Just like a good frame compliments and accentuates a watercolor, oil, or acrylic painting, a pedestal does the same for sculpture. It is just that simple. Michelangelo and David could not have just been set on a grungy old table and had the same oomph or awe-inspiring effect without a pedestal to separate it from something ordinary to something extraordinary. People who love interior design concepts enjoy creating their own customized pedestal, but if you need some ideas this is the article for you.

For Traveling Art Shows

If you do a lot of traveling art shows there is a certain type of finish to your pedestal. A free stand, solid black, white, frosted or clear acrylic would be the wisest choice because they will compliment any exhibition space. In other words, they are versatile. A simpler pedestal will definitely do the trick. You do not want to feel like your pedestal will clash with the exhibitions design.

For Your Home

At home you have a wide variety of pedestal choices. Many websites such as pedestalsource.com have custom pedestal options from sizes to finishes. Basically any pedestal you can imagine can be crafted. Here are a few ideas in case you needed some decorating inspiration. This might even help make decisions on what kind of designs to get for traveling art shows.

Metal sculptures tend to look better with wooden pedestals if you want a more classic look. There are a wide range of colors and types of woods to choose from. Depending on how you want your sculpture to contrast against the wood plays a big factor on what to choose. For example if you have a darker sculpture and want the wood to match that darker color, then a Bradford Chestnut, Dark Walnut, or Ebony pedestal would work nicely.

The Bradford wood line adds a more traditional and old-fashioned look to your home. If you are craving something more modern you might look into using a granite laminate pedestal. Or if you want something really bold like an Image High Gloss Pedestal is a sleek design that stands out.

On the other hand if you want your sculpture to contrast maybe use a lighter wood finish along the lines of a cherry veneer or a Bradford Natural pedestal. Or if your sculpture is really a dark and heavy hue a Glass Acrylic Pedestal is a more modern and chic look.

Sculptures that have more color than you know what to do with look nice with a white pedestal. It brings out all those colors in the sculpture more and does not hold them back. If you used a darker pedestal with a colorful sculpture the darker tone would absorb all the color and diminish its potential.

Cylinder shaped pedestals compliment rounded or circular sculptures the best. They tend to keep the theme of the rounded sculpture stronger than that of a square pedestal.

Also if you have a sculpture that is transparent or opaque then a lighted pedestal would be a really cool feature. The light shoots right up and makes your sculpture glow.

Keep in mind that you are the final choice in what pedestal to buy. No matter how many opinions you get on the subject, yours is the last. Be creative and do not be afraid to try new things. Happy choosing!