Picture Lights

Picture lights allow you to focus on any piece of artwork that is important to you and give it a prominent place in your home. Whether you're focusing on a photo, painting, sketch, special homemade quilt, or even your children's artwork, using picture lights will enhance the artwork's beauty and importance.

Types of Picture Lights

Electrical picture lights either have wires that are run directly into your home's electrical system or have a cord that is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Track lighting, recessed lighting, and special lamps that attach to the artwork can all be wired directly into the walls and ceilings. When their light is directed at the artwork, they create a focal point.

Picture lamps that attach directly to the artwork or hang slightly above can also come in corded styles. This type of picture light is used when tapping into the home's electrical system is difficult or when the artwork is being hung temporarily.

Another type of corded picture light is a mantel light. These picture lights cast light from below the artwork. Mantel picture lights are good for artwork that is behind glass. They help to reduce reflections and glare on the glass.

Battery operated – Battery operated picture lights can be used when you do not want to view the cords from electrical lighting. Battery operated picture lights come in several styles.

Safety in Picture Lights

Any light can damage artwork. When using picture lights, consider that the best kind of picture light is low wattage incandescent light because it gives off less UV radiation than other types of light. Some consider halogen picture lights too hot for artwork, but if they are placed far enough from the artwork, they are not very damaging. Halogen picture lights that are hung on the ceiling and focused down onto artwork provide nice lighting.

Keep artwork away from fluorescent light. It is very damaging. Even if you have artwork that is not being highlighted by picture lights, it is best to keep it away from the normal fluorescent lighting in a room. No light is completely damage free, so it is wise to only turn your picture lights on when you are in the room. Do not keep your artwork continuously lit.

Aesthetic Tips for Picture Lights

The picture light should not be larger than the artwork. Try not to let the light extend beyond the artwork's borders. Put as much light onto the artwork as possible. If you have a choice in the type of glass being used over a piece of artwork, choose non-reflective glass to reduce reflections and glare.

Take into consideration your home's style. If your home is modern or contemporary, the style of your picture lights should reflect that. If your home is traditional, use more traditionally styled picture lights. Not all your artwork needs to be lit. Light only what is most special to you.