Artists and art curators have a unique responsibility to take care of and maintain valuable paintings, sculptures, and various creations of artwork. Artwork that is not regularly on display usually needs a dedicated storage space which is safe, clean, dry, and preferably dark.
As artwork can be delicate and some pieces temperamental, it’s important to store such work with care and assess the requirements of the piece you are storing. Good art storage will help ensure that your artwork stays in pristine condition until you are ready to display it, sell it, or give it a more permanent home.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best art storage ideas and tips to give you a head start in optimizing your own art practice. Keep reading to discover how you can maximize your art storage and keep your artwork looking great for years to come.
- Assess your storage needs
Before beginning your journey to proper art storage, the first step to take in the planning process is assessing your needs in terms of the size of the storage unit required and where it is to be stored.
Choose a location that is convenient and easy to access, as you will need to check up on your pieces and enter the storage room occasionally. Whether you decide to store your artwork at your residence or offsite, remember to pick a room that is clean, dry, away from natural sunlight, and relatively dark.
You will also want to choose a space that won’t be frequented by other people. Keep in mind, too, that you want a space that won’t be cramped and has room for your art practice to grow, should you want to store more items in the future.
- Utilize wall space with hangers
When storing your art collection, it’s a good idea to keep pieces off the ground and to utilize vertical space as much as possible. Hang art on the wall when you can and use shelving for items like books, collectibles, and sculptures that cannot be hung.
Remember to keep some space between the pieces, giving them room to breathe. Utilizing wall space will help maximize the area you have for art storage and keep your canvas artwork in great condition.
- Invest in stackable storage containers
Stackable storage containers can do wonders for your art storage as they are durable, versatile, and protective. The ability to stack them means that you can put containers one on top of the other to maximize space without compromising durability and the quality of the artwork inside.
Artwork inside these containers is protected from dirt and dust, which helps keep them preserved for longer. Other options for storage include flat-file drawers, steel shelves, and racks, which can all work really well.
- Categorize and label your art supplies
It’s important to categorize and label your art supplies and pieces so that your storage remains organized and clutter-free. When there is a pattern of organization, it’s much easier to maintain standards, and you will save yourself time and energy in the long run.
Label files, containers, and cabinets so that you know exactly what is being stored where. This will make it easier to navigate the storage space when you return in the future, or if you send someone else into the storage room. This way, you are not left looking aimlessly for pieces you may not remember.
- Create a dedicated space for finished artwork
Another good tip is to create a designated space for artwork that is fully finished. You can either choose to display your finished products in a space in your home or office, or you can create a separate area in your art storage room for these pieces. Whatever the case, it’s good to differentiate your finished work from unfinished pieces.
It’s also nice to display finished pieces or find more permanent space for these works so they can be fully appreciated. After all, art is meant to be looked at and enjoyed, not kept away from the eyes of others for years.
- Use rolling carts for easy mobility
Rolling storage carts are a great choice for your art as they are mobile and versatile. You can easily move artwork from one room to another if you so choose. Rolling carts make transportation easy because your artwork can safely sit on the cart shelves indefinitely.
The design of these carts usually makes airflow to your pieces possible, which can be beneficial for certain works of art. Rolling carts also make it simple for staff to load and unload items from the carts, making them efficient and convenient for your art storage needs in a museum or gallery setting.
- Consider climate control and preservation
One of the most important factors in art storage is the temperature and climate of the room you are storing your pieces in. A room that is too hot and humid is likely to damage your fine art pieces and can possibly corrode, discolour, and warp delicate materials. A room that is too cold or frigid is not ideal either.
As you want a steady temperature for your artwork, it’s a good idea to choose climate-controlled storage. When the temperature is kept at a stable condition, your art pieces can truly thrive and remain just as pristine as the day you left them.
- Regularly declutter and reorganize
Proper art storage means that you will need to regularly check up on and maintain your pieces, even if they remain in storage for the long term. Remember to visit your art storage space, take a good look at the condition of your pieces, and do regular cleaning and decluttering in the unit.
If a problem is detected, the effects can be minimized the sooner you recognize the issue. It will be much harder to tackle problems if they’ve been left to fester unattended in your art storage room for many weeks or months.
Maintain an Organized Art Storage Space
Proper art storage is not just for the professionals in museums or art galleries. If you are someone that has recently acquired or inherited valuable art pieces, or if you want to keep your own art pieces safe, art storage is important in preserving your work.
In order to ensure your pieces can be enjoyed well into the future, remember to take care when handling your artwork and transporting it from one location to another. When storing items, invest in containers, hangers, and rolling carts, and consider getting a climate-controlled unit for optimal storing conditions.
Keep in mind that good art storage means regularly decluttering and cleaning your storage space, and not just leaving it unattended for months on end. At the end of the day, the peace of mind that you will get by knowing your precious artwork is safe and sound will be invaluable.