Buying art for a holiday home
What to consider when buying art for a holiday home
A holiday home isn’t just a second house. It’s a place to slow down, reset, and surround yourself with what feels good. And that includes the art on your walls.
At Root Gallery, we often help clients choose works for their secondary homes. Whether it's a coastal retreat, a cabin in the woods, or a pied-à-terre in the city, the art you choose can help set the tone. But how do you go about selecting the right pieces?
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot
Think about function, not just feeling
A holiday home invites a different pace. Some people seek calm and softness here; others want energy and contrast. There’s no single approach. What matters is that the artwork contributes to the atmosphere you want to create, whether that’s restful, invigorating, or quietly surprising.
Consider the space itself
Is the home minimal or full of character? Are there lots of windows, or is it more intimate? Think about scale, colour, and light. We often advise clients to avoid very fragile materials or works that are sensitive to direct sunlight, especially in glass-heavy or sun-drenched spaces.
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot
Let the location guide you
A house by the sea might call for something different than a forest retreat. That doesn’t mean going literal (no need for sailboats or pine trees), but you can let your surroundings inform the mood.
Practical matters
Will you be there often? If you aren't there for long periods of time, some spaces can get humid, which can affect certain materials like bronze (depending on the finish).
Are the windows UV-treated? Some colours are better resistant to UV light than others. Is the home heated year-round? These things affect what you should hang and how. We can always advise you on framing, placement, and materials.
Do you expect large temperature fluctuations? Bigger canvases may slightly warp over time. Usually not an issue, unless the stretcher bars are wooden. Aluminium stretchers are more stable and preferred in such cases. We can advise you about the different stretchers, most of the larger paintings in the gallery are already on aluminium, or they can be re-stretched.
Looking for a larger work that can handle those conditions? One of Quinda Verheul’s sculptural mirrors could be a perfect fit.
Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot
Don’t forget your insurance
If you're acquiring a work for a second home, check whether your current policy covers it. Some home contents insurance (inboedelverzekering) includes transport and limited coverage, but for higher-value pieces or international homes, it’s often wise to look into specialised fine art insurance. We’re happy to advise or refer you.
For more details, read our guide: → How to Insure Your Art Collection
Caring for your art
A few simple steps can extend the life of your artworks, even in changing climates. For tips on hanging, placement and protection: → How to Care for Your Artwork
Visualising it in your space
Not sure where to start? We can help you visualise the possibilities. Just send us a photo of your wall — we’ll photoshop selected works into the image so you can see how it fits. → Start with your own wall
A few recent examples
A couple recently selected a painting by Donald Schenkel for their apartment in the south of Europe. The layered blues and oranges resonated with the view from their apartment near the sea.
Another couple chose a painting by Vera Klaus for a classic Italian villa, where its colour and energy provided a vibrant contrast to the historic interior and small windows.
Holiday home art checklist
Before you decide, here’s a quick checklist we often use with clients:
Does the work match the mood and pace you want in the space?
Will it hold up well in the climate (light, humidity, temperature)?
How often are you there, and is the work secure in your absence?
Will it need specific framing, fixing, or materials?
Want to visualise it? Send us a wall photo, we’ll mock it up.
Choosing art for your holiday home doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a collection, just a piece that feels right in the space. At Root Gallery, we’re happy to advise you, whether you're starting from scratch or looking to add something new.
