When you’re ready to level up your wall decor beyond movie posters and pre-fab pieces from big box stores, it can feel daunting. Not only do you have to figure out what will look good on your walls, but finding masculine, sophisticated art prints you like that are both inexpensive and won’t require costly frames is a feat.
Who has that kind of time, or money? Most guys will choose to keep their walls bare instead of dropping hundreds of dollars on artwork they feel is overly-complicated and superfluous.
But if you’ve ever been in a home with cool, stylish artwork on the walls, you’ve seen how good, framed artwork can elevate a space from “boring and incomplete” to “interesting and defined.”
At Primer, we’re all about helping guys level up in every area of life, including their home decor. Even better, we’re on a mission to make guys’ spaces look better on a budget, which is why we’ve rounded up all of our favorite free art downloads.
When you’ve found a favorite (or several), our best tip for saving money on printing is to use Costco Photo Center, FedEx Office, or Staples Printing & Marketing Services. Note that some printing options are only available in-store, or are not available at every Costco, FedEx or Staples location, so if you can’t order online, call your local store and ask for their printing options and advice.
For framing, every print listed below will fit into an IKEA frame. We love IKEA frames, in particular the RIBBA series, for their simple yet classic design that looks good with almost everything, and for their inexpensive price tag. (Bonus: The equally-inexpensive IKEA VISBÄCK poster hanger works great for hanging prints of maps and architectural plans.)
Once you’re done decorating your walls, we want to see your “before and after” shots! Post to Instagram and tag us — @primermagazine — to show off your new decor.
RAF Pilot Getting a Haircut Between Missions, 1942
A nostalgic photo of a British Air Force pilot getting a haircut during wartime while calmly reading a newspaper and enjoying a pipe. The colors and composition of the photo are fantastic, and the print would look great on a bathroom wall.
For the best print, follow the instructions here.
Giant Map & $30 DIY Frame
Scour the amazing vintage maps in the BIG Map Blog (Update: Big Map Blog is currently unavailable, but you can find high-resolution vintage maps here) database and you’re bound to find something cool, like this incredible hand-drawn map of Los Angeles from 1909. Using the “Engineering Prints” option at Staples or Fedex Office, you can print out a map for less than $10, but how do you frame something this size while watching your budget?
We’ve figured out a cheap and simple DIY frame that looks great and only costs about $25 to make.
For the full details and inspiration from other Primer readers’ BIG Map Blog finds, follow the instructions here.
Intersecting Triangles, 24” x 36” (or Scalable)
A bold print that can either be downloaded in a 24” x 36” size, or in a vector PDF that can be scaled to whatever size you prefer, this is a high contrast, geometric print that can add visual interest to virtually any wall.
Tip: We recommend a white IKEA RIBBA frame (sans the matte) for this print, as a black frame would likely detract from the strong black print.
Download the 24” x 36” version and scalable vector here.
Abstract Geometric Prints, 20” x 30”
These colorful geometric prints are a quick way to add personality to industrial and mid-century modern-themed spaces. Scroll down for the links to download the individual prints.
Frame recommendation for both prints: IKEA RIBBA frame, 19 3/4″ x 27 1/2″, without the matte.
Donald Judd-Inspired Woodcut Print
Sunset Orange and Cyan Parallelogram
“Memento Vivere” Print
“Memento Vivere” means “Remember to live” in Latin. This print would be a good addition to your office, especially on those days when you need a reminder to maintain a work-life balance.
Frame recommendation: IKEA RIBBA frame, 19 3/4″ x 27 1/2″, without the matte.
Map of America’s Rivers, 36” x 24”
A beautiful, detailed map of America’s rivers, this image can be scaled to fit an IKEA RIBBA 24″ x 35.75″ frame (without the matte).
Tip: Our founder, Andrew Snavely, noted that you can’t order this size (24” x 36”) online at Costco, so you’ll need to call ahead and ask if your local Costco can handle a print this size. If they can’t, try ordering it as a “Blueprint” print at Staples.
Map of the Landing Spots for the Apollo Missions with DIY Hanger Frame
A real map of the proposed landing spots for the Apollo missions, this picture is 36” x 36”, and if you’re feeling creative, you can also make the leather hanger frame for only $22. Read the instructions here.
Wing of a White-Tailed Eagle, 19 3/4″ x 27 1/2″
Printed on weathered paper, this piece is great for adding a stylish but cozy statement to a bedroom or living room. Note that there are some additional instructions regarding how to best print and frame this piece, however. From the original article:
“This print is larger than its intended display size to give you some wiggle room to get the wing at the angle you want it. This extra printing beyond the edge is known as a design bleed. So just know, the edge of your frame or matte should just cover the left edge of the wing. This gives the feeling that it's still attached to the bird, and not just a random avian appendage floating in space.”
Frame recommendation: IKEA RIBBA, 24″ x 35 3/4″, with the matte.
Mick Jagger Mugshot
A tip-off to police about suspected drug use led to the 1967 arrest of The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The charges were later dismissed, but Jagger’s infamous mugshot is still an awesome hat-tip to rock and roll’s rebellious vibes, and makes an interesting conversation starter.
We recommend printing this at 16” x 20” or smaller, and again, an IKEA RIBBA frame complements the piece perfectly.
Anchor Print, Available in Six Colors, with and without Text, 16” x 20”
Anchors aweigh! This 16” x 20” print comes in six different colors, with and without the “Raise the Anchor” text, depending on your preference.
You can find all the color versions, with and without text, to download here. (Note that this print can also be scaled down to a smaller size, if you wish.)
Heart Map Print, 16” x 20”
It might be too early for Valentine’s Day, but it’s never the wrong time to celebrate your love! This print actually comes in two versions: One where the heart has three pieces (shown), or only two pieces.
The three-piece version is perfect to celebrate your respective hometowns, and the place you met. The two-piece version can represent your respective hometowns, or even where you grew up and where you live now, or where your partner grew up, and where they live now (a thoughtful gift idea).
The original article about this piece includes detailed instructions about how to download whichever version you prefer, and also the best way to download the maps you’ll need for your unique piece. (Note that this artwork requires Adobe Photoshop to personalize it.)
Check out the original article, with downloadable files and instructions, here.
Minimalist Military Alphabet Print
A cool, simple print that makes a bold statement, can be scaled to any size, and can be printed for under $15 at FedEx? Whisky Tango Foxtrot! Yes, please!
Frame recommendation: IKEA RIBBA frame, white, 24” x 35 ¾”, without the matte.
Dapper World War 2 British Naval Pilot
A throwback to when dudes did manly stuff while still looking debonaire, this print has a built-in white matte border for a polished look. We recommend printing this one as a 16” x 20”, but it can also be scaled down.
Beer Glass Poster
Perfect for your kitchen or the wallspace over your bar, this print doesn’t just look great, it’s educational! A handy reference guide for which glass is most suitable for your beer of choice, this download is infinitely scalable, so you can print it in the perfect size for your space.
Motivational Typography Pieces
These motivational posters can be downloaded as 16” x 20” prints, or scaled down, depending on the download file you choose. Place these someplace where they can give you a boost!
Glorious Triumphs
Download: 16” x 20” .jpg or scalable PDF.
Hard Work
Download: 16” x 20” .jpg or scalable PDF.
Hustle
Download: 16” x 20” .jpg or scalable PDF.
A Ship of War, 11” x 14”
Found in an encyclopedia from 1728, this amazing cross-sectional diagram of a warship capable of holding 300 men and armed with up to 80 guns mounted to its side gun decks would be equally at home in your hallway or bathroom.
For best printing, we recommend having it printed at Staples on 11” x 17” paper. To get it down to 11” x 14”, use the thin black border to act as a cutting reference.
A Forest Service Engineer’s Guide to Cocktails from 1974, 16″ x 20″
Another fun, historical print! Discovered deep in the National Archives, this guide to mixing cocktails was created in the 1970s by Cleve Ketchum, a Regional Engineer for the US Forest Service. Though Ketchum allegedly wasn’t much of a drinker himself, he drew up this tongue-in-cheek, overly-complicated cocktail-making guide as a joke with his coworkers.
The Launch of the Steamship “Frank J. Hecker,” St. Clair, Michigan – 1905, 11” x 14”
A dramatic capture of the inauguration of the steamship Frank J. Hecker in St. Clair, Michigan. While it had a long and proud run, the Hecker was fated to sink near the Azores 55 years later while en route to an Italian shipbreaker.
For the best print, follow the instructions here.
The First Rocket Launch from Cape Canaveral
An amazing shot that captures the first rocket launch at Cape Canaveral in 1950, this picture is recommended to print at 16” x 20”, but can be scaled down.
Printing tip from the original article (note that some of these prices and available print sizes may have changed):
“Get an amazing quality 16″ x 20″ poster print [at Costco] for only $6.53 tax included. Upload it online, and pick it up later that day. Even if you don't have a Costco membership, if you plan on printing a few of these out it would probably be worth signing up for one. A similar print from Staples is $19.99!
“If you're going for a smaller print like an 11″ x 14″, the standard black and white print from Staples will work great. Simply have it printed on 11″ x 17″ paper and trim it to fit your frame. Should be less than $2.”
Eight Vintage Patent Designs, 11” x 14” or 36” x 48”
One of our readers, ColbyJH, found these original patent designs and turned them into amazing line drawings, perfect for a minimalist art statement.
These prints can be hung horizontally or vertically — they look great either way — and can be printed in two different sizes, 11” x 14” or 36” x 48”. The smaller version can be printed on 11” x 17” paper at Staples or Costco, and Primer founder Andrew Snavely recommends these $5 black frames from Walmart.
For the larger version, use the $7 “engineering print” option at Staples. For further details on how to print a piece this size, check out this Primer article.
The Motorcycle – Adam Ziska Jr., 1919
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″x 48″.
The Telecaster – CL Fender, 1951
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Camera with Coupled Exposure Meter – E. Sauer, 1962
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Double Edge Safety Razor Embodying Flexible Blade Pressure Control – Frederick L. Risher, 1972
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Bicycle – EJ O'Connor, 1894
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Precision Bass – CL Fender, 1952
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Electric Guitar Design – Ted McCarty, 1955
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Fender Guitar Amplifier – CL Fender, 1959
Download: 11” x 14” or 36″ x 48″.
Hard Times Strengthen Soft Souls {Mobile, Desktop and Art Print}
An art download suitable for your phone background, desktop screen, or a physical print, this motivational piece will help you focus on coming through the hard times a better, stronger and wiser man.
Download: 18″ x 24″ art print, Mobile, and Desktop
Chicago’s South Water Street Freight Terminal, April 1947
Taken from the Chicago rail yards, this throwback piece has moody, slightly dystopian vibes. For the best print, follow the instructions we included for the photo of Hemingway holding a shotgun.
Download: 11″ x 14″ or 18″ x 24″
Vintage Cocktail Tool Patents
Need more bar-related imagery? These prints of the original patents for famous cocktail-related tools are scalable to any size, and have a cool, quirky vibe.
Cork Extractor – Filed October 29, 1928
Cocktail Shaker – Filed September 27, 1935
Cocktail Strainer & Mixer – Filed October 4, 1902
Whisky Still – Filed August 27, 1906
Keg or Barrel – Filed November 18, 1897
Jigger – Patented September 5, 1893
Download the entire Cocktail Tool Patent Series here.
Ernest Hemingway with Shotgun, 11” x 14”
In addition to being one of America’s most well-known writers, Hemingway was also a sportsman and an avid firearms enthusiast. This photo was taken in Cuba in 1952, when Hemingway was reportedly tired of repeated break-ins to his home!
For the best print, follow the instructions here.
The Barber & The Boxer, 11” x 14”
Fritz the boxer was a celebrity pup in the 1950s and 1960s, and is depicted here as getting a shave. While today we know better than to shave or cut dogs’ whiskers (dogs use them to feel their surroundings, so their whiskers are very sensitive), it still makes for a quirky B&W print, perhaps as a companion photo to the RAF pilot getting a haircut between missions.
The Remington Noiseless 8 Typewriter, 11” x 14”
The Macbook of its day, this typewriter was touted as being “very sturdy” and “highly portable.”
For the best print, follow the instructions here.
Testing a Bulletproof Vest, 1923, 11” x 14”
Finishing out this artwork roundup with a bang is this cool, old-school photo capturing the testing of an early-type bulletproof vest.
The backstory on the photo makes it even more interesting. From our earlier article on this art print:
“Consider this fine fellow, W.H. Murphy, who is taking a .38 caliber bullet right to the chest, just to close a deal. On September 13, 1923, Murphy, who worked for the Protective Garment Corp. of New York, was in Washington, DC showing off his company's wares to the Fredrick County, Maryland Sheriff's Department.
“Reportedly, Murphy didn't even blink when the bullet hit. Because he died instantly – kidding, kidding, Murphy was fine. The introduction of protective vests in the early 20th century was needed to combat the emerging criminal gangs utilizing their own homemade armor: several thick layers of cotton padding and cloth.”
Check the full Free Art Printable archive for more!
Now you have your art, but if you're looking for other affordable decor, check out our best stores for affordable home decor for men on a budget!
