Should I Display My Art or Store It?
So, you’ve got some art—maybe a killer abstract you snagged for $500 or a pricey piece you’re banking on for the future.
Now what? Hang it up or stash it away? It’s a question I hear from collectors all the time, and the answer’s not cut-and-dry. Let’s dig in.
The Case for Displaying It
First off, why wouldn’t you show it off? Art’s meant to be seen—plain and simple. That bold painting leaning against your wall? It’s dying to light up your space, spark a convo, or just make you grin every morning. I’ve got a piece in my living room—a wild, colorful thing I grabbed at a fair—that still stops guests cold. Displaying it isn’t just decor; it’s a vibe. Plus, if it’s emerging art, you’re flexing your eye for talent before it blows up. Bragging rights don’t hurt.
The Case for Storing It
But hold up—there’s a flip side. If you’re playing the long game, storage might be smarter. Say you’ve got a $5K work from an artist on the rise—think Nedia Were, whose portraits jumped from $2K to $5K in months. Sunlight, dust, or a clumsy spill could ding its value. I’ve seen collectors tuck pieces away in climate-controlled spots, waiting for the market to peak. One client stored a $1K canvas for five years; it sold for $10K last spring. Not every piece needs to hang—some are investments biding their time.
What’s Your Goal?
Here’s the kicker: it depends on you. Love living with it? Display it—screw the “rules.” I’ve got a $150 thrift find on my wall because it vibes with me, not because it’s a fortune. Want max ROI? Store it right—acid-free wraps, cool temps—and check the market yearly. I’ll listen to your vibe: if you say “I want it up but safe,” I’d suggest UV glass or a low-light spot. If it’s “future cash,” I’d scout storage options and track the artist’s buzz for you.
Mix It Up: The Best of Both
Why not split the difference? Hang what you adore now—rotate it seasonally if you’ve got a stash—and store the rest for later. I once advised a collector with ten pieces: five went up, five stayed boxed. Two years later, she sold a stored one for triple and still loves her walls. It’s not all-or-nothing—play it your way.
The Bottom Line
Display it if it sparks joy; store it if it’s a goldmine-in-waiting. Me? I’m an artist and advisor—I’ve seen both work wonders.