving a reason, though there are exceptions, for instance for personalised items. The shop must tell you how to exercise it. Read the returns policy before you buy: who pays return postage, what condition the print must be in, and how quickly you’re refunded.
Who’s behind it
Finally, it’s worth knowing who you’re buying from. Does the shop have clear contact details? Is there a legal notice naming the business? Does it explain where and how its prints are made? A shop that answers those questions openly is usually one that cares about its work.
Two minutes well spent
Buying a print online can be as satisfying as buying in a gallery, with a little attention. Size, paper, frame, photos, delivery and returns: six quick checks that turn a leap of faith into an informed choice.
In the Bendíra shop, each listing gives measurements in centimetres, the matt fine art paper, and confirms the print arrives unframed.
Keep reading: How to Read an Art Print Product Description.