You want to buy art online, you see a beautiful piece, but it’s hard to know if it’ll actually fit your space or style. That’s where virtual art previews come in!
Today, giving customers a way to see your art in their own room (before they hit “buy”) isn’t just a nice extra, it’s something that can seriously boost their confidence and help you make more sales.
This guide shows you how to avail virtual art previews for your buyers and make purchasing easy for them.
So let’s make the process of buying your art easy-peasy!
What Are Virtual Art Previews and Why Do They Matter?
Think of virtual art previews like this: instead of asking someone to imagine what your painting might look like on their wall, you actually show them.
Virtual art previews let your customers see your artwork in a real setting—like hanging above their couch or in their office—without them ever stepping into a gallery.
Some previews are super simple (just showing your art on different wall backgrounds), while others get fancy with augmented reality (AR), where buyers can actually “place” your art on their own wall using their phone.
The whole point? Make it easy for people to picture your art in their space—and feel good about buying it.
Why are virtual previews such a big deal now?
Online shopping has changed everything. People expect more than just a flat picture—they want to feel connected to what they’re buying.
Big brands like IKEA let you see how furniture looks in your home before you buy it.
Now, art buyers want the same experience. They want to know: Will this piece actually look good in my living room? Will it fit my style?
Virtual previews help answer those questions—and they’re quickly becoming something every serious online art store needs to have.
How do virtual previews help you and your customers?
They build confidence: When people can see how a piece fits into their world, they’re way more likely to hit that “buy” button.
They lower returns: Fewer surprises mean fewer customers sending things back. That saves you time, money, and headaches.
They make shopping fun: Instead of stressing over a decision, your buyers get to play around and see what feels right. Anyone would want that, right?
They show you’re professional: High-quality previews tell customers you care about giving them a great experience.
They help you sell to the world: You’re not just limited to local buyers. Virtual previews open the door to art lovers everywhere.
Choosing the Right Tools and Software for Virtual Art Previews
Some Great Tools You Can Use
This one’s a favorite for a reason. ArtPlacer lets you place your artwork into beautiful room scenes, set up virtual exhibitions, and even add previews right to your website. It makes your art look amazing with very little effort.
Roomvo was made for showing furniture in homes, but artists use it too! Thanks to AR (augmented reality), your customers can hold up their phones and see your artwork on their own walls — in real time. Pretty cool, right?
Easy Mockup and AR Apps
If you want something simple, tools like Canvy are great. You just upload your art and place it onto real-life room photos — it looks natural and helps customers picture it in their space.
Some platforms, like Art Storefronts, even let shoppers change wall colors, room styles, and art sizes while they browse.
Virtual Galleries
Want to go bigger? Apps like Artsteps, Kunstmatrix, and Artland let you create full-on virtual galleries. It’s like hosting your own online art show where visitors can “walk” around and explore your pieces.
Preview Tools
For a super high-end feel, Preview Tools can help you create photorealistic 3D spaces and even custom videos of your exhibitions. It’s a bit more advanced but really impressive if you’re selling a lot of art or hosting big events.
How to Pick the Best Tool for You
Here’s what to think about:
Your Budget
Some tools are free or super affordable (like Canvy). Others, like ArtPlacer or Preview Tools, are more of an investment — but worth it if you want a polished, professional look.
How Easy It Is to Use
Look for something simple and intuitive. You don’t want to waste time learning complicated software, and your customers want a smooth experience too.
How It Fits Into Your Store
Some tools let you add previews directly into your online shop (like ArtPlacer). That way, shoppers don’t have to jump to another page or app — it’s all right there.
Visual Quality
The better it looks, the better your art sells. Features like adjustable wall colors, frames, and AR previews make a huge difference.
Room to Grow
Planning to add more art later or host exhibitions? Pick a platform that can grow with you, like Artsteps or Kunstmatrix.
Good Customer Support
Trust me, good support matters! If you ever get stuck, having a helpful team or a good tutorial makes a world of difference.
How to Create Stunning Virtual Art Previews
Here’s how you can create amazing previews, even if you’re not super techy:
Step 1: Snap a Good Pic (or Scan It)
Start with a clean, clear image of your art.
Use a good phone camera or a scanner — just make sure it’s sharp and shows off the colors nicely.
Try to shoot in natural light and keep the background plain so it’s easier to edit later.
Step 2: Choose a Room to Show It Off
Think of the kind of space your ideal customer lives in. Is it modern, cozy, artsy? Now match that with a background.
You can use tools like Canvy or ArtPlacer to drop your artwork into stylish room scenes.
Want to go big? Build a full virtual gallery using something like Artsteps — super cool for exhibitions!
Step 3: Place Your Art Naturally
Now it’s time to “hang” your art in the room. Use mockup tools or even AR apps that let people see the piece in their actual home through their phone.
Apps like Roomvo or Art Storefronts make this part pretty easy.
Step 4: Make It Look Real
Don’t just drop the image in and call it done. Adjust the lighting, size, and shadows so it looks like the art belongs there.
That little bit of polish makes a big difference in how real it feels to your customer.
Step 5: Add It to Your Store
Once it looks great, save your preview and upload it to your product page.
Show a few room styles if you can — everyone’s taste is different! And if you’re using AR, make sure it works smoothly on phones and is easy to try out.
Extra Tips:
Try different wall colors or room vibes to reach different types of buyers.
If your tool allows, let people zoom in or spin the art around.
Update your previews now and then with new art or seasonal looks to keep things fresh.
Virtual Art Previews with Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) is making a huge impact on how people shop for art online.
Instead of just seeing a flat image of your artwork, customers can now use their phone or tablet to place your art directly on their wall in real time.
It’s like letting them “try before they buy” but in the comfort of their own home.
Why AR is a Game-Changer for Your Customers
See it fit in their space: No more wondering if the art will be too big or too small. Customers can resize it and see exactly how it looks on their wall.
Visualize the mood: They’ll get to see how your art fits in with their furniture, lighting, and the overall feel of the room.
Make decisions faster: AR helps customers feel more sure about their purchase, so they’re more likely to buy quickly.
Share it with others: They can easily show friends or family how the artwork looks in their home before making a decision.
This creates a much more personal and engaging experience than just looking at a picture on a screen.
Easy AR Tools You Can Start Using
You don’t have to be a tech expert to offer AR previews.
Here are some easy-to-use tools for artists and online store owners:
Art Storefronts Live Preview: This tool lets customers view your artwork on their walls using their phone, and they can even adjust the size to get it just right.
Artivive: With this app, your art can come to life! Customers can scan your physical artwork and watch it transform with animations or interactive features.
Roomvo & Other AR Apps: These apps help people place digital art on their walls in a few taps, giving them a realistic preview of how your art will look in their space.
Virtual Galleries like Artsteps or Kunstmatrix: Some platforms are adding AR to virtual gallery tours, offering an immersive 3D art experience that can be viewed right from your phone.
These tools vary in how fancy they are, but they all do a great job of helping buyers visualize your art in their space before they make a purchase.
Design Tips for Professional and Persuasive Virtual Art Previews
Choosing the Right Background: Minimal vs. Lifestyle
Minimal Backgrounds
A simple, clean background is great for putting the spotlight on your artwork.
Think neutral walls, like white or light gray.
This lets people focus on the piece itself without anything else distracting them. If you have modern or abstract art, this approach works perfectly.
Lifestyle Backgrounds
Adding things like furniture or plants around the piece can make it feel more personal and relatable.
For example, showing a painting in a stylish living room might help customers imagine it in their own space—especially if it’s in a certain style like bohemian or mid-century modern.
Balance is Key
Whether you choose a minimalist or lifestyle background, make sure it doesn’t steal the show.
A cluttered background can take away from the artwork.
So, keep it simple and clean to make sure the focus stays where it should—on the art.
High-Quality Images
Clear, well-lit photos are a must!
You want your artwork to look sharp and true to life, so make sure your images are high resolution.
Natural light is your best friend here—it’s the best way to show the true colors of your piece.
Stay Consistent
Try to keep a similar style throughout your previews.
Using the same lighting, wall colors, and framing across all your photos helps make your online store feel cohesive.
Plus, it gives customers a way to easily compare different pieces.
Show Off Your Brand
A subtle logo or watermark on your images helps protect your art and reminds customers of your brand.
It’s also a good idea to stick to the same colors and fonts throughout your website.
This keeps everything looking professional and puts your brand front and center.
Gallery Views
If you sell a series or collection of artworks, showing them in a gallery-style arrangement can help customers see how they might look together in their own home.
It gives them a better idea of how the pieces interact with each other.
Close-Up Shots
Sometimes the magic is in the details.
Including close-up shots of textures or brushwork allows customers to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into your work.
It’s a great way to show them the real beauty of your art that might not come through in a wide shot.
Try Different Room Settings
Another great way to help customers picture your art in their space is by showing it in different rooms or with different wall colors.
This gives people more options and helps them imagine the art in their own unique style.
Interactive Previews
If you can, add some interactive features, like 360-degree views.
This gives customers a chance to explore your artwork from every angle, just like they would in a gallery.
It’s a fun way to let them engage more with your pieces.
Integrating Virtual Art Previews into Your Online Store
Now, let’s see how you can display these previews, which platforms can help, and how to ensure they work smoothly on mobile devices.
Where to Showcase Virtual Art Previews
On Your Product Pages
The most important place to show virtual art previews is right on your product pages.
For example, Art Storefronts’ Wall Preview tool lets buyers choose from different room styles and wall colors, helping them feel more confident in their decision.
Gallery or Collection Pages
Virtual galleries are like online art exhibitions. They let customers explore multiple pieces in a virtual space.
With platforms like Artsteps and Emperia, you can create virtual galleries on your site, where visitors can explore art in 3D rooms and zoom in for a closer look.
Plus, these galleries often have links to buy the art directly, so your customers don’t have to leave the experience to make a purchase.
Zoom and Multiple Angles
Giving customers the ability to zoom in on your artwork or see it from different angles helps them appreciate the finer details, like brush strokes and texture.
Some platforms even let you zoom up to 500%, giving a close-up experience that feels just like seeing the art in person.
You can also show your pieces in different settings—like different room styles or wall colors—to help your customers picture the artwork in their own space.
Add Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons and Interactive Features
Make it easy for customers to interact with your art by adding buttons like “View in Your Room” or “Try AR Preview” next to your artwork.
These buttons guide them to the virtual preview experience and can be customized to match your store’s look and feel, making them more inviting.
Platforms That Support Virtual Art Previews
There are several apps, like the Nvzn Easy ARt app, that let your customers use their phones or tablets to see how your art looks in their home.
WooCommerce and Other Platforms
For WooCommerce users, tools like ArtPlacer allow you to add virtual art previews to your website.
With ArtPlacer, you can show your artwork in realistic room settings, so your customers can see exactly how it would look in their home.
Custom Website Integrations
If you have a custom website, you can still add virtual art previews!
With tools like iframe embeds or custom widgets, you can create a preview experience that fits your website’s unique design.
Mobile Optimization and Loading Speed
Mobile-Friendly Design
Since a lot of people shop on their phones, it’s important that your virtual art previews work well on mobile devices.
Apps like Art Storefronts and Shopify’s Easy ARt app are designed to be mobile-friendly, so your customers can use the previews without needing to download anything extra.
Fast Loading Times
Big images or 3D models can slow down your website, which can be frustrating for users.
Make sure you’re using platforms that optimize media and offer features like lazy loading, so your previews load quickly.
Backup Options for Non-AR Devices
Not everyone has the latest phone or browser that supports AR.
For these customers, it’s helpful to provide simpler preview options, like static images or 2D mockups.
This way, everyone can still see your art, even if they can’t access the more advanced AR features.
Help Your Customers Along the Way
To make sure your customers have an easy time using virtual previews, offer clear instructions.
This makes the experience as smooth as possible.
Conclusion
Virtual art previews are a game-changer for online art sales.
They let your customers see how your artwork will look in their space, making it easier for them to decide to buy.
Whether it’s through realistic mockups, interactive galleries, or augmented reality, these tools help build trust, reduce returns, and ultimately boost sales.
Now it’s time to put this into action and give your online art store a fresh, interactive edge.
By offering virtual previews, you’ll not only showcase your art in the best way but also provide a better shopping experience for your customers.
Ready to level up your online art business?
Start offering virtual art previews today, and watch your sales and customer engagement take off!