Fine art is very much a case of personal taste, but the right pieces can represent not only a savvy long-term investment, but a great way to add character and personality to your home. But while it might seem like choosing the right pieces is the only hard part, in reality, displaying them in a way that showcases them to their full potential can be just as difficult. It’s not as simple as simply hanging paintings on the wall and being done with it, or finding a clear surface for that sculpture or installation and leaving it be; displaying them in a way that ensures they get the spotlight they deserve takes careful consideration, thoughtful design and the right tools for the job.
Whether you have just one special piece you want to show off or are curating an entire collection, the way you display your fine artwork can not only enhance their impact but also the space around them. Here, we take a look at the best ways to give them centre stage.
Enhance paintings with strategic lighting
When it comes to giving your most prized pieces of artwork the spotlight, the approach to doing so should be quite literal. Illuminating them effectively allows them to continue to shine, whatever the time of day or night, and can also help to create a gallery-like feel in your home.
There are various different options for doing so, but one of the most practical and impactful is battery-operated picture lights with a remote control. There is nothing quite like visible wires to spoil the allure of art, which makes battery-operated alternatives a great solution. Additionally, being able to control them remotely means that you can change the settings to suit the time of day and the mood you’re looking to create. Some varieties also offer adjustable colour temperatures, which can be used to enhance different types of paintings; warm lights work well for oils, while opting for cooler tones will do more justice to modern prints and photography.
Showcase sculptures with stylish stands
For three-dimensional artworks like sculptures and ceramics, finding the right surface on which to display them can prove challenging, but your best option is to invest in a specialised stand rather than attempting to work with the furnishings you already have. The elevation and space they provide allow for pieces to make more of a statement and become more thought-provoking for those who pass them by, rather than getting lost in the clutter that often inevitably takes over other surfaces.
When you’ve invested an eye-watering sum in a truly special piece, it deserves better than that, and a high-quality pedestal in polished wood or marble can add a touch of opulence whilst ensuring they become a prominent feature in your chosen room. Again, lighting is also key, and directional spotlights that shine directly onto them will draw attention to them and make them a focal point.
Integrate your art into everyday living spaces
While there’s a lot to be said for creating a dedicated gallery space for your art collection in the home, integrating your favourite pieces into your everyday living spaces is a great way to get more enjoyment out of them. The best way to do so is to take a ‘less is more’ approach, choosing just one or two pieces for each room and selecting spaces where they will either complement the aesthetic or, for a more avant-garde effect, clash with it in a way that garners attention and allows it to do all the talking.
Incorporating art into high-traffic areas is also a great way to add interest to otherwise unremarkable spaces, such as hallways, as well as in less obvious rooms like your kitchen or bathroom. To ensure your fine art is well-protected from environmental factors like heat, moisture and cooking residues, look into how best to preserve them – utilising sealed acrylic display cases or framing can work well.
