How to Display Paintings in Your Home While Building Your Collection

Displaying your paintings in your home, whether you are an artist or an art enthusiast, is a thrilling journey. This process is not a destination but a continuous exploration of space, light, and the ever-evolving tastes you and your art pieces might develop over time.

Understanding the Basics of Art Display

Displaying your artwork or the artwork of others is a personal experience. The placement and framing of art pieces can significantly impact their appearance and the ambiance of a room. Hanging them on the wall is indeed a popular choice, but the way they are displayed can transform a static collection into an engaging gallery experience.

Lessons from Art Galleries

During a gallery presentation course, I had the opportunity to observe how galleries manage and display artwork. In these settings, the cost of framing can be substantial, sometimes even more than the artwork itself. This discovery prompted me to consider the economics of framing and to adopt standard-sized canvases for my own work.

Standardizing Your Artwork

By painting in standard sizes like 11x14, 12x16, and 24x36 inches, and even purchasing frames online, I was able to create a cohesive and cost-effective collection. This approach helps in maintaining a visually harmonious layout without the strain of adjusting for unique frame dimensions.

Strategies for Displaying Art in Your Home

Consider the Viewing Distance

It’s essential to consider the viewing distance when placing art in your home. For example, on staircase walls, choose smaller pieces as you approach them, whether ascending or descending. This proximity requires closer inspection, and smaller sizes are easier to focus on. In contrast, larger pieces in more open spaces can dominate the area and create a more dramatic impact.

Theme and Dominance

In living rooms or central areas, select larger and more expressive pieces that can serve as focal points or build on a key piece that might dominate the space. This strategy can create a thematic cohesion or a focal point that ties the room together. Art lovers will find it easier to integrate pieces with a coherent theme or style, as personal preferences often align with preferences in art.

Adaptability and Flexibility

The art display process is not set in stone. Art is meant to be appreciated and enjoyed, and the layout of your collection is part of this joy. Don’t be too precious about the placement of pieces. If a new artwork comes into your collection, it is perfectly fine to rearrange existing ones to accommodate the new entry. This flexibility enhances the overall experience of your art collection.

Embracing the Process

Switching around pieces and trying new layouts is not just about changing the appearance of your collection but also about engaging with the artwork in new ways. ‘Resting’ pieces that might have been in one place and moving others to accommodate the new artwork can lead to fresh perspectives and renewed appreciation of your collection.

Remember, the process of displaying art is part of the enjoyment. It is a journey of discovery and creativity, and the joy of displaying art lies in the continuous evolution of your collection and the spaces where they reside.

Conclusion

Displaying your artwork is a creative and fulfilling endeavor. By understanding the basics of framing, considering viewing distance, and embracing adaptability, you can create a wonderful gallery experience in your home. Whether you are an artist or an art lover, enjoy the process of displaying and arranging your art collection.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to my time at the college’s gallery presentation course, where insights into art display and economics were shared. These lessons have significantly impacted the way I approach the framing and placement of my artwork.