How to place sculpture within your home March 28 2025, 0 Comments

By Kimberly Nicoletti

Art transforms a space, making it aesthetically more pleasing, and more personal. Many homeowners naturally prioritize paintings or photographs to fill their walls. In doing so, they often overlook the opportunities sculptures present. This three-dimensional, tactile art form adds variety to a home — and to an art collection.

Displaying paintings relatively close to sculptures builds a dialogue between the two mediums, deepening interest within each. For example, Jeremy Bradshaw’s wildlife sculptures make a landscape painting spring to life even more. Abstract bronzes, like Gilberto Romero’s elegant twists and turns, can complement or contrast abstract paintings.

While paintings typically remain hanging in one designated place, sculptures are more portable, easily moved from table to countertop to nightstand. Simply rotating them presents a fresh viewpoint. In that way, they’re more interactive. They’re also less intimidating to place because they don’t require the commitment of hammering a hole in the wall.

When placing sculptures keep in mind that, just like with paintings, the size of the space dictates where you showcase them. A spacious entryway can accommodate a larger freestanding statement piece, whereas a table can only hold so much without looking cluttered. Trust your judgment: You’ll know, or feel, when a sculpture looks too big or small for a space.

If you showcase several smaller pieces on a pedestal or table, consider placing the tallest in the center so it provides a sense of order. Just as you group different sizes, you can also group various mediums. Just pay attention to scale, so that the shapes and sizes lend a sense of harmony. Of course, we’re always here to help you find the best way to arrange sculptures.

When deciding on a location, consider that sculptures set a tone for both guests and homeowners. Imagine guests’ pleasant surprise as they walk in, round the corner and encounter one of Marty Goldstein’s stout, big-eared pups, or one of his long-legged doggies. They can’t help but smile, and maybe even chuckle, which starts a gathering off on the right “paw.”

If you incorporate blown glass into your collection finding a place where sunlight intermingles with the vessels makes the sculptures even more visually stimulating. Directed lighting can often have the same colorful effect. The shadows created make for stunning parts of the day. While bronze adds interest with patinas, glass reflects and refracts light, brightening or darkening, depending upon the light source.

“Sculpture makes the house more interactive,” Brian Raitman says. “It changes the vibe of the space, bringing a full-on, viable texture.”

Of course, sculptures aren’t limited to interior design. Outdoor sculptures add an element of surprise to landscapes. A large piece, like Romero’s “A Long Time Coming,” measuring nearly 6-feet, obviously makes a statement. But, so, too, can smaller pieces, placed upon outdoor tables or along walking paths. Think about where you want to encourage a peaceful or playful feeling within your landscape, and then choose a sculpture you love.

While most people expect to find art on a wall, they don’t necessarily expect it to pop out in the form of sculpture. Yet, sculpture is one of the most versatile and textural ways to add a sense of enchantment to your home — and it’s so easy to place.