Selecting the perfect picture lighting for the artwork and photography in your home is an important but all too often ignored interior design consideration. Follow our top tips for enhancing your wall art and you'll be amazed at the difference it can make.
Style
As with any type of lighting for your home, you need to select a product that complements your decor. Fortunately, picture lights come in a range of styles from more traditional products, to sleek modern shapes, with an angular design. Picture lights can be a feature in themselves so it's important you choose a design that is in keeping with your style. In a contemporary home we suggest a slimline style such as this Matt Nickel LED Picture Light. The sleek design does not detract any attention from the artwork it’s illuminating. If you have classic taste and your artwork is framed in a traditional chunky gilt or wood finish frame, a curved Antique Brass Picture Light will work perfectly.
Finish
Picture lights are available a range of finishes including gold, brass, chrome and nickel. We also have ultra-modern Matt White & Clear Acrylic Picture Lights that are extremely versatile and look sensational in a contemporary home. You should also take into account the colours within your artworks. Artworks that contain a dominant metallic tone such as gold may clash with a silver picture light and visa versa.
Bulb Type
Picture Lights are available with LED, Halogen and Fluorescent bulbs. We would now always suggest choosing LEDs or LED compatible lights. LED’s are energy efficient, produce very little heat and last a lot longer than their counterparts. They also produce an even light that will not damage your pictures. In recent years LEDs have come down in price and are fast replacing halogen and fluorescent bulbs which are slowly being phased out.
Size
When choosing a picture light, you must also ensure the size of the light can sufficiently and evenly illuminate the picture. Lighting pictures is not an exact science but if you follow the guide below it will help you choose the Perfect Picture Lighting.
Width of Picture Frame | Size of Picture Light Required |
8 inches to 14 inches | 4.5-inch light |
12 inches to 18 inches | 5.5-inch light |
16 inches to 24 inches | 7-inch to 9-inch light |
25 inches to 37 inches | 14.5-inch light to 16-inch light |
