How to Display Sculptural
Art in the Home

Via tips
Modern lobby with white seating, gray carpet, large orange abstract wall art, and potted plants.
Big or small, playful or serious, sculptural art can soften a room, add interest, texture, and dimension to space.

Sculptures are not just for museums or art collectors; however, adding them into our living spaces can feel intimidating. Thankfully, sculptures exist in varying forms and are easier to add to a room than one might think! Big or small, playful or serious, sculptural art can soften a room, add interest, texture, and dimension to space. Here are our recommendations from the Via Design team at our architecture and interior design firm in Grand Rapids, MI.

Choosing a sculpture

Paintings, prints, and drawings add color, shape, and character to a space, but they lack the third dimension that sculptural art can offer a room. Sculptures are made from a range of materials: metals, plastics, stone, wood, trash - you name it, and a sculpture has likely been created from it.  A sculpture does not have to be a marble figure of a Greek God. It doesn’t even need to have meaning to you. When someone asks, “Why did you choose this piece?” you may simply say, “Because I like it.” Here are a few examples of unique pieces that add more character to the spaces they occupy.
Forged iron sculpture and set upon a reflective nickel pedestal base.Two cast brass, stylized songbirds counterpoised on a white marble base.Tabletop, round sculptural piece in brass
Senio Sculpture
Songbirds Sculpture
Ida Sculpture - large brass

This forged iron sculpture can act as a small accent piece in nearly any room. Place it on a narrow shelf, a bookcase, or a side table, where it won’t be crowded and can be seen up close.

This naturesque marble sculpture is a statement piece. Place it on a console table or in an entryway, where its height can rise above the furniture. It can also stand on the floor beside a sofa or in a corner, where the gold birds catch the light.

With its antique brass finish, this sculpture makes for a beautiful tabletop piece that can start a conversation. Contrast its metallic finish on furniture with matte textures.

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Placing your sculpture

Using sculptural art does not require a lot of space. These art forms come in many shapes and sizes, and can be displayed on furniture such as a credenza, coffee table, or a shelving unit. If you are tight on space, hang sculpture wall art to avoid the risk of clutter. For a classic display of your sculpture, place the piece on a pedestal to bring it to eye level. Mantels and hearths are a natural display in a home, and a prime spot to showcase an object.

When it comes to choosing your sculpture, don’t worry about mixing styles! Sculptures can be used to contradict the style of a home or office. A bold sculpture placed in a minimalist styled space is a striking visual you will appreciate each time you enter the room. If you have a modern or contemporary room, a traditional sculpture will offer balance. Contrasting pieces elevate both aesthetics and draw you to the art.

Displaying Art: Getting started

There are limitless sculptural objects and elements, but there are two options to help get you started with displaying art in your home:
  1. Start small: Choose sculptural art as a decorative object to accessorize a room. Animals and geometric objects are eye-catching, fun, and simple to place.
  2. Go big: A sculpture can exist in furniture pieces. Think of a coffee table with a unique base, or a lighting fixture set on a console or hanging above a dining table. You could even display a small sculptural object on a sculptural shelving unit.

Quick Tips For Displaying Art

  • Don’t worry about mixing design styles.
  • Shelves, mantles, and recessed areas are natural locations to display sculptural pieces.
  • If you’re low on space, choose sculptural wall art.
  • Small objects can make a big statement! A little visual discourse will go a long way.
Find Your Sculpture

Partner with Via Design for Interior Design & Object Services

Via Design proudly provides interior design and object design services for homes and businesses alike in Michigan. As highlighted in our project portfolio, our team has experience in creating and incorporating sculptural art seamlessly into spaces.

Connect with our team today and discover what we can design for you.
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