2. Let There Be Light. Just Not Too Much.

Light brings artwork to life. It reveals colour, texture, and the details that make a painting interesting.

However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colours to fade, paper to discolour, and certain materials to deteriorate. UV-filtering glass can help reduce some exposure for framed works, but it doesn't eliminate every risk.

What to avoid

Try to keep your artwork away from:

• Windows that receive strong, direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Spots where sunlight moves across the artwork throughout the day.
• Areas exposed to intense artificial lighting for prolonged periods.
• Spaces where heat builds up around the artwork.

What works better?

Choose soft, indirect natural light wherever possible. If you use picture lights or spotlights, select suitable fixtures that don't generate excessive heat near the artwork.

For particularly valuable, light-sensitive, or irreplaceable pieces, limiting the intensity and duration of light exposure is worth considering.

A useful rule: If the sun regularly falls directly on the painting, consider moving it to another wall.

3. Keep Humidity and Heat in Check

Light isn't the only environmental factor worth considering. Moisture and heat can also affect the materials used in paintings, prints, frames, and mounting boards.

Excess humidity can encourage mould growth and contribute to warping or other material changes. Very dry conditions and significant fluctuations in humidity can also affect some artworks.

Areas best avoided

• Bathrooms that frequently fill with steam.
• Walls with signs of dampness or water seepage.
• Areas directly above an active stove.
• Locations directly above fireplaces or close to heat sources.
• Spaces where condensation regularly forms.

For most homes, a reasonably stable indoor environment is a good starting point. Avoid placing artwork against a damp wall, and allow adequate ventilation around the display area.

If you live in a particularly humid climate or own an artwork made with sensitive materials, ask the artist or a qualified conservator whether additional precautions are necessary.

4. How Should You Clean Your Artwork?

The best approach to artwork care is often the simplest: remove dust gently, and don't introduce moisture or cleaning products unless you know they're appropriate for that particular piece.

Different surfaces require different levels of care. A framed print behind glass, a canvas print, and an original painting with textured paint are not interchangeable when it comes to cleaning.

For framed artwork behind glass

• Use a suitable glass-cleaning cloth on the glass only.
• Apply any glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the frame.
• Keep liquids away from the artwork's edges, frame joints, and paper components.

For canvas prints and original paintings

• Avoid rubbing, wiping, or pressing directly on the painted or printed surface.
• Don't use a damp cloth or household cleaning products.
• For loose dust, use a very soft brush only if the artwork's surface and condition make this appropriate.
• If the surface is textured, flaking, cracked, unusually delicate, or unfamiliar, consult the artist or a professional conservator before attempting to clean it.

What should you avoid?

Keep these away from the artwork itself:

• Water and damp cloths.
• Glass-cleaning sprays.
• Household cleaning sprays.
• Wet wipes.
• Chemical solvents.
• Abrasive cloths, sponges, or brushes.

These products and materials can introduce moisture, chemicals, or friction that may damage the artwork or its finish.

Remember: A little dust is generally preferable to an unnecessary cleaning attempt that causes permanent damage.

5. Don't Clean Artwork Like You Clean a Window

It's tempting to treat every surface in your home the same way when it's time to clean. But artwork needs a different approach.

An original painting may have layers of paint, delicate surface textures, or a finish that reacts differently to pressure and cleaning products. Even prints can be vulnerable to scratching, smudging, or moisture damage.

Routine care should therefore focus on prevention rather than aggressive cleaning.

Keep your artwork away from dusty or damp areas where possible, and clean the surrounding frame and wall without rubbing against the artwork.

If a mark, stain, fingerprint, or patch of discolouration appears, don't try to remove it with a household solution. Seek advice from the artist or a qualified art conservator first.

6. Give Your Artwork the Right Frame

Framing does more than complete the visual composition. The right frame can complement the artwork, define its presence within a room, and provide practical protection when designed and fitted appropriately.

At ArtBySehgal, we return to three framing approaches that work with different kinds of artwork and interiors.

Float Frame

A slim frame creates a subtle gap around the canvas, allowing its edges to remain visible while giving the artwork a sense of separation from the surrounding wall.

Best for: Original paintings and appropriately stretched canvases.

Why it works: The minimal structure gives the artwork room to breathe without introducing a heavy visual border.

Wide Mat Border

An oversized cream or neutral mat creates space around a print, drawing attention towards the image while giving it a considered, gallery-style presentation.

Best for: Prints and works on paper that suit a mat-board presentation.

Why it works: The additional space creates visual balance and can give a smaller artwork a more substantial presence.

For works on paper, use suitable archival-quality mounting materials and ensure the artwork doesn't sit in direct contact with ordinary glass.

Thin Matte Black

Clean, architectural lines create a defined boundary around the artwork without overwhelming the image.

Best for: High-contrast artwork, graphic compositions, and contemporary interiors.

Why it works: The restrained frame creates a clear visual edge while allowing the artwork's colours and forms to take centre stage.

Ultimately, the right frame should complement the artwork rather than compete with it. For valuable or delicate pieces, framing should also consider suitable glazing, backing, mounting, and environmental protection.

7. Handle Your Artwork With Care

Artwork care begins before a piece reaches the wall.

Whether you're moving homes, rearranging a room, or taking a painting down temporarily, careful handling helps reduce the risk of scratches, dents, tears, and accidental impact.

Here are a few simple precautions:

• Handle artwork with clean, dry hands, holding it by the frame or sturdy edges where appropriate.
• Avoid touching the painted surface, especially if the paint is textured or delicate.
• Use both hands when lifting larger pieces.
• Don't lift a painting by its hanging wire or fragile frame components.
• Keep artwork away from sharp objects, furniture edges, and areas with frequent movement.

For larger, unusually shaped, or particularly valuable pieces, professional packing and installation may be worthwhile.

8. Storing Artwork? Think Beyond the Box

Sometimes artwork needs to be stored during a move, renovation, or change of space. When that happens, the storage environment matters.

Choose a clean, dry location with stable conditions, away from direct sunlight, dampness, and extreme temperatures.

For framed prints and works on paper, use suitable protective packaging and avoid placing heavy objects on top. Paintings should be protected from pressure, abrasion, and contact with materials that could stick to or mark the surface.

Avoid storing artwork directly on a damp floor or leaning it in a position where it could slip or fall.

If a piece is valuable, fragile, or likely to remain in storage for an extended period, ask an art professional about appropriate packing materials and storage methods.

9. How Often Should You Care for Your Artwork?

Artwork care doesn't need to become another household chore. The most useful routine is one that prevents problems and catches potential issues early.

A simple approach is to:

• Every few weeks: Notice whether the artwork is exposed to new sunlight, heat, moisture, or accidental contact.
• Every few months: Check the surrounding wall and frame for dust, dampness, loose fittings, or visible changes.
• After moving or renovating: Check that the artwork, frame, hanging hardware, and surrounding wall remain in good condition.

These are general guidelines, not a strict schedule. The right frequency depends on your environment, the artwork's materials, and how it is displayed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I hang artwork in a room with natural sunlight?

Yes, but avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Soft, indirect natural light is generally preferable, particularly for original paintings, prints, and works on paper. If sunlight regularly falls on the artwork, consider moving it to a different wall.

2. Can I clean an original painting with a microfiber cloth?

Not necessarily. A microfiber cloth may be appropriate for some frame surfaces, but rubbing the painted surface can cause damage, particularly if the paint is textured, fragile, or flaking. Follow the artist's specific care instructions and consult a conservator if you're unsure.

3. How do I clean a canvas print?

Start by identifying the print's surface and finish. Avoid water, sprays, and direct wiping. If the print has a delicate or textured surface, seek care instructions specific to that product before attempting to remove dust.

4. Can artwork be displayed in a bathroom or kitchen?

It's generally best to avoid areas with frequent steam, humidity, grease, and temperature changes. If you want to display artwork in these spaces, choose a location away from cooking or water sources and consider whether the room's ventilation and environmental conditions are suitable.