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From Get To Know How to Display and Care for Your Art Collection in a NYC Apartment + Listings with Generous Wall Space

By CityRealty Staff Thursday, January 26, 2023

Between prestigious Upper East Side auction houses, hip downtown galleries, and art fairs taking place all over the city throughout the year, New York City is an art-lover’s paradise. The logistics and realities of hanging a treasured piece in an apartment, though, can have a way of dimming the afterglow of a successful find.

This article explains everything casual collectors and serious art connoisseurs need to know about hanging art in their apartments. Additionally, we take a look at listings with walls expansive enough to proudly display an art collection.

Casual Collectors

One of the biggest challenges for renters is how to hang pictures without putting holes in the walls or otherwise causing damage that would put a security deposit at risk. Owners might have more leeway with putting holes in the walls to hang a painting, but this will nevertheless be something that buyers notice when it’s time to sell.

This is not to say that New Yorkers are doomed to blank walls. Adhesive hangers are a renter’s best friend – they can hold a good portion of weight and come off the wall without leaving residue behind. Masking tape, sticky putty, and washi tape can also be used to hang simple posters (and as an imaginative frame in the case of washi tape), but residents should be mindful of how cleanly these materials can be removed (e.g., that they won’t pull up paint or leave residue behind).

Whatever hangers you decide on, pay attention to the weight limits listed on the directions. Not only could this result in damage to a too-heavy piece, but it could also damage the walls and the floor, leading to more damage than a little hole in the wall.

It is also worth noting that walls are not the only place to display art. Lifestyle blogs suggest that if you have the square footage for it, using an easel to display a piece of art would turn into the focal point of a room. Additionally, if you have a decorative fireplace, the mantle serves as a natural frame.

Serious Collectors

Before the 847-foot-tall Sutton Tower took shape, a nearly 1,000-foot-tall tower designed by Foster + Partners was rumored. Upon hearing the news, an art collector living in The Sovereign, a nearby cooperative, lamented that it would block out the light that illuminates one of her Picassos.

It reads almost as a parody of wealthy New Yorkers, but lighting does need to be taken into account where a high-quality art collection is concerned. It has a significant influence on where to hang a work of art for the best effect during the day. But when the sun goes down, the right lighting can make or break a painting. Some opt for picture lights that attach to the frame; others, however, opt to install track lighting or recessed lights to illuminate a series of works, if they have not expressly bought an apartment with this feature. Whatever lighting you choose, LED bulbs are less damaging to art than UV bulbs or halogen lights.

The potential for UV ray damage means art should be kept out of direct sunlight – note the placement of this art collection in a Union Square loft. This is easier said than done with the city’s new crop of all-glass buildings, but the right frames can protect the art from damage. This can mean thinking beyond frames purchased at Target or the nearest art supply store and sending the piece to a professional with museum glass and Plexiglass at their disposal.

Light is not the only way a work of art can be damaged; temperature extremes can also be highly detrimental to valuable art. Indoor temperatures should be kept within a 20-degree Fahrenheit range to avoid damage, and museum standard temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where central heating and air conditioning, if not smart thermostats, can come in handy.

This is enough for some art collectors, but others are prepared to take this further by using humidifiers in winter and air conditioning in summer to keep humidity levels at the stable environment of 40-60% relative humidity that is best for artwork. To further keep humidity damage at bay, hang your pictures away from water pipes, heaters, and heating and cooling vents. They should also be hung away from windows, the better to avoid damage from sudden downpours.

315 East 77th Street, #4E
$549,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

315 East 77th Street, #4E (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Apartment 4E at 315 East 77th Street is as lovely as it is functional with its gracious prewar layout and high ceilings. The long entryway creates a peaceful buffer between you and the outside world and the opportunity to create a gallery wall for your artwork. Enjoy meals in the eat-in kitchen with wide pass-through that allows ample room to move about and cook to your heart's delight. The updated windowed bath has a walk-in shower. Maintenance includes bulk cable/internet package. See floor plan and full details here.

372 Fifth Avenue, #5J
$599,000 (-8.5%)

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

372 Fifth Avenue, #5J (Compass)

From the Listing: Midtown South, meet Miami flair! Double height windows and spacious great room immediately greets visitors upon entering the home with those massive windows and 13.5' ceilings, natural light fills the space and illuminates its most stunning features. The exposed barrel vaulted ceilings are one-of-a-kind, and perfectly complement the original hardwood floors. This listing is truly unique, thanks to extensive renovations undertaken by the former owner, a third-generation artist and collector whose eclectic taste made this home exceptionally vibrant and lovely! The cozy sleeping loft is accessible via custom stairs off the foyer, and features the original brick vaulted ceilings, lighting, and a massive 20-foot deep storage closet. See floor plan and full details here.

The Park and Tilford, #3E
$775,000 (-1.9%)

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Park and Tilford, #3E (Compass)

From the Listing: This dynamic, recently renovated hybrid loft/one-bedroom boasts 12-foot ceilings, a super-efficient chef's kitchen, large east-facing windows, gallery walls, and exceptional storage. The mezzanine sleeping area offers an eagle's eye view over the living space. Built-in library/display shelves, pre-war architectural details, a walk-in closet plus separate storage loft and double-size coat closet showcase thoughtful design. The kitchen has quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, and wrap-around seating for two. See full details here.

5th on the Park, #16D
$900,000 (-9.1%)

East Harlem | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 856 ft²

5th on the Park, #16D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This bright one-bedroom residence with incredibly low taxes is perched on the 16th floor and features oversized south-facing windows that boast views of Central Park and beyond. Flowing in from the oversized windows in the living room, the natural light shines into the fabulous open kitchen with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry/closet. The spacious bedroom with unobstructed views features a walk-in closet and ample space for an at-home office. Pristine cherry wide-plank wood floors, central air conditioning, in unit washer and dryer, and a gallery-quality wall space to showcase art complete this perfectly proportioned home. Tax abatement until 2034. See floor plan and full details here.

The Gramont, #5C
$1,595,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,641 ft²

The Gramont, #5C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This Upper West Side classic six apartment has almost 10-foot ceilings and wonderful inlaid hardwood floors. The home has a large, gracious foyer and a wonderful flow for flexible living and entertainment options. Off of the gracious entry hallway, which is a perfect gallery wall for art, is the spacious full dining room that attaches to the living room via glass paneled French doors. The well-proportioned primary bedroom has ample closet space and both the main and second bath are windowed. The large, windowed galley kitchen has great pantry space and can easily be reconfigured to be eat-in. The third bedroom has a full bath and works well as a home office. See floor plan and full details here.

Randall House, #6U
$1,999,000 (-12.7%)

Greenwich Village | Condop | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Randall House, #6U (Compass)

From the Listing: The results of a meticulous, high-end renovation combining two units, this expansive layout with sophisticated finishes offers a roomy and welcoming residence that can accommodate many different configurations. Oversized windows to the north and west capture spectacular natural light, while beautiful wide-plank light oak wood floors and tall ceilings amplify the bright airiness of the home. A built-in bar and wine refrigerator keep your favorite refreshments close at hand in the large living room. Magnificent designer and recessed lighting and a pantry with bold black doors add drama to the dining room. Enjoy a work-of-art open kitchen with an impressive amount of sleek storage space, including deep drawers and extra-large cabinets alongside the convenient breakfast bar. See floor plan and full details here.

Snug Harbor, #A305
$2,060,000 (-10%)

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,200 ft²

Snug Harbor, #A305 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: With exposures overlooking tree-lined Mercer Street in iconic Greenwich Village, this 2-bedroom and 2-bathroom home with low carrying charges is a welcome respite from the bustling city. Well-proportioned apartments are a rarity in Manhattan, and this home is not lacking; both bedrooms are generously sized, and the extra-wide living room with open chef's kitchen is the perfect space for all your entertaining needs. Punctuating this home are nods to its industrial past with its approximately 10' ceilings, an unusually wide and long entryway perfectly sized for your art collection, and an exposed brick wall that makes any home more inviting. See floor plan and full details here.

The Collection, #1013
$2,149,000

Financial District | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,585 ft²

The Collection, #1013 (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: This breathtaking corner condo boasts high-end finishes, a spacious split-wing layout, and breathtaking views of bustling FiDi. Step inside and be greeted by natural light pouring in from oversized sash windows, highlighting the stunning black hardwood floors and soaring 14-foot beamed ceilings with integrated recessed lighting. As you enter the home, you'll be welcomed by a lovely foyer and gallery, perfect for showcasing your art collection. The open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen are flooded with natural light and boast a sleek single-line kitchen, complete with chic stone countertops, warm wood cabinets, custom mango wood shelves, a custom eat-in Quartz peninsula, and fully integrated high-end Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. The split-wing layout ensures maximum privacy for both bedrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

The Prasada, #1C
$2,500,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,475 ft²

The Prasada, #1C (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter into what had long ago been the Prasada's ballroom and now the Great Room with plenty of space for living and dining. Take in the soaring 13-foot ceilings, incredible volumes of space and beautiful, newly laid oak floors in a herringbone pattern. An abundance of wall space creates a welcoming environment to display works of art. A corner primary is en suite with 13-foot ceilings and two walk-in closets. A second bedroom is located up a short flight of stairs through a cozy library/sitting room. All the bathrooms have been renovated, and the eat-in-kitchen was also recently renovated with 12-foot ceilings, Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf range, counter stool as well as table seating. See floor plan and full details here.

The Stafford, #2C
$3,695,000 (-5.1%)

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,150 ft²

The Stafford, #2C (Compass)

From the Listing: This masterpiece in both design and scale was created by the combined creativity of Dean/Wolf architects and interior designer Tse Yun Chu. Entering apartment 2C, you are greeted with a generous foyer lined with industrial cold rolled steel and a wall of custom closets creating tremendous storage and a chic first impression. High ceilings and hand-troweled and polished concrete floors run throughout the entire loft creating an exceptional and quintessential New York loft experience and feel. The living area is gracious and warm while expansive. A separate loggia, with eastern courtyard exposures, is unique to this loft at Stafford Mews offering the convertible, covered outdoor space everyone is seeking right now. Art enthusiasts will cherish the endless wall space to display your finest pieces. There is even a custom-built, hidden art storage closet. Wine enthusiasts will covet the approximately 2,000-bottle temperature-controlled cellar. A separate, dedicated large storage cage that transfers with the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

166 Montague Street, #7A
$4,875,000

Brooklyn Heights | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,208 ft²

166 Montague Street, #7A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Built in 1892 for The Franklin Trust, this unique conversion stuns with commanding views that claim all four exposures -there's just nothing like it on the market. Experience eleven-foot ceilings, Romanesque-revival-style arched windows, and two great rooms which both frame harbor and skyline views. The first of two living spaces offers five oversized arched windows and views of the skyline, the harbor and enchanting rooftops. Ideal for entertaining, this great room has a fully outfitted wet bar with Italian cabinetry, quartz countertops, plus Viking appliances. The light-story continues in a second great room which has two focal points: a wood-burning fireplace and a balcony with New York Harbor spanning views. Facing west, sunsets are spectacular. Finally, connecting the two great rooms is a gallery, with an avenue of wall space for art. The residence offers five bedrooms, two with en-suite baths for a grand total of four full bathrooms. Each bedroom has eleven-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and spacious closets. Tax abatement ends 2024. See floor plan and full details here.

129 East 69th Street, #6/7A
$4,995,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,700 ft²

129 East 69th Street, #6/7A (Compass)

From the Listing: Perched high in one of the finest pre-war cooperatives on the Upper East Side, Residence 6/7A is a rarely available 8-room corner duplex with epic proportions. The stunning oversized casement windows facing south and east allow for natural sunlight to bathe the interiors throughout the day and offer exciting views of the surrounding Lenox Hill neighborhood from nearly every room. The grand living room offers the perfect space for daily entertaining or quiet enjoyment while the stunning dining room can effortlessly accommodate a large dinner party. The oversized, eat-in chef's kitchen is sun-filled and equipped with an incredible amount of storage and counter space. The upstairs gallery is appointed with a stunning wall of built-in shelves while the gallery walls provide the perfect amount of space for displaying private artwork. A large private storage bin is assigned to Residence 6/7A and available in the building's basement. See floor plan and full details here.

The Kensington, #5B
$6,450,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,100 ft²

The Kensington, #5B (Luxe Group NYC LLC)

From the Listing: This architecturally designed home offers approximately 3,100 square feet of sumptuous living with no comfort or detail overlooked. The harmonious design allows for lively entertaining or a quiet evening in front of a fireplace. There are 3 bedrooms, one of which is currently a very generous office, 3 full baths, a soaking tub and 1 powder room. A very gracious foyer/gallery wall opens into the living space, where a 13-foot ceiling soars above walnut floors and 5 large windows. A hallway leads to the bedrooms and bathrooms and there is a small gym/office, as well as a den/playroom. See floor plan and full details here.

22 Bond, #2/3
$7,500,000 (-6.3%)

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,939 ft²

22 Bond, #2/3 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 2/3 is an exemplary duplex reflecting the immaculate attention to detail and refined fit and finishes of 22 Bond Street. With direct elevator access, the foyer opens to the expansive and truly grand living and entertaining space. Meticulously-crafted interiors feature double-height ceilings as well as generous wall space for displaying your prized works of art. This magnificent home is bathed in light from floor-to-ceiling walls of glass with north and south-facing city views. European oak tongue and groove wood flooring and custom 9' flat-close doors with hidden recessed hinges can be found throughout. Off your main living space, an oversized Smallbone-designed kitchen offers an abundance of storage, multiple prep spaces and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances. Two well-appointed bedrooms suites are located opposite the living space on this level with beautiful views over the building's lush garden. Ascending the 3-Form Chroma-White Out suspended staircase, refresh and renew in your private primary bedroom brightened by a wall of floor to ceiling glass. See floor plan and full details here.

84 Mercer Street, #2B
$8,000,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 6,100 ft²

84 Mercer Street, #2B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Once in a generation, a home comes to market exuding the perfect balance of bespoke design, symmetry and architectural provenance. With massive ceiling heights, enormous windows and incredible light, this 6,100-square-foot home provides qualities seldom seen. As soon as you enter this impressive space from your semi-private windowed landing, you will immediately realize this is a giant leap above anything you've had the opportunity to see, let alone call your own. An incredible ballroom-like living room is the heart of this residence, perfect for displaying your art collection or simply entertaining. The current owners executed a flawless restoration of this historic loft and incorporated the finest finishes and modern features. From the walnut floors to the Corinthian columns, custom lighting and expertly built storage, the attention to detail is unparalleled. Let your culinary skill come alive in this exquisite kitchen, where professional chefs will be right at home. Sliding doors lead to an oversized library, which serves as the perfect home office. See floor plan and full details here.

45 Walker Street, #2
$9,949,000 (-5.2%)

Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,781 ft²

45 Walker Street, #2 (Compass)

From the Listing: This authentic classic Tribeca loft blends old world charm in a luxury of space to live, love with room to grow. Enter through the key locked elevator to a vast 45-foot living space with a stretch of oversized mahogany windows, architectural cast iron columns and 5 inch wide-planks of darkened hardwood floors. The centerpiece of this grand space is a substantial steel-clad wood-burning fireplace with gallery walls and lighting for displaying large works of art. The kitchen is a chef's dream providing tremendous storage in the custom cabinets and the island, an extensive Thassos marble countertops and top-of-the line stainless steel appliances. The adjoining den/library is a quiet spot to unwind and can easily made into a media room. Sleek blackened steel and glass doors enclose a large home office ideal for working at home. The tranquil and secluded bedroom wing is situated in the rear of this loft. See floor plan and full details here.

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