How to light a work of art?

How to light a work of art?

Enjoying your artwork at any time of the day or night is easy with the right lighting. We'll show you how to put your favorite pieces on museum-quality display.

You took the time and emotion to invest in the art you love and hang it in just the right place.

The approach you take can be as simple or as seriously considered as you want. Here are the nuts and bolts of how you can approach lighting artwork the right way.

Natural

You'll probably prefer only natural light shining on your rooms, but try to make it indirect. UV rays can age and discolor your artwork, so it's best to filter the light through curtains or blinds. Use smart positioning to place furniture between art and sunlight.

Simply hang your piece on a wall that isn't fully exposed to sunlight all day. North-facing walls generally have consistent, soft lighting for most of the day. East-facing walls receive plenty of morning light. South-facing walls will have afternoon exposure (the brightest, warmest light) and west-facing walls will have evening light.

Ambient light

Place the artwork beside, next to, or above a console or side table where an existing light can add depth and ambiance to the room. Move a floor lamp or table lamp where it can illuminate not only the art, but also the space around it. This is a simple solution where you can choose to make the artwork or the light the center of attention, or perhaps both together.

Recessed lighting

If you live in a space where recessed lighting is already installed, you're in a particularly advantageous position. If the sockets are adjustable/tilt or placed closer to the wall, you can hang art and then strategically direct light on it as if it were a custom installation. You can even install bulbs of different color temperatures or use different types of filters to enhance the colors in the art. Or, try a floor installation for your recessed lights to focus light upward toward your artwork. It's an unusual look that reads quite modern, like a gallery exhibition.

Picture Lights

Picture lighting is specially designed to highlight artwork, installed directly on the frame or wall above. This type of lighting has been used for many years by museums and art galleries, but in recent times it is used more in the home, particularly in libraries, living rooms and more formal spaces. Determine whether you need to plug in the light source or whether a hardwired connection is already in place. This more sophisticated type of lighting not only safely illuminates the artwork, but it can also create a certain tone or ambiance in the space.

PRO TIP

Install picture lamps with the light source facing the floor, not the artwork, to reduce glare on the room.

Track ceiling lights

Track and monorail lighting systems are one of the most complex types of lighting installations, but they are otherwise very versatile. Track lights and monorail heads can be moved along the track or rail and adjusted to focus where needed. In addition to focusing on artwork, this type of lighting can be used for general lighting when pointed downward and for wall washing. We recommend working with a lighting designer, or at least purchasing your lights from a professional lighting source. This can give you helpful installation tips and guide you to the perfect setup for your space.

Suspension lights/floating cables

If you have very high ceilings, this may be your best choice for art lighting in your space. Cable kits hang from the ceiling or wall and bring the light you need at an accessible and useful level, which is useful for both generalized and very specific lighting needs. The lights in these kits are versatile and can slide and hang along the cable to be positioned where you need them most. As with track and monorail systems, this type of installation is best handled through a reputable lighting source and certified electrician. The results (and not having to climb that ladder yourself) will be more than worth it.

Final tips

Layer the light: A combination of natural, ambient and focused light provides a beautiful view of your art and home any time of day.

Choose LED: LEDs are ideal for lighting artwork because they last longer than other light sources and do not emit infrared rays, UV rays, or heat. The heat produced by halogen and incandescent bulbs can damage art over time and increase your electricity bill.

Place Things Right: Where you choose to hang your art determines how much additional lighting you need to show it off, so be deliberate. The same goes for the placement of any necessary artwork lighting. Unless you're highlighting a vignette with portable lights, the best artwork lighting is essentially being invisible to allow the art to shine.