Decorating a home with art is intrinsic to interior design, but it can be overwhelming at first. It’s important to take care when filling your home with art. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Style it

First, determine the styling elements that will accompany your art piece. You will need to decide what color the wall behind the piece will be, what kind of furnishings will surround it, and whether or not it will hang next to any other pieces of art.

When choosing a wall color, consider the entire room, and choose a color that will minimize distracting elements. Look at the painting, determine how light or dark it is, and consider the intensity of the color. Then, choose a wall color that works together with the color and intensity of the piece. Another consideration is the style of the piece — pick a wall color that enhances the piece instead of blends in with it.

Where you hang your art in relation to your furniture can make a world of difference! Hang art pieces 6-8 inches above the sofa, and around 57 inches from the floor (eye level). You will also want to make sure you fill the space correctly, so make sure your pieces are ½-⅔ the width of the sofa. Also consider the style, colors, and finishes of the surrounding furniture. If you’re planning on hanging multiple pieces of art on the same wall, double-check that the pieces complement one another before hanging.

2. Hang it (or Don’t)

This is an important step (and one that should be taken slowly). You don’t want to put extra holes in your wall when trying to find the studs or straightening the piece. Use a stud finder, a leveler, and pencils so you leave the fewest markings possible. If you’re hanging multiple pieces, draw out the design on a piece of paper first. If you prefer not to hang your pieces (maybe you like the look of leaning art or you change your mind too often), ditch the nails and opt for a picture shelf or rail.

3. Care for it

Many people forget how important it is to care for their art once it has been hung, but this is crucial for a long-lasting collection. You need to decide how you’re going to preserve your pieces, especially if they have been damaged in the past by improper storage or care. Hire a conservator before you purchase a piece. This person will help you determine previous damage to the piece, and they’ll help you get an idea of what sort of repairs it will need. Hiring a conservator may even be covered by your insurance policy.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert art collector!