How to Choose Art — and Decide Where to Place It February 07 2025, 0 Comments
It’s easy to fall in love with a work of art. But when it comes to committing to the purchase, many people began to second-guess where they will place it in their home — and if it’s a proper fit.
Brian Raitman, co-owner of Raitman Art Galleries, likes to remind clients that they’re already their own experts when it comes to art. It’s the whole concept that doing something for 10,000 hours makes you an expert; we’ve all spent well over 10,000 hours viewing items, from shopping and watching TV and movies to dining out, sleeping in hotels, and visiting friends and family’s homes. Consciously or unconsciously, we are constantly deciding what pleases us aesthetically. We automatically apply those same principles when viewing art, intuitively being drawn to works that fit our style.
When paintings or sculptures attract clients, but they tell Brian they’ll have to consult their interior designer, he reminds them that, while designers are great for choosing cabinetry, tiles, and furnishings, art is personal to the homeowner.
“Be your own designer,” he says. “Don’t overthink it. Simply buy something that you love. Our clients are smart and successful. Trust your judgment. You’ve gotten really far in life, so don’t abandon your judgment when it comes to choosing art.”
In other words, it’s not rocket science. But there are a few guidelines that can help narrow down what amounts to nearly limitless options.
It often starts with your home itself. You may have a large, blank wall screaming for something to define it. All you have to do is decide if you want to fill the majority of it with a painting, or if you want to leave more negative, or empty, space by hanging a smaller piece. But, generally speaking, the size of the space dictates the size of the painting.
“I like to go as big as possible, because art is beautiful,” Brian says, noting that large paintings still need some breathing room, or space, around them.
From there, consider what look and feel you want in that room. Brian and his wife prefer to “bring the outside in” by surrounding themselves with art that reflects forests and nature.
Art consultants can also help. They know the artists, their stories and the inspiration behind the pieces.
“Consultants make it personal for you. They find a connection between you and the artist,” Brian says, adding that they can also ask the right questions to help clients pinpoint their own style.
They can guide you to art based on your stories and desires and/or fill in the details about a work you fall in love with, which creates an even deeper emotional connection.
And, if you live in Colorado, they’ll hang your painting: About a third of Brian’s and Ross's (Brian's brother and co-owner) time is spent installing art in homes, to ensure clients’ experience is “phenomenal, from the gallery side to the delivery side.” Plus, it allows them to get to know their clients better — a benefit both of them thoroughly enjoy.
After you’ve filled the obvious blank spaces in your home, you might consider what kind of feel you want in other rooms you spend the most time in — or that you pass by the most. This is where smaller paintings, as well as sculptures, can come into play.
A painting or statement sculpture in a foyer sets the tone for the home, welcoming everyone who enters. Placing sculptures on stair landings — either on a pedestal or not, depending on the sculpture’s height — wakes up the senses and lifts up spirits while you carry out mundane daily tasks, like walking downstairs from the bedroom to start your day. Windowsills and nightstands are also charming places to place sculptures. Sometimes, homes include niches built into walls, so that’s another obvious place to feature sculptures.
You don’t have to be an expert in art or interior design to choose art for your home or to know where to showcase it. All you have to do is trust your instinct and fill an empty space.
By Kimberly Nicoletti
