How to display your art collection at home, according to expert gallerists and curators

Kevin Troyano Cuturi from Cuturi Gallery reassures budding collectors that, while there may be some best practices, there are no hard rules when it comes to displaying art. “The rule is that there are no rules,” he tells us. “I recommend not buying art to complement your home décor, nor buying home décor to complement your art. Because taste evolves with time, so just buy what you enjoy and exhibit it the way you enjoy it.”

If you do need a bit of guidance anyway, Chong has some pointers to help you start your home gallery: “To anchor the display, begin with large statement pieces that contrast with the living space. This can be through the colour scheme or a juxtaposition of contemporary and classic styles.”

You can reserve your small and medium-sized artworks to “fill the space around the anchor pieces; they serve as accent pieces, introducing pops of colour or texture to enhance the overall ambience”.

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Speaking of large and small artworks, you may be wondering how to best alternate and combine pieces of different sizes on the same gallery wall. Cuturi warns that “large paintings need breathing space”, recommending that collectors “allow as much negative space as possible” around them.

Sicilia concurs, additionally pointing out the importance of harmony and balance. “Each artwork should have its own space and be able to exist independently,” he tells us.

“Oversized canvases or prints can make a smaller room appear bigger by drawing attention to the large scale of the artwork. Depending on which artwork you display in a space, you can transform the personality of a room,” Chong counsels.

She then shares some helpful tips for successful combinations of colours, textures and art styles. One approach she enjoys involves grouping artworks with similar colour schemes, which “creates a sense of cohesion and harmony within the display”. Alternatively, “artworks with contrasting colours can complement each other effectively”.

The wall itself should ideally be painted in a neutral, understated hue, or in a colour that contrasts with the displayed works, allowing the art to stand out and shine against the backdrop.

To add visual interest to your gallery, she suggests experimenting with different methods of displaying your prized artwork. “Using varying frame styles is a great method to add flair to paintings,” she quips.

Diversifying how you showcase your art can add further dimensionality to your space; instead of exclusively hanging your paintings on the walls, try leaning some pieces on a ledge, for example.

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Choosing the perfect spot to display every piece of art is perhaps the greatest challenge for collectors. When your gallery is displayed in your home, it adds another layer of complexity, as the space is not exclusively a gallery but has to remain functional for everyday living too.

As Cuturi shares, picking the right room for every piece is very personal. “Some people might enjoy an aggressive painting in the bedroom while others might think it’s more suitable for the living room,” he says. Sicilia adds: “Each artwork has a different energy; the choice of artwork for a room depends on the desired atmosphere.”

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Chong agrees with her fellow curators, emphasising that “it’s essential to prioritise elevating the living space over the price tag or prestige of the artwork”.

While the choice of mood for each area of the home is indeed personal, Chong points out that one may generally prefer “a minimalist look and a sense of calm with a neutral, monochromatic palette” for the bedroom. “Conversely, I would display vibrant artworks that can infuse spirit and vitality into my living room, adding a dynamic touch to the ambience,” she continues.

“For bathrooms, where humidity is a concern, prioritise artwork made from waterproof materials such as ceramic, glass, or metal,” she further recommends. “These materials can withstand the moisture in bathroom environments, ensuring the longevity of your art while adding aesthetic appeal to the space.”

Sculptures are a tricky form of art to display in a home environment, as they should be honoured with a dedicated space without diminishing functionality or comfort. Cuturi recommends incorporating sculptures into existing home décor, and avoiding pedestals that “make them look like they are in a gallery or museum”.

In order to do the sculptures justice, Chong would “select a location within your home that maximises their visual impact and allows for appreciation from all angles”. Factors such as lighting and “the overall aesthetic of the space” should be taken into consideration as well to “ensure the sculpture’s placement complements its unique qualities”.

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A key factor you may not have considered when embarking on your collector’s journey is that you need to protect your precious artworks, particularly if you have them displayed in your living spaces. Our humid Singapore climate can have a harsh effect on art pieces.

Cuturi, Sicilia and Chong strongly recommend insurance for valuable artworks. “Research different insurance options, obtain multiple quotes, and carefully review the terms and conditions of any policy before making a decision,” suggests Chong. “Working with an insurance agent who specialises in art insurance can also be beneficial in finding the right coverage for your specific needs.”

To preserve your pieces as carefully as possible, Cuturi additionally suggests avoiding displaying the artwork in direct sunlight and choosing an air-conditioned environment for your home gallery.

“Encasing artworks in glass frames provides essential protection against environmental factors, helping to maintain their quality and prevent depreciation,” Chong adds.

Nothing will teach you about art like getting hands-on experience curating your first gallery, but you may find a nugget or two of valuable information in these final tips.

To refine your taste in art and gain a deeper understanding of gallery practices, Chong proposes visiting museums or private collections, as they can offer insights into “various methods of displaying art”. You can also draw inspiration from interior design and art magazines to overcome the challenges of integrating art into your living spaces.

And last but not least: “Keep in mind that your art collection should be a reflection of your personality and individuality! While tips for displaying artwork can be helpful, they’re not rigid rules you must adhere to. Stay open-minded, be willing to experiment, and, above all, trust your instincts when curating your space with art.”

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