I vote shelves- but another idea is to do black and white photo array. This would be fun and contemporary and adding a conversation piece to the room. Use photos you have or you can find some great ones at Homegoods or Aaron brothers.

Hey studio3600 - so picture hangers work with heavy frames/large paintings as well?we dont get them in India so will have to order online - do suggest the best company for this thanks so much!

Got it - if that works... I sort of like the idea of an art gallery being a journey of discovery so I created more corners and alleys for people to walk around.. in your case, the view would be easy to see everything in one swoop (but therefore not allow each piece of art to showcase itself uniquely)if you go back to my image, you have pictures leaning or hanging low on the floor level, you then have others higher up with jutting out shelves on which you have placed sculptures.The visitor walks around the block to find hidden artwork - they then walk up the block and view items displayed there (maybe a table with smaller sculptures and more artwork leaning on the balcony. They can then look out at the artwork on the walls and down on the artwork leaning on the floor on the lower level.... different vantage points: a journey.

You don't necessarily need only paintings as artwork. You can put some floating shelves near the dining space with some good crockery like plates or tea sets which can be used for occasions as well. On the wall in the living space you could keep either traditional or modern show pieces.