RH Wall Art: Restoration Hardware Luxury Collection

Okay so I just spent like three weeks obsessing over RH wall art for a client’s living room and honestly the whole Restoration Hardware collection is… it’s a lot. But here’s what you actually need to know before dropping serious money on these pieces.

The Real Deal With RH Pricing

First thing – you’re gonna want to become a member of their RH Members program because the 25% discount is literally the only way to make these prices not completely insane. I’m talking like a $2000 piece becomes $1500 which is still a lot but at least you don’t feel like you need to take out a loan. The membership pays for itself if you’re buying anything substantial.

Wait I forgot to mention – they have sales but they’re weird about it. Like their sale section online is actually decent but the really good wall art almost never goes on deep discount. I’ve been watching the Vintage French Photography collection for months and maybe saw one piece hit 40% off.

The Collections That Are Actually Worth It

The Black & White Photography stuff is probably their strongest category. I used their “Poolside Capri” print in a client’s bedroom last year and it still looks incredible. The quality of the printing is noticeably better than what you’d get from like a random Etsy print shop – the blacks are actually black not that grayish tone you sometimes get with cheaper giclée prints.

My dog literally knocked over my coffee while I was comparing their various landscape pieces which actually tested how the frames hold up and yeah they’re solid. The distressed wood frames especially can take a hit.

Abstract and Modern Pieces

Their abstract collection is hit or miss honestly. Some pieces look like they’re trying too hard to be “luxury” and end up just being expensive versions of what you‘d find at HomeGoods. But then you’ll find something like their “Gradient Horizon” series and it’s actually stunning in person. Photos don’t do it justice because there’s this subtle texture thing happening with the paint layers.

Oh and another thing – the hand-painted pieces versus the prints. The hand-painted ones are obviously way more expensive but if you’re doing a focal wall in like a dining room or main living space it might be worth it. I have one client who got the “Silver Leaf Abstract” and every single person who comes over asks about it.

Sizing Is Everything (And They Don’t Make It Easy)

This is gonna sound weird but RH’s sizing can be deceptive on the website. What looks massive online might actually be kinda underwhelming on a big wall. I always tell people to go at least one size bigger than you think you need. Their “large” is often what should be called medium.

For reference – a standard sofa is about 84 inches wide. You want your wall art above it to be roughly 2/3 that width so like 56 inches. RH’s “large” pieces are often only 48 inches. Just something to keep in mind because I’ve had to do returns and their return policy is… it exists but it’s not fun.

The Gallery Wall Situation

They have these pre-curated gallery wall collections which sound great in theory but honestly you can do better yourself by picking individual pieces. The pre-made sets always have like one or two pieces that don’t quite work and you’re stuck with them. Plus you’re paying a premium for someone else’s curation which like… you can do that yourself.

I spent an afternoon (while watching that new Netflix show about interior design, cannot remember the name) mixing their vintage photography with some of their botanical prints and it turned out way better than their packaged sets.

What To Actually Skip

The typography and quote prints. Just skip them entirely. They’re overpriced for what they are and you can find better versions elsewhere. Same with their “inspiration” pieces – they feel very 2015 in a not great way.

Their metal wall sculptures are also questionable unless you’re really committed to that industrial look. I tried one in a client’s office and it just looked like we were trying too hard. Returned it and went with a simple oversized photograph instead.

The Frame Quality Breakdown

Okay so this is important – their frames are genuinely good quality but some styles are better than others. The distressed wood frames hold up really well and actually look better as they age slightly. The sleek black frames are nice but show dust like crazy which nobody tells you.

The silver and gold leaf frames are beautiful but you gotta be careful with placement. I put one in a client’s bathroom (not directly in splash zone but nearby) and the humidity did NOT help it over time. Living rooms, bedrooms, offices – perfect. Anywhere with moisture – maybe skip the leaf frames.

Custom Framing Option

They offer custom framing which sounds fancy but honestly their standard frame options are good enough for most situations. I only recommend custom if you’re trying to match existing frames in your space or you have a really specific vision. The upcharge isn’t usually worth it.

Installation Tips Nobody Tells You

These pieces are HEAVY. Like way heavier than you expect. Don’t trust those little picture hanging strips – you need proper wall anchors or you’re gonna have a bad time. I learned this the hard way in my own apartment when a medium-sized piece literally ripped out of the drywall at 2am. Fun times.

The hanging hardware they include is actually decent though. They use those D-ring hangers which are way better than wire for keeping pieces level. But seriously get someone to help you hang anything over 30 pounds because trying to level these things solo is impossible.

Alternatives That Look Similar

Look I love RH but sometimes the prices are truly bananas. If you find a piece you love there, take a photo and reverse image search it or check out places like Chairish or One Kings Lane. Sometimes you can find similar pieces for less. Also CB2 has been stepping up their wall art game and some of their stuff gives RH vibes at better prices.

That said – the really unique RH pieces, especially their vintage photograph collections, are hard to dupe. Those are worth the investment if you’re gonna keep them for years.

The Best Times To Buy

End of season sales are real but not dramatic. January and July are typically when they rotate collections and older pieces get marked down. But again don’t expect like 60% off or anything. Also their outlet stores have completely different inventory and honestly it’s mostly stuff that didn’t sell for a reason.

Oh and another thing – if you’re working with a designer they might have access to trade pricing which is even better than the membership discount. Worth asking about if you’re doing a whole room.

Mixing RH With Other Art

Don’t feel like you need to do all RH pieces. Actually it looks better when you mix in other sources. I usually do one statement RH piece and then supplement with smaller pieces from other places. Keeps it from looking too catalog-y which can happen if everything is from one source.

Their pieces play really well with actual vintage finds too. I love mixing an RH photograph with a genuine vintage painting from an estate sale or antique shop. Adds character and keeps the space from feeling too designed if that makes sense.

The modern abstract pieces work surprisingly well with traditional furniture too which I didn’t expect initially. Used one of their textured abstracts in a room with pretty traditional millwork and antique side tables and it actually elevated everything.