Picture, Display & Fine Art Lighting

Picture Lights and Art Lighting

A picture is worth a thousand words, eloquence that is greatly assisted by well-situated lighting. Specialty picture lighting is mounted on the wall and arched and/or tilted downward to cast bright, glare-free light on a photo or other artwork. Much as a frame enhances the artwork it surrounds, so does the style of the display light. These lights are not limited to highlighting only art. Any decorative and display objects on shelves can be illuminated as well.

Picture lights are generally mounted immediately above a piece of wall-hung artwork. The effect is particularly dramatic if the surrounding area is substantially darker than the highlighted piece. A picture light is typically used in the living room or hallway to highlight artwork, while also adding a significant amount of illumination to these areas, but can be used in any room that needs a wall piece highlighted. This style of light is also used to highlight grand pianos, bringing them into the decor of a room. Piano lamps bring to life the ebony and ivory of the keys and provide adjustable light for sheet music to make sure notes are never missed. Most display light options are mounted to the wall, however, you will find designs that also clamp to existing artwork or display shelves.

Features of Picture Lighting

Picture lights come in a variety of shapes and lengths including curved arms, adjustable arms and slimline looks. Picture lights mount to the wall and display with different silhouettes and functions. A display light with a curved arm creates a dynamic and fluid look that lets the picture light stand out. A slimline picture light is thin and precise, extending in either direction from the body to provide a full glow to the object below. Dimmable picture lights can also create the exact desired view with an adjustable layer of light that can be brightened or warmed depending on the art or photo displayed.

Finding the Correct Size for a Picture Light

When sizing a picture light to effectively display a piece of art or photo there are a few rules to follow. The picture light should be at least half the width of the picture. For a 25-inch painting, find a picture light at least 12 inches wide. For taller pieces of art, go with a picture light that extends out from the wall to ensure it covers the full surface. Additionally, make sure the beam of light for all picture lights is pointed at the center of the artwork at eye level. Glare and long shadows can also be avoided by angling the light at a 30-degree angle.

Picture Lighting Finishes

To achieve the exact right look for the surrounding décor, consider the finish of the picture light. Metallic finishes often provide a clean and sophisticated look, while specific colors can invoke emotions or mimic the surrounding area.

Brass Picture Lights

Brass picture lights are a common option. The metallic sheen of a brass finish allows the picture light to stand out and look more sophisticated, particularly when matching a brass frame of a painting.

Silver Picture Lights

Silver picture lights can match with anything, allowing the light itself to be more subtle and allowing the picture it is highlighting to stand out.

Bronze Picture Lights

Bronze is another metallic option. Bronze provides the same benefits as brass with perhaps an even more sophisticated tone. Bronze picture lights can stand out or blend in with the surrounding décor.

Black Picture Lights

For a bold look, consider black picture lights. This color can blend in with darker toned rooms such as with wood paneling, but can also create an appealing dichotomy when placed on a white or brightly colored wall.