Displaying Sculpture

Sculpture Display Tips

Sculptures are works of art that go beyond the traditional two-dimensional painting or photos most people have on their walls. Because they are three-dimensional in nature, there are several elements to consider when putting sculptures on display.
Placing it high on a bookshelf or off in a dark corner on a table may not show the work to its full potential. Instead, follow these tips on the best and most creative ways to display a sculpture to proudly show off your new artwork.

Lighting can change the entire look of the piece, and the best lighting for your sculpture will depend on the artwork itself. While lighting from below can add a dynamic quality to translucent works, it can cause ugly shadows on others. Take time to light your sculpture from different angles to see what you like the best. You may also need more than one light to get the look you want. Some sculptors think about lighting before they even begin!

​​Sculpture lit from below, creates highlights

Sculpture lit from behind, creates a silhouette effect

Purposeful sculpture lighting, uses shadows

​Lighting

Dropdown

A sculpture lit from ​​

Select answer

creates a visual effect called a silhouette, which is a black outline.

Sculptures can be statement pieces and conversation topics when placed in the right spot. While it doesn’t need to be put in the middle of the room, sculptures are three-dimensional pieces that are meant to be viewed from more than one vantage point, so make sure your piece is accessible to admirers from various angles. If you do have it backed up against a wall or corner, make sure that it is visually interesting and looks natural!

Tucked behind something, but still looks interesting & like it belongs

​​Placed in the open, but not very interesting

​Placement in room

Multiple Choice

An object does NOT have to be displayed on a pedestal in the center of a room.

• True

• False

When you decide where and how to display a sculpture, you want to keep in mind the surrounding décor. An elegant and sleek sculpture may look out of place in a room filled with more whimsical and fun décor. Another thing to consider is color palette - how might your sculpture match or contrast?

​​Matching the surroundings

​​Contrasting the surroundings

​Surroundings

Match

Which object matches/contrasts this setting?

• Bonus that I can't delete, match to other bonus 😂

Contrast

Match

Bonus that I can't delete match to other

• Contrast

• Match

• Bonus that I can't delete match to other

Depending on its size, the best way to display a sculpture may be to put it at eye level. This allows everyone to admire it more easily. Looking down or up at a sculpture may change how the piece looks and may hide certain areas of the piece that are meant to be seen, but in some cases, the sculpture may be designed to be viewed from above or below.

Sculpture below eye level, hidden

Sculpture at eye level, visible

Sculpture above eye level, hidden

​Viewing angle

Multiple Choice

Which is USUALLY the best angle to view a sculpture from?

• Above eye level

• At eye level

• Below eye level

• Not seeing it at all

Remember, these rules are not rigid or universal. There can be plenty of exceptions and ways to display your work - it all comes down to what makes YOUR art looks most interesting and visually appealing!

​Final thoughts

Multiple Choice

These are rules that cannot be bent or changed, because all sculptures and settings are the same.

• True

• False