When you find the perfect piece of art, picking the correct place to hang it is only one part of the equation. Finding the right lighting for artwork can enhance the piece and turn it into a real focal point. From wall-mounted picture lights to LED lightbulbs, we've compiled a list of simple tips for choosing the best artwork lighting for your home.

Tip!

Need help finding the best spot to hang your wall art? Check out our guides Wall Art Size and Placement Guide and How to Hang a Picture Perfectly to find simple tips on hanging wall art.

Choose the Best Lighting for Your Artwork

1. Install Picture Lights

Picture lights are wall-mounted light fixtures that are mounted right above or beside the piece of art. With a small arm, focused shade, and low-wattage bulb, this type of artwork lighting is designed to illuminate the piece without causing any damage. Best of all, they come in a variety of designs to match the style of your space. From traditional to sleek, you can easily find a picture light that complements the piece of art that you're lighting.

2. Try Track Lighting

If you're looking for flexibility, track lighting is an excellent option for lighting artwork. Track lighting is a type of ceiling light that features individual lamps attached to a single track or rail. The lights are often adjustable, allowing you to point the lights in the direction of your art. This type of light fixture is particularly helpful if you're someone who loves to switch up how your pictures are displayed. Simply adjust the direction of the lamps to highlight your new arrangement.

3. Opt for Wall Washers

Wall washers are another flexible choice for lighting artwork. With recessed and flush mount options, wall washers provide an even wash of light that illuminates a larger space. This gives your artwork a more casual feel and allows you to arrange (and rearrange) your art without worrying that the pieces are well-lit.

Tip!

Whether you're working with photographs or paintings, excess exposure to natural light makes artwork more likely to fade over time. Try to place pieces of art away from direct natural light to avoid damage or distortion.

Make Any Necessary Adjustments

1. Go for the Correct Lightbulb

When choosing lighting for artwork, there are three main types of lightbulbs available: LED, halogen, and incandescent.

LED: LED lightbulbs are energy-efficient and safe for artwork because they don't emit UV rays or heat that could cause damage.
Halogen: Halogen bulbs are bright and cool, which complements the true colors of the artwork. However, halogen lightbulbs tend to get very hot, so it's important that you provide plenty of distance between the lightbulb and the piece of art.
Incandescent: Incandescent lightbulbs have a soft, warm glow that can sometimes distort the true colors of the artwork. Similar to halogen lightbulbs, incandescent lightbulbs can generate heat and would be best suited for light fixtures that aren't too close to the artwork.

2. Adjust the Angle

After installing your lighting, you might need to make small adjustments to get the look just right. If you're noticing a glare, try playing with the angle of the picture light or track lighting. As a quick rule of thumb, try to create a 45° angle to help minimize unwanted glare or shadows.

3. Consider the Correct Frame

Framing can be another thing to keep in mind while deciding which type of lighting you'll need. Some artwork lighting like picture lights are clipped to the frame or placed directly above the frame, so you might need to choose a frame that can hold the fixture. If you've opted for ceiling-mounted fixtures, you'll have more options for framing your art.

4. Layer Light Fixtures

Unless you prefer your home to look like a gallery, it's unlikely that the artwork lighting is the only lighting in any given space. Additional fixtures like table lamps, floor lamps, and overhead lighting can help make any picture lights or track lighting feel well-incorporated.

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