Best practices for displaying your artwork at home: decorating tips

Displaying a work of art at home is much more than a decorative gesture: it's a way to express your sensibility, to give a space character, and to create an ongoing dialogue between the place and the image. But for the artwork to truly find its place, certain rules of harmony, legibility, and preservation must be respected. At Espace Soardi, we support our clients every day in this process of artistic integration, combining aesthetic advice with technical recommendations.

The first principle is that of proper proportion: a work that is too small on a large wall will seem lost, while a monumental piece in a small space will overwhelm the atmosphere. It is often more effective to hang several small works in a series or as a wall composition, or to center a large canvas on a strong visual axis such as a sofa, a console table, or a fireplace.

Next comes the question of height: ideally, the center of the artwork should be at eye level, approximately 1.60 meters from the floor, to allow for comfortable viewing. However, in a stairwell or hallway, one can play with dynamic hanging lines, either stepped or in a strip.

Lighting also plays a major role. Too much light, whether directed straight ahead or poorly filtered, can cause unpleasant reflections or damage pigments. We recommend using adjustable LED lights that emit no UV or heat, and opting for anti-reflective or museum-quality glass for delicate artworks. Location is also crucial: avoid areas of direct sunlight, damp walls (bathrooms, poorly ventilated kitchens), or high-traffic areas. To enhance the decorative effect, create contrasts: a matte black frame on a light wall, a brightly colored artwork in a neutral setting, or conversely, a simple piece against a colorful background to highlight its delicate details.

The choice of frame is, of course, crucial: a custom frame tailored to the style of the artwork and your interior can radically transform the perception of a room. American-style frames, classic frames, natural wood profiles, colored frames, or floating plexiglass frames: each solution brings a unique character to the artwork.

Finally, don't hesitate to refresh or evolve your displays over time. Changing the order, heights, or arrangement of your artworks can breathe new life into your interior without adding anything. At Soardi, we believe that a work of art only truly comes alive when it is well integrated, well lit, well protected—and above all, admired. Displaying a piece of art in your home creates a moment of pause, a respite, a lasting fragment of emotion within your everyday space.