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When it comes to choosing art for your interiors, there are several routes you can go down but one of the most appealing is an art fair, where you can find a wide range of artists working across a whole host of genres. Not only that, but you can find artwork at different price points and often chat to the artists about their inspiration.

Wimbledon’s Art in the Park brings a range of artists to the of front Cannizaro House for an art fair this month with over 50 local creatives selling original art, ceramics, prints and jewellery. Art Surrey takes place next month at Epsom Downs Racecourse with over 3,000 works by both emerging and established artists. We asked Katie Preston of Art in the Park and Carol Caiger of Art Surrey how to make the most of an art fair.

First of all, do your homework before you go. Survey the rooms in which you are looking to buy artwork for. Look at which walls you can hang the artwork on. Says Carol: “Consider where the light falls on the walls. And make sure that the artwork won’t be in direct sunlight. Ask yourself if you wish to go dark and textured or light and bright? Do you need to consider other artworks in the room? Should you continue the theme or make a wow factor contrast?”

Then weigh up how the artwork will be viewed: “Can you see the artwork from multiple rooms, what would it look like in relation to those rooms? Will you be looking at the artwork from a different angle i.e. seated at a dining table or from a sofa or bed?”

And if you’re not sure of the size, act it out. “Cut cardboard or paper to the size you think you should go for and live with it for a couple of days. Your eye will tell you if it is too big or too small. My tip is to go for the biggest artwork you can afford.” Alternatively, Katie suggests: “Another strategy is to buy lots of smaller eclectic and personal pieces and create a gallery wall.”

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Then get yourself organised before you head to the art fair. Take a look at the exhibitors list and see if there any you are particularly keen to prioritise.

“Make a plan or ‘shopping’ list. Take images of your rooms, measure the walls and make a note of the minimum and maximum size of artwork you are looking for.” Set you budget. “Be Realistic: Have a proposed budget. Prints will be cheaper than original artwork.”

When you arrive, Carol has some tips for how to approach the Surrey fair: “Be methodical: don’t miss anything out! Start from the left-hand side and work your around the art fair. Use your phone to take images of artwork that catches your eye and make a voice note of what you like about it.”

Adds Katie: “Don’t be shy – chat with the artists. They love sharing how their work was made and what inspires them. That backstory makes a piece of art even more special.”

Above all, trust your instincts. Says Katie: “Go with your gut. If something catches your eye and makes you smile or your heart beat a little faster, that’s a sign. You don’t need to ‘know’ about art, you just need to love it. If you need a little time to mull it over, ask if you can take a photograph, make a note of the stall, and keep browsing or head into Cannizaro Park to see what’s going on there. If you’re still thinking about the piece 10 minutes later, and worrying someone else might have snapped it up, go back and buy it. Some things are just meant to be!”

Adds Carol: “If you love a piece, buy it, especially if it is an original artwork – when it’s gone, it’s gone. Don’t get cold feet: if you like something, don’t talk yourself out of buying it because you are worrying that your friends and family won’t like it, or you’re not sure where to hang it. Art is so personal so it’s about what you like.”