How to Display Your Art Collection

Nine top tips for how to hang and best display your art collection at home, according to the interiors experts. Plus, how to light your art correctly, according to TM Lighting. 

Main image: David Yarrow, Rajasthan 2019, Maddox Gallery

Wall to Wall: Display Your Art at Home

Banksy, Flower Thrower Triptych, 2019 Maddox Gallery

1. If you can, choose the art first

‘It’s a total luxury and it makes life so much easier!’ says Fi Lovett, European Director of Maddox Gallery. ‘Art has depth and so many layers to help you build the room you want to create. It’s a brilliant reference when choosing a colour palette and it can help you decide on the tone of your room, its form and lines. For example, a cubist work would invite a more formal, linear space, but not necessarily a comfortable, soft and slouchy lounge area.’

2. But size doesn’t matter

‘Sometimes a small piece in a large space gives reverence and commands a room,’ says Fi. ‘Similarly, a small piece of art in a dark, cosy corner can draw you into a space to sit, relax and unwind. My clients sometimes feel they don’t have a wall large enough to install David Yarrow’s fine art photography, however, they work best when they fill an entire wall. They create immediate impact and look best commanding a space.’

3. Think about the overall impression

‘Hanging art is a bit like painting a good piece of art in the first place,’ says Philippa Thorp of architecture and interiors studio Thorp Design. ‘It’s all about the juxtaposition of things. And if you put one thing in one place, then maybe you have to rejig the others, a bit like you’re doing a painting yourself. You are creating a picture all the time.’

4. Make the most of natural light

‘I’m a big fan of natural light,’ continues Philippa. ‘I think most things look better, whether it’s the art or any other aspect of the house, if you can get natural light. Not direct light, but north light or not-glaring sunlight. Because then you can see the art without it having to be lit. If a room is well designed, and well curated, you should be aiming to get as much natural lighting as possible.’

5. A good frame can transform an artwork

‘Most paintings are ruined by the frame,’ says Philippa. ‘You can have inherited an old dog of a painting, but if it’s put in a new frame you can give it a new life. I also think too many frames are too heavy for the image – less is always more.’

Photo courtesy of Sims Hilditch

6. Consider sight lines

‘When I’m designing a room, I’m always looking at key sight lines,’ explains Louise Wicksteed, Design Director of Sims Hilditch. ‘When you approach a space, what do you see first? How are you going to be in the space? I like to have one key piece of art, and then support it with smaller pieces. It’s about constantly trying to strive for a harmonious balance.’

7. Create a narrative that starts at the front door

‘Art can set the tone and the narrative for the house,’ continues Louise. ‘And I think that narrative starts as soon as you open the front door, which is why art in your entryway is really important. It’s really nice if art has a sense of place, and it connects to where the house is. So I like to source local and look at artwork that is reminiscent of local landscapes and colour palettes, to create a synergy with the setting of the house.’

8. Think about the bigger picture

‘Think about which are the pieces of art that are really important to you,’ says Louise. ‘And then think about the spaces where you spend time, and also how the artwork is going to flow from room to room. We sometimes try five or six pieces of artwork in a space until we get something that we really like, and that looks really good with the scheme. Sometimes you have to just try things in different spaces and move things around.’

9. Remember that, actually, there are no rules

‘With art, there are no rules,’ laughs Louise. ‘That’s the amazing thing about art, I think it really reflects the individual’s taste, it’s what they love. So have a bit of fun with the art, be a bit looser, freer, and just choose things that you’re going to enjoy.’

How to Light Your Art at Home

Photo by Andrew Beasley

TM Lighting’s Andrew Molyneux has tips for displaying  your artworks in their best light.

‘Generally, LED lighting is best as it is the least damaging light source. However, you must adhere to the 3Cs methodology when selecting the right LEDs to ensure the colour accuracy of the artwork: the colour rendition should be >95CRI; the colour temperature should be a comfortable warm of 2700K; and use a reputable manufacturer to ensure colour consistency. The type of light fixture you use is purely your preference. TM Lighting’s picture lights provide museum-grade lighting for the home, making them a really straight forward retrofit solution. Spotlights and recessed downlights may sit more comfortably in contemporary spaces, but there is no hard and fast rule.’