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Using Sculpture in Your Home Decor
By Rochelle Caviness
A design element is the initial building block of a decorating scheme. Once this basic element is chosen, you can begin to develop your decorating plan.
When choosing a sculpture as a major design element, you should take into consideration the basic elements inherent in the piece that you will have to work with, such as:
Once you are familiar with the piece, you can begin to design a room that highlights the sculpture, and one that compliments it as well.
Variety of Sculpture Materials
Sculptures can be made out of any material that can be carved, molded, or cast in order to make a three-dimensional figure. Sculpture mediums include,
- Stone
- Glass
- Paper (such as papier mache)
- Clay
- Metal
- Bone
- Teeth (such as tupilak)
- Wood
- Ice
How to Pick the Right Sculpture for Your Decor
Deciding on a sculpture that fits in with your décor will depend, in part, on where it is going to be positioned and if you are planning on using it as focal point or merely as an accent piece.
- Are you looking for a temporary piece? If so, an ice sculpture is a unique centerpiece suitable for any occasion.
- Do you have a small child in the house or do you have rowdy parties? If so, you may want to consider a more-or-less unbreakable piece made from bone, wood, or metal. Glass and sandstone sculptures are particularly fragile.
- If you want a large focal point piece, a stone statue or bust may fit in well.
- As an accent piece, glass sculptures are distinctive.
- Don't overlook your child's artwork as decorating materials. An interesting clay sculpture or Papier Mache project can add a unique conversation piece to a room while showing pride in your child's masterpiece.
Sculptures for the Wall
Most sculptures usually 'stand'. This means that they are designed so that the bottom of the sculpture sits on a flat surface. However, many sculptures are made specifically as wall hangings. The most common form of wall sculpture is a mask.
- Tribal or ethnic masks can be used to compliment a similar decorating theme.
- Stage and carnival masks are useful in adding color and a sense of gaiety to a room.
Turning a Sculpture into a Focal Point
If your sculpture is large, its shear size will help to turn it into the focal point of your room. However, smaller pieces may need a little help:
- Build your décor around the sculpture by using furnishings and fabrics that compliment the sculpture's color and texture.
- Place the sculpture in a central location.
- Back-light or spotlight the sculpture so that the eye is drawn toward the work.
- Place small sculptures in display cabinets that are themselves works of art.
- Place the sculpture in front of a mirror. This will enable the viewer to see the entire work without having to touch it.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.
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