There are many different types of artwork and one of the more unique forms of art is triptych art. Triptych art is a form of art where three panels are designed to be viewed together to form a larger scene spanning across each panel.

The middle panel in a triptych is generally considered the focal point of the piece, while the two side panels (sometimes referred to as “wings,”) are used to add balance and continuation of the overall piece. These panels may be individual pieces designed to be placed adjacent to one another, or they may be connected as one larger panelled piece with hinges.

A Brief History of Triptych Art

Historically, triptychs have been used as religious altarpieces, or for narrative storytelling and aesthetic exploration. Triptychs were especially common in religious art during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. One of the most famous pieces of triptych art is “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by artist Hieronymus Bosch. It was done on hinged panels of oak with oil paint in the early 1500’s.

Triptych art has evolved over time and modern triptych art does not generally follow the traditional connected panel format. Many triptych pieces these days are simply created as three separate pieces that are designed to be hung adjacent to one another and are intended to be viewed as a single unified work of art.

How to Style Triptych Art in Your Home

Larger works of art such as triptych art are as easy to style as a singular painting, so here are some of our tips for styling triptychs in your home.

Proportions Matter

Triptychs are generally larger pieces of art as they span across three panels. Carefully consider the room you wish to place them in. In a small room, triptychs can easily dominate the space and look out of proportion. Try choosing a larger room that has enough wall space to easily accommodate your triptych. Some suggestions would be placing it on a blank wall above the sofa or in a larger dining room as a more expansive statement piece.

Precise Spacing and Alignment are Key

Triptychs are designed to be a seamless art experience, so ensuring that you properly align the panels is crucial. When hanging your triptych, map out your spacing and alignment with a tape measure and a level to hang them perfectly. The gaps between panels should be consistent and they should be hung level with one another.

Feature the Centrepiece

Triptychs are created with a clear centrepiece in mind. When hanging your triptych, it’s important to make sure you’re hanging the three panels in the right order. With some pieces it may be easy to get them mixed up, so clearly identifying which panel goes in the center will help the piece keep its original composition.

Embrace the Rule of Three

When styling your triptych, embrace the rule of three. Designers often use groups of three to create visual harmony. It’s been shown that groups of three objects appear more dynamic and visually appealing to the eye. Mirror your triptych’s three panels by placing three decor elements together like pillows, candles or vases.

Our Triptych Art Picks

Our collection is home to thousands of original art pieces, including triptychs by artists from around the world. Here are some of our favourite triptych pieces in the Zatista collection.

SUENO {DREAM} TRIPTYCH – SET OF 3 by Michele Morata

TRIPTYCH 2 (EMOTIONAL LANDSCAPES) by Susana Sancho Beltrán

Perspectives (Triptych) by Newel Hunter

SEASONS COME SEASONS GO by Tatiana Iliina

Spring. Triptych by Diana Malivani

Shop Original Triptych Artwork on Zatista

We pride ourselves on having a diverse range of artwork in our collection, including a large selection of triptych art. From abstract pieces, to scenic landscapes and vibrant contemporary pieces — art looks even better when it’s tripled! Shop our collection of original artwork on Zatista.com.