Top tips for displaying your favourite objects at home
Almost every client who reaches out to us with a project asks the same question: Can you integrate our existing items into the design? Often, it’s artwork or sculptures, and sometimes it’s furniture that needs a new life through reupholstery.
In the photo above, you’ll see a stag sculpture sitting proudly on a custom joinery shelf. This piece actually inspired the colour scheme and overall theme for this cozy snug.
So, what are my top tips for displaying your favorite items at home? Here’s how to make those treasured pieces shine in any space:
Let Statement Pieces Lead: Choose a standout item and build the room’s colors, textures, or even layout around it.
Balance Old with New: Mix heirlooms or vintage items with modern pieces for a curated, personal touch.
Give Artwork Breathing Room: Make sure there’s enough space around artwork and sculptures so they can truly stand out.
These small considerations make all the difference in creating a space that feels both thoughtfully designed and deeply personal.
Top Tip: Build your room scheme around your favourite item. Take into consideration the colours, textures, shapes, and the overall context that the item brings to the space.
In the home office pictured above, the color scheme was inspired by an existing piece of artwork. We used orange as an accent color paired with electric blue—letting the artwork’s boldness guide us toward a vibrant, confident design for this home office.
Let your favourite pieces lead the way, and don’t be afraid to go bold
Tip 2: Light Your Favourite Objects Correctly
To make artwork and sculptures truly stand out, proper lighting is key. Here are a couple of approaches:
Spotlighting: Use miniature spotlights to create focused pools of light on specific objects. This works especially well on shelves divided into sections, with one spotlighted feature in each. It draws attention to each item and adds a curated look to your display.
Backlighting: Consider adding an LED strip behind the shelf. This technique adds depth and drama, creating a stunning effect, particularly with glass objects or a mix of books and decor. The light shining through the glass creates a beautiful play of light and shadow. However, this effect can be overpowering for shelves filled with only books, so reserve it for shelves with varied decor.
Use these lighting tricks to bring a professional gallery feel to your favourite objects at home.
Tip 3: Get Creative with Art Placement
When displaying artwork, think beyond the typical spots like above the sofa or bed. Art can bring personality and interest to any room or unexpected corner of your home.
Try Unusual Spaces: Transform areas like bathrooms, home offices, stairwells, landings, even utility rooms with a well-chosen piece. These overlooked spaces can come alive with the right artwork!
Example: In the photo above, we helped a client move a large canvas from their previous dining room to a prominent spot on the landing. This unexpected placement turned a simple transition space into a statement area.
Remember, art isn’t just for main rooms—it can add beauty and character anywhere you choose.
When displaying artwork, consider its size and scale in relation to the space. A small piece on a large wall can easily get lost, while an oversized painting in a small room might feel overwhelming. Aim to match the size of the artwork with the wall space and surrounding furniture to create balance. One common mistake is leaving too much space between the artwork and nearby furniture, which can make the piece appear as if it’s floating. Hanging it closer to the furniture will give the room a more grounded and cohesive look.
Your treasures deserve more than a shelf—let’s create a space that tells your story. Book your session today.
