As collections grow, or during life transitions like moves and renovations, art inevitably spends time off the wall, in storage, and this period carries its own genuine risks if not handled properly. Improper storage, excessive humidity, direct stacking without protection, extreme temperature exposure, can cause damage just as real as poor display conditions, making proper storage knowledge genuinely worthwhile for any collector.
Environmental Conditions for Safe Storage
The ideal storage environment maintains stable, moderate temperature (generally similar to comfortable living conditions, avoiding extremes) and relative humidity around 45-55%, avoiding both excessive dryness (which can cause cracking in painted media) and excessive humidity (which encourages mould growth and can cause warping or sticking).
| Storage Location | Suitability | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-controlled interior closet | Excellent | Generally minimal risk if conditions are stable |
| Basement | Poor unless specifically climate-controlled | Humidity and potential flooding risk |
| Attic | Poor | Extreme temperature fluctuation |
| Garage | Poor | Temperature extremes and humidity variation |
| Under a bed (properly wrapped) | Good for short-term storage | Limited risk if genuinely protected and dust-free |
Proper Wrapping and Protection
Never Wrap Directly in Plastic
Plastic sheeting in direct contact with artwork can trap moisture against the surface, genuinely encouraging mould growth; acid-free glassine paper or breathable archival wrapping materials are considerably safer for direct contact.
Use Corner Protectors and Rigid Backing
Corner protectors prevent the genuinely common damage of dented or crushed frame corners during storage or transport, while rigid backing boards prevent canvas or paper from bending or developing creases.
Storing Different Media Types
Framed Art Under Glass
Store vertically rather than flat where possible, with corner protectors and felt or foam spacers between adjacent pieces to prevent glass-to-glass or frame-to-frame contact damage.
Unframed Canvas
Store flat or vertically with rigid support, never rolled if avoidable, since rolling can cause genuine paint cracking, particularly in older or more brittle painted surfaces.
Unframed Paper Prints
Store flat in acid-free folders or portfolio cases, avoiding any folding or excessive handling that could crease or damage the paper’s surface.
Art Storage Portfolio Case — Flat Protective Storage
Protective flat storage portfolio case for safely storing unframed prints and paper-based art.
$48 View on Amazon
Acid-Free Glassine Paper — Archival Wrapping
Acid-free glassine wrapping paper, the genuinely safe alternative to plastic for direct art contact.
$22 View on Amazon
Frame Corner Protectors — Storage and Transport
Protective corner guards preventing frame damage during storage or transport.
$15 View on Amazon
Climate Monitor — Humidity and Temperature Tracking
Digital climate monitor for tracking storage environment humidity and temperature stability.
$28 View on Amazon
Professional Art Storage Facility — Climate Controlled
Professional climate-controlled art storage facility service for significant collections during moves or renovation.
Find Storage Services
Custom Art Crating Service — Independent Specialist
Professional custom art crating and packing service from an independent specialist via Etsy.
Shop on Etsy✕ What to Avoid
- Wrapping art directly in plastic sheeting, which traps moisture and encourages mould growth against the surface
- Storing art in basements, attics, or garages without genuine climate control, exposing it to humidity and temperature extremes
- Rolling canvas for storage when flat or vertical rigid storage is possible, risking genuine paint cracking
- Stacking framed pieces directly against each other without corner protection or spacers between them
- Skipping photographic documentation before storage, losing a valuable condition reference and insurance record