How to Properly Care for and Display Your Art Collection at Home

How to Properly Care for and Display Your Art Collection at Home

Collecting art is deeply personal, but how you care for it matters just as much as what you choose. Whether you’ve just purchased your first original painting or are curating a home full of meaningful pieces, proper care and display can protect your investment and enhance your space.

Here’s a guide to help you keep your collection looking its best for years (or generations) to come.

🖼️ 1. Choose the Right Spot

Before you hang a piece, consider where it will live, and how that space may affect its longevity.

Avoid:

  • Direct sunlight (can fade colors over time)
  • Heat sources (like radiators or fireplaces)
  • High-humidity areas (like bathrooms or kitchens)

Ideal places:

  • Bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, and studies with stable lighting and temperature
  • Soft, indirect light near windows (use UV-protected glass if sun is unavoidable)

🛠️ 2. Hang Art Safely and Securely

Proper hanging keeps your art safe and makes your home feel intentional.

Tips:

  • Use wall anchors or picture-hanging hardware rated for the weight of your piece
  • Hang art at eye level—typically 57–60" from the floor to the center of the artwork
  • For gallery walls, lay everything out on the floor first or use paper templates taped to the wall

Consider using museum gel or bumpers on the corners to keep art straight and protect your walls.

🧼 3. Clean Carefully (Or Not at All)

Art is delicate—and less is more when it comes to cleaning.

To care for artwork:

  • Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth or feather duster
  • Never use cleaning sprays, glass cleaner, or water directly on the piece
  • For glass-fronted works, spray cleaner onto a cloth—not directly on the glass

If your piece is unframed or textured (like canvas or linen), avoid touching it directly.

🖋️ 4. Frame Thoughtfully

Framing isn’t just for style—it’s for preservation.

Use:

  • Acid-free mats and backing boards to avoid yellowing or damage
  • UV-protective glass or acrylic for works on paper or photographs
  • Float mounting or spacers for delicate or deckled-edge pieces

Framing not only protects your piece—it elevates the way it feels in your home.

🗂️ 5. Keep Documentation Safe

If your artwork came with a certificate of authenticity, artist bio, or receipt, store it somewhere safe. These documents add value and provenance to your collection—and can be meaningful to pass down.

Consider:

  • Creating a digital folder with photos, artist names, and details about each piece
  • Keeping a printed portfolio in a file box or binder stored with your personal records

🌟 6. Rotate, Restyle, and Revisit

Just like you might switch out throw pillows or seasonal décor, consider rotating your art collection throughout the year.

  • Restyle vignettes with layered frames, objects, or florals
  • Move smaller pieces to unexpected spaces (entryways, closets, kitchens)
  • Store unused pieces safely in climate-stable, flat, dry spaces

Let your collection evolve and keep your home feeling fresh and meaningful.

💭 Final Thoughts: Art Deserves to Be Lived With

Caring for art isn’t about perfection, it’s about preservation with love. When you hang your collection with intention and care, you create a space that honors your story, your style, and the hands behind each piece.

Because art isn’t just for walls, it’s for life.

P.S. Every piece in our gallery is chosen to live beautifully in your home for years to come. Browse the collection or join the list to receive new artwork releases and styling tips curated just for collectors.

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