5 Ways to Enliven Your Interior with a Portrait

Every painting has its own place, but portraits hold something the others don't. Looking at a portrait, whether old or new, painted or photographed, we see a person. A life. A portrait sparks the imagination, filling the room with untold stories, and before we know it we find ourselves wondering what the sitter felt, thought, did, and how their life unfolded. Read on to discover how to display a portrait at home so it brings your interior to life:

1. Build a Collection

Keep an eye out for portraits that share something in common — a colour palette, a size, an artist, or the subject depicted — and you'll build a striking collection that becomes the room's focal point. The photo shows a collection of self-portraits by a single artist. Arranging them at even intervals draws attention to the subtle differences between the works.

2. Half-Hide It

In this case, it's wonderfully unexpected to see a classic portrait peeking out from behind a stack of firewood. Try tucking a portrait behind a pile of books or a row of dishes on a kitchen shelf.

3. Light It Well

If you have a series of portraits, whether paintings or photographs, highlight it with dedicated lighting. In the photo above, nautical-style wall sconces were chosen instead of the fixtures typically used for this purpose.

4. Lean It Against the Wall

Can't decide where to hang a portrait, or want the freedom to move it whenever you like? Forget nails and hammers — a portrait casually leaned against the wall looks far more charming. Let it rest against the wall on the floor, on the mantelpiece, or on a shelf. Add a small stack of books or a vase of flowers nearby, and it will blend into the interior effortlessly.

5. Choose a Portrait of a Famous Person Close to Your Heart

First and foremost, it should be someone you admire, someone who inspires you — whether that's Van Gogh or Kate Moss. Photographs of contemporary celebrities are available at a wide range of prices, from a few euros to several thousand for a limited-edition print. What matters most is that the portrait conveys a message that's meaningful to you.