If you’re a fan of Netflix’s reality competition show, Blown Away, you might soon find yourself searching for glass artwork. We’re big fans of the show and are already researching how to display glass art pieces in our home. Here are our favorite methods so far.
The best way to display flat glass art pieces is to hang them on a wall that receives changing light throughout the day. For sculpted three-dimensional glassworks, it is best to display this artwork on accent tables in a well-lit location, allowing viewers to observe all angles of the piece.
We’ve rounded up nine ways to display two-dimensional glass artwork and sculptures. We’ll start with flat glass art before moving on to 3-D sculptures.
Flat Glasswork
Two-dimensional glass artwork can be displayed in many ways, but the following methods are optimal for viewing and preserving your art.
Hanging on a Wall
This is the most common way to display flat artwork. Glass art is translucent, so it looks incredible when light is allowed to shine through it. Make sure you don’t hang your artwork on a wall in a dark corner, or you’ll lose the effect.
You can show off your glass artwork better by putting it against a stark white or brightly colored wall as a backdrop. You can also use dramatic lighting to make your piece stand out.
The rule of thumb is that if your glass piece is primarily translucent, the colors will show up better when using a white wall with light coming from behind the piece. But if the glass is opaque, you can put it in front of any color wall with light coming from the front.
Another thing to remember is that glass artwork is heavy and fragile, so when mounting it on the wall, it is wise to have a professional install the proper holds.
Center Piece to Other Mediums
If you want to add a touch of class and elegance to your home, consider using your glass artwork as the centerpiece of your decor.
You can do this by incorporating it into a gallery wall. Hang your glass artwork on a blank wall and then accessorize around it with smaller pieces such as framed art photography, drawings, and even mirrors and watch as heads turn. This is a great way to display multiple pieces in one location.
Again, your glass artwork requires secure mounting. You may need to hire a professional.
Hung From The Ceiling
This is a great way to display pieces you may not be able to mount on the wall. You can use special hangers designed for glasswork that distribute the weight evenly and keep your piece secure.
You’ll want to ensure that the area where you hang your glass artwork is well-lit so that viewers can appreciate the piece from all angles.
Speaking of hanging from the ceiling, flat glasswork can do well as room divider panels. You can maximize light in your space by hanging clear glass or add privacy with frosted or textured options.
Leaning Against a Window or Wall
Making sure your glass art pieces are displayed in the best light possible can help make them look their best.
Natural light from a big open window is often the best way to show off your art. This is because sunlight has a broad color spectrum, which means it will show the colors of the glass piece more accurately and with a more natural look than artificial light would.
Remember:
It’s crucial to ensure glasswork that’s leaning against a window or wall is secured vertically to prevent it from toppling forward.
Using a Stand
Just because it’s 2D doesn’t mean it needs to be hung on the wall. You can prop your glass art piece on an easel or display stand. This can make smaller pieces appear larger and more important.
When using a stand, ensure it is stable, and there is no risk of the piece toppling over.
3D Glass Sculptures
Now that we’ve covered how to best display flat glass artwork, let’s move on to three-dimensional sculptures. Sculptures add a whole new level of dimension to a room. When displaying them, you’ll want to consider the following methods:
On an Accent Table
This is a great way to add interest and spruce up an entryway. It grabs people’s attention at “hello” and gives them a statement piece to look at as they enter your home.
When using an accent table, make sure it is the appropriate size for the sculpture. You don’t want your artwork to be lost on a huge table or swallow up a too-small one.
You also want to ensure that the two pieces complement each other in style. Some pieces work better on a glass table, while others will look better on an opaque material like wood or metal.
Near Light Sources
Glass sculptures are meant to be seen in the light. Take advantage of the light, whether you are using an accent light on a timer or sunlight streaming in from multiple windows.
Placing your sculpture near a light source will also create different shadows and reflections that can change the look of the piece throughout the day. Take your time to light your sculpture from different angles to see what look you like best.
As a rule of thumb, avoid spotlights, backlights, and lighting sculptures from directly below. These lights can create harsh shadows that can distort the piece.
In a Lit Display Case
This is often seen in museums but can also be done at home. If you want to protect your glass sculptures from dust and debris, place them in a lit display case.
This will also help control the light source and ensure that your attention-grabbing piece is evenly lit from all angles. And, always use earthquake or museum wax at the bottom of your sculpture to secure it in the display case.
Wall Hung 3D Works
Some pieces can be mounted on the wall for an eclectic look. They appear to be floating off the wall. This is a great way to add depth and dramatic focal points to any room, especially if you have a lot of wall space.
When mounting your sculpture on the wall, check that it is balanced and at eye level. Also, take into consideration the amount of weight your sculpture can support.
If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution. Speak with the artist about mounting options for the work to avoid accidents.
