The Art 'Price Per Look' Index: Why Your Wall Deserves That Masterpiece (More Than Your Flat White)

Let's be honest. We all spend money on things that bring us fleeting joy. That artisan flat white? Gone in ten minutes. That new gadget? Obsolete by next Tuesday. That fabulous outfit? Worn once, then relegated to the maybe someday pile at the back of the wardrobe.

But what if I told you there's an investment that offers an unparalleled price per look value, a constant source of joy and a potential financial win?

I give you: Art. We're talking about a calculated, lifestyle-enhancing and possibly even bank-account-boosting purchase!

Let's break down the price per look of some common splurges compared to a savvy art acquisition.

The Contenders:

1. The Daily Artisan Coffee (£4.00/day):

   • Total Spent (1 year): £1,460

   • Looks Per Year: Roughly 365 glorious, steamy looks before it’s gone.

   • Price Per Look: £4.00

   • Investment Potential: Zero. Unless you’re planning to sell the reusable cup for a profit.

   

   Emma Digerud-White One More Coffee 2025

2. The Trendy Fashion Item (£180):

   • Total Spent: £180

   • Looks Per Year: Let's be generous and say you wear it 10 times, and glance at it in your wardrobe 20 more. Total: 30 looks.

   • Price Per Look: £6.00

   • Investment Potential: Negative. Unless it's a vintage Burberry trench, it's likely headed for the charity shop.

   

   Niam Birch Loafers 2024

3. The Weekend Getaway (£900):

   • Total Spent: £900

   • Looks Per Year: The actual looks during the trip (3 days, 2 nights). Plus, 100 looks at the photos on your phone after. Total: 103 looks (being very generous).

   • Price Per Look: £8.74

   • Investment Potential: Priceless memories, zero financial return (unless you write a best-selling memoir about it).

     

     Liese Webley Antibes Pink House & Blue Sky 2025

4. The Large Statement Piece of Art (£1,800):

   • Total Spent: £1,800

   • Looks Per Year: You look at this thing EVERY SINGLE DAY. Multiple times. As you walk by, as you sit on the sofa, as you sip that (now cheaper, home-brewed) coffee. Let's say a conservative 3 looks a day. That's 1095 looks per year.

   • Art Price Per Look (Year 1): £1.64

   • Art Price Per Look (Year 5): £0.33

   • Art Price Per Look (Year 10): £0.16

   • Investment Potential: Ah, now this is where it gets interesting...!

     

     Polly Luce Heatwave 2025

Why Art Wins the Price Per Look Index (and Your Heart)

1. Eternal Gaze: Unlike your rapidly disappearing coffee or last season's jacket, a piece of art is there, gloriously, consistently. You don't just use it you experience it, daily. It transforms your space, sparks conversation and becomes part of your home's identity.

2. The Unquantifiable Joy: That rush you get from a new outfit? It fades. The comfort from your art? It deepens. You'll discover new details, see it in different lights and form a genuine connection. This psychological 'look' is priceless.

3. The Smug Factor: Imagine telling a friend, 'Oh, this? It's just a little piece I picked up. It's actually appreciated quite a bit since I bought it.' Try saying that about the latest viral Sezane item...

Here's an example of the kind of piece we're talking about – something that commands attention, sparks joy and might just be a smart move.

Agata Rawecka - Deelen Hockney 2025

So, what are you waiting for?! Discover your new favourite artist here!