Whether you are staging a property for sale, redesigning your existing home or really going all out with an interior design project, try adding a piece of sculpture for an instant boost of elegance, interest, or just plain fun. EVERYBODY knows what to do with wall art. But many people avoid sculpture because they just don't know what to do with it. So, here are some tips:

Where should you put sculpture? If you have an architectural niche of any kind, it's the perfect place for sculpture. Try using one on a dining table instead of a more traditional centerpiece and keep it properly scaled to the table and any light fixture above it. An entry table is a great spot for sculpture, adding a real WOW factor just as you walk in. It can set the tone for the whole house. Coffee tables and side tables will work for smaller pieces and also detailed pieces meant to be viewed up close. Fireplace mantels or hearths are another great spot to try sculpture. If you place your sculpture on a  pedestal it can fill a corner, but if the sculpture is interesting from all sides, consider placing it in front of a window, where it can be enjoyed from indoors or outside. If you can't do that, many pedestals have swivel tops so the sculpture can be rotated.

How big should a pedestal be? The size of the pedestal should be either 1/3 or 2/3 of the total height of the pedestal and sculpture combined for the most pleasing effect. I also avoid pedestals that are so busy or ornate that they detract from the sculpture. Think of a pedestal like a picture frame ... it should complement the sculpture, but not be the focal point itself.

What type of sculpture works for home staging? I consider the tone of the property. If it is very upscale, I keep the sculpture simple and elegant like in the first two photos. I also enjoy using pieces that feel fun or joyful and make people smile. I do avoid anything so detailed that it invites too much contemplation. Simple is best. In the first two photos below, I found a great inexpensive resin sculpture that has nice soothing curves. I bought two, leaving one white, and faux-finishing the second one in a gold metallic finish. So, one looks great against a colored accent wall and the other looks right against a white wall.

How do you decide on sculpture for your home? First and foremost ... buy something you LOVE! Choose something that you won't tire of seeing. Some people prefer pieces that uplift them, while others may want something that is thought provoking. Personally, I tend to either buy art that makes me laugh, or that includes colors that just knock me out. 

Where should I buy sculpture? Well, the obvious is to go to a reputable gallery. A good art dealer has access to more than just the pieces you see on display in their gallery, so if you like their display in general, but don't see the exactly right piece for your home, don't be afraid to ask if they have photos of additional work. Many artists will also create commission pieces for your home and the gallery owner will generally know which artists are agreeable to doing that. If your budget is tight, consider checking out student art sales at local colleges. You'll get some amazing bargains! I found one of my very favorite sculptures at a county fair in the art display. You just never know! Keep an open mind and check out the local art event listings for your area. Or call me! As an interior designer I buy artwork for my clients all the time. I get to know my clients and their tastes and then find work that I think will inspire them. I often liaison with artists or craftspeople to create custom work for clients, many times designing the work myself. Its my very favorite thing to do!

Just for fun ... here are a few of my favorite local galleries here in Portland, Oregon.

Butters Gallery

Lawrence Gallery

Shaffer Fine Art

Elizabeth Leach Gallery

Below are a handful of photos from staging projects and interior design clients' homes depicting sculpture in various settings. You can see some of the artwork I've purchased for clients and some of my own artwork at Pangaea Interior Design.

You can also see a related post about using art in staging: Inexpensive Art Solution for Staging a 2 Story Loft