Sculpture; created for hotel lobbies and Malibu mansions, right? Wrong! Sculpture looks great anywhere and is a fun and creative way of showcasing original art in your home. It’s not elitist, either. A little secret: it can often be more affordable than its two dimensional counterparts.
That said, we do understand that buying sculpture for the home can be daunting. It’s a less familiar medium than a painting and that lack of familiarity can lead to a lack of confidence. What makes a good piece? What are the trends? How will it look inside my home?
First, approach buying sculpture as you would any other piece of art. Try not to mystify or put it on a pedestal too much (unless it requires a literal pedestal). The basic questions remain the same as buying any other piece – do you love it and does it ‘go’?
Still unsure? Here are some tips to help you buy sculpture with confidence.
Size and weight
Size might be more obvious than weight, but both are important factors to consider. Where will it be sitting in your home and is there any chance it could fall over? If it’s smaller and therefore sitting on something, will it sit comfortably?
How do the sculpture’s proportions work with other objects and furniture in the room? Here’s an expert tip: put an object of a similar dimension in the space intended and leave it there for a few days. This can be a really helpful way of visualising how the sculpture will look and feel in the room.
Do some research
If you want to venture into the world of sculpture but feel you don’t know enough about it, do some work before you buy. Though you should opt for something you feel drawn to, perusing artists and different styles of sculpture can help you make informed opinions. Decide what you definitely don’t like, what your needs for the sculpture are and what material you’re drawn to. This should help narrow down what you do like and what you’d be open to investing in.
Have fun with it!
While you can undoubtedly have fun with wall art to show ‘wow’ factor and personality, there is something about a physical piece that speaks to the fun and daring types. Even traditional sculptures will make your home unique and interesting.
Still stuck? What about...
Metal sculpture
Metal sculptures often look good because they’re in sharp contrast to the standard materials we find in the home. The juxtaposition between metal and soft furnishings such as fabrics and wood can add texture and a point of interest to a room.
Metal sculptures can also work incredibly well in gardens and outdoor spaces too (begone the garden gnome!). Some are designed to rust as they become weathered, so the look will evolve and improve over time.
Just make sure metal sculptures are placed somewhere safe and secure. You don’t want jutting metal taking someone’s eye out!
Bronze sculpture
When you think of bronze sculptures, ancient Chinese or Roman statues will probably spring to mind. And there’s a reason why it’s so popular. Not only is it durable and long-lasting, bronze works well in both traditional and modern settings.
You might opt for something figurative or a more abstract piece, but do consider the personality of your room when contemplating bronze.
Small sculptures
For those who don’t have the space for large pieces, small sculptures can be a great way to add original art into the home.
But are small sculptures not just ornaments? Sculpture needn’t be snobbish or elitist, but there are some differences between the two. Ornaments are decorative pieces that often have another purpose and emulate something that already exists. Sculpture, on the other hand, will only exist by and of itself. It’s a piece of fine art that isn’t mass-produced, but made by the hand of the artist.
In the market for a sculpture?
Cover image via Seunghwui Koo
