Etsy's New Augmented Reality App Feature Makes Buying Wall Art So Much Easier

Photo credit: RYAN LIEBE
Photo credit: RYAN LIEBE

From House Beautiful

Planning out a gorgeous gallery wall just got so much easier, thanks to the Etsy app. The platform was already a great resource for finding unique pieces and discovering new artists and makers, but with Etsy's new augmented reality feature, you can now see what different wall art will look like in your home before you ever make a purchase.

Shoppers have been on the search for art on the platform even more than usual lately, so this update only makes sense given the trend. According to Etsy, the brand has seen a 94 percent increase in searches for wall decor or art in the last three full months compared to last year, along with a 63 percent increase in searches for paintings, and a 54 percent increase in searches for prints or illustrations.

The new AR feature, which is now available on Etsy's iOS app (it's currently in Beta, and the brand hopes to make the feature available for Android users soon as well), helps you visualize the art you're interested in in your own space, so you can decide if it's right for you. The feature is easy to use—once you've found a piece you like, select it in the app, and tap the augmented reality icon on the top right corner of the product image. From there, move the camera around your space to get the AR working, then tap to place your chosen art in the room. You can then move it around your space to see how it will look, and even test out different sizes.

Etsy's resident trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, suggests shoppers first identify their style or the style of art they're looking for (vintage oil paintings or modern photography?) and factor in qualities like color, budget, and more using the app's filters and various search terms to find pieces you like. There's even a "customizable" toggle she suggests using, which will help you find one-of-a-kind art.

Isom Johnson points out that if you still have questions about a piece after checking it out in all its augmented reality glory, just ask. "Remember that when you buy an item on Etsy, you're working with a real person, so don't hesitate to reach out and ask any clarifying questions."

If you need some inspiration or just want to give the new feature a test run, Isom Johnson shared some of her favorite pieces that you can shop below, or you can head to Etsy's Art and Collectibles page to browse even more. And if you don't have the Etsy app already, you can download it in the iTunes store.

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