What’s the magic that brings a superyacht’s interior design to life? Ask any interior designer for a top tip, and they’ll tell you artistic touches make a big difference. They’re basically what set apart a box-fresh, pristine interior from a personalised, character-filled design that feels both lived-in and curated.

But, when it comes to installing, displaying and positioning art in a setting that’s always in motion and subject to a variety of external conditions, the list of challenges is long. “The very nature of a superyacht environment requires a number of careful considerations,” says Jim Dixon, managing partner and creative director for yachts and aviation at London-based firm Winch Design. “Certain materials need to be protected from the humid sea air and not every artist is aware of these tolerance levels.” Whether it’s classic fine art or contemporary sculptures, any kind of artistic medium comes with its own unique set of question marks.

One thing that most yacht owners always worry about, regardless of the type of art they’re looking to install, is insurance – how do you insure something that’s constantly on the move? “Clients typically opt for a comprehensive worldwide art insurance policy that allows for the quick addition of properties and vessels,” explains David Knowles, founder and creative director of art consultancy and advisory firm Artelier. The flexibility that these policies offer is “crucial”, as “artworks often move between locations.” But Knowles says that clients can rest assured that coverage begins the moment the art enters the yacht.

Big considerations that aren’t always taken into account include UV exposure and the feasibility of hanging art. “Yachts typically have curved or less expansive walls than traditional galleries or residences”, points out Enrico Lumini, who is the co-founder of Milanese design studio Hot Lab, and those limitations can “make certain art pieces more difficult to install.”

Hot Lab has worked across a number of high-profile projects over the years, including Turkey’s Bilgin Yachts, which has produced a number of yachts with highly-curated interiors. “Sometimes the problem is the fragility of an art piece: glass and ceramics are prone to cracks or breakage if subjected to continuous vibration or sudden impact, such as rough seas,” adds Lumini.

Sometimes, though, the potential pitfalls are more subtle. “Lighting installations are often the most challenging pieces to install,” says Dixon, whose studio has worked on the dramatic Art Deco interiors of Phoenix 2. “Due to the low ceiling heights on yachts, they typically need to be placed above dining tables or staircases. Additionally, we must account for vibrations from the constantly running engines, ensuring there are no rattling or moving parts within the installation.” Dixon says that many pieces have to undergo vibration testing during the early stages of conception.

Any art that lives on the outside of the yacht – ceiling panels, statues, bespoke furniture – can be tricky, as well. “Since they are exposed to the elements, finding suppliers willing to provide a warranty can be difficult,” Dixon says. “However, we strive to make exterior spaces just as elaborate and striking as the interiors.” Distinguishing between art pieces which are both aesthetic and functional is another crucial component to properly displaying art on a yacht. For pieces which require an element of engineering or need to be used for storage, the challenge is balancing “moving parts” with “a seamless exterior appearance,” explains Dixon.

Regardless of what the artwork is, crew training should be mandatory to ensure the people cleaning and maintaining the yacht have the right skills for each piece. For every project they curate, Knowles says that Artelier “provide[s] a personalised maintenance manual and offer[s] training to the relevant crew members onboard.” This approach ensure “common mistakes” like “cleaning sculptures with the wrong products, trying to remove smudges improperly, or leaving paintings exposed to direct sunlight” are avoided. With pieces valued between $1 million and $195 million, proper procedures around upkeep and maintenance are essential.

And what happens when a client picks out a piece of art that doesn’t quite match the rest of the yacht’s theme? “We often try and steer clients in a certain direction for the benefit of the interior design, but we would never dissuade a client away from something they are passionate about,” says Dixon. “Art sparks conversations, often telling the story of a person’s life, their interests and personality. We can normally find a solution to make unusual and interesting artworks work in an interior scheme.” Lumini agrees, noting that “artwork should complement the overall design theme, colour palette, and mood of the yacht’s interior without overwhelming or clashing with existing elements.”

When it comes to art on yachts, one thing is clear across the board; it shouldn’t be an afterthought. Whether it’s a bespoke collection of one-off pieces or a small, elegant touch to add some life to the space, considering an art collection from the outset ensures an elevated, cohesive superyacht interior.