Accessories
Sculpture in the Home: Style or Bust
From Greek gods to feminine forms, bust sculptures add a classical note to your interior decorating
Have you been trying to figure out what to put on your chest of drawers? Do you want a curated, classical touch for your front entry? Maybe you're just stumped as to what to do with all your bookshelves. The solution: the classical bust sculpture.
A bust is a sculpted or cast likeness of the upper part of the human figure, typically of the head and neck but sometimes including the chest and shoulders. The likeness usually rests on a simple or decorative base. Busts can be formed from a variety of materials, including marble, bronze, clay, concrete and fiberglass. Vintage busts abound in antiques stores and on eBay; reproductions are also widely available. The individuals depicted in this art form are commonly figures from ancient Greece and Rome, with more contemporary depictions being musicians and poets.
Take a look at how these designers use classical busts in their designs, making them head and shoulders above the rest.
A bust is a sculpted or cast likeness of the upper part of the human figure, typically of the head and neck but sometimes including the chest and shoulders. The likeness usually rests on a simple or decorative base. Busts can be formed from a variety of materials, including marble, bronze, clay, concrete and fiberglass. Vintage busts abound in antiques stores and on eBay; reproductions are also widely available. The individuals depicted in this art form are commonly figures from ancient Greece and Rome, with more contemporary depictions being musicians and poets.
Take a look at how these designers use classical busts in their designs, making them head and shoulders above the rest.
The most striking way to display a bust is on an entry table with fresh flowers and small curiosities. I like the way this bust of Hermes is layered with the very appropriate selection of Greek key trim on the drapery panel.
More appropriate for a home without pets or children, this museum-style display of a classic female bust poised upon a marble pedestal makes a grand statement in this entry.
Try a bust in a living room niche with downlighting. No flowers to replace — just regular dusting.
Here is Hermes again, doing double duty as messenger of the gods and holder of the ties. A fun addition to any closet, a bust can also hold necklaces and scarves.
I would consider this a perfect vignette with its bold palette of black and gold. The classical lines of the console table are perfectly paired with the lamp and small-scale bust. Here the bust takes a backseat to the other accessories but provides the softer detail that is pleasing to the eye.
Try a bust grouped with books in shelves for a classic library feel. This male bust adds a classic layer and doubles as a bookend in this handsome library.
Does a bust add classical charm to a room? Let me know what you think in the Comments section below.
Browse photos of busts in design
Find busts in the Products section
Does a bust add classical charm to a room? Let me know what you think in the Comments section below.
Browse photos of busts in design
Find busts in the Products section