Whether you play or not, musical instruments can add uncommon beauty and undeniable cool points to any room. If you have a particularly lovely guitar or guitars, don’t leave it in its case all the time. With proper care, maintenance, and appropriate display paraphernalia, it can enhance any room it’s in while staying in easy reach for an impromptu jam session. To help you get started, here’s how to display and decorate with your guitars.
Establish Boundaries
Wooden instruments fit in well with wooden furniture. If you’re going for a rustic, Americana look, well-polished wood furniture complements the artfully-crafted look of your guitar. That said, when wood meets with wood, there’s bound to be damage. Wherever you display your guitar or guitars, be sure that you can remove them easily without colliding with the nearest chair, sofa, or table. One can easily scratch or nick the other. And while coasters can protect the wood on your furniture, keep the drinks from spilling on your instruments. Naturally, use a soft, microfiber cloth to periodically wipe down your guitars. They’re not so pretty under a layer of dust. It should encourage you to practice more as well.
Take a Stand!
When deciding how to display and decorate with your guitars, don’t forget the classic stand. Stands are inexpensive, and you can easily transport them to any part of the room or the house. A basic stand is made of metal and provides padding to protect your axe. But some stands are prettier than others. Upgrade with a wooden stand or even a carousel model that can handle four guitars or more and looks fantastic besides.
Rack ‘Em Up!
If you have a wide-open section of wall, you have a beautiful opportunity to display your guitars on a rack. Individual holders are available as well, and some sites suggest cleverly hanging your guitar and then building a rustic wood frame around it. If you’re a serious collector, spring for a rack that not only shows off your instruments but leaves them in ready reach. Installation is simple, but ensure the rack attaches rigidly to the studs beneath the wall. Otherwise, someday, you may hear the heartbreaking clatter and clang of your guitars hitting the floor. Make sure to space them far enough apart. You don’t want them knocking into each other like ball bearings.
It’s the Heat and the Humidity
Guitars are delicately tooled and crafted instruments made of thin to thick layers of wood. Their tones depend on remaining straight and curved in all the right places. Humidity can warp and crack the wood, so wherever you display your guitars, make sure moisture can’t get at them. Install a hygrometer or other humidity measuring device to ensure your room is nice and dry so that your guitar produces sweet sounds every time you pick it up.
