Illuminate Your Art with Display and Picture Lights
Display and picture lights need to be stylish yet subtle, literally putting the spotlight on your artwork, sculpture, photographs, paintings, décor, or other design elements. They can be found in fine homes, galleries, museums, hospitality spaces and commercial offices. Modern display and picture lights also offer options for adjusting the amount of light on the artwork or other décor item, reducing glare and avoiding damage to the element being highlighted. Similarly, display lights can be used to highlight any decorative objects on shelves, adding depth and drama to your space. Most use energy-efficient LEDs, which now come in a variety of colors, shades and intensities. Choose from a wide selection of museum- and gallery-quality lighting fixtures in a range of modern designs, finishes, colors and materials.
How to Choose Display and Picture Lights
Selecting the ideal display and picture lights involves a few key considerations:
Size and Proportion: The light should be at least half the width of the picture for portrait orientations, and between a third to half the width for landscape orientations. This ensures adequate coverage without overwhelming the artwork.
Style and Design: Choose a style that complements both the artwork and the room's decor. Modern picture lights offer sleek, linear designs with adjustable heads, while traditional styles might feature more ornate details.
Light Quality: Look for lights that provide a clear, glare-free illumination. Dimmable options are great for adjusting the light intensity to suit different artworks and times of day.
Finish: Consider the finish of the light fixture. Metallic finishes like brass, silver, or bronze can add a sophisticated touch, while black or colored finishes might better suit contemporary spaces.
Installation Requirements: Ensure the light can be easily mounted above the artwork and that it aligns with any existing electrical configurations or shelving.
Common Picture and Display Lighting Placements
The placement of picture and display lights is crucial in enhancing the visual appeal of artwork and decorative items within a space. The most traditional and effective placement for picture lights is directly above wall-mounted artwork. This positioning allows the lights to cast a downward illumination that accentuates the art, bringing out its colors and details without creating glare or unwanted shadows. This method is particularly impactful in living rooms and hallways, where art pieces can transform these common areas into elegant, gallery-like spaces. Additionally, picture lights are not just limited to artwork; they are also superb for highlighting grand pianos. In this setting, they serve a dual purpose: enhancing the piano's aesthetic appeal and providing functional lighting for the keys and sheet music, seamlessly integrating the instrument into the room's overall decor.
Display lights, on the other hand, offer great versatility beyond traditional artwork illumination. They are ideally suited for lighting display shelves, where they can create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, bringing life to decorative objects, collectibles, or any items on display. This type of lighting adds depth and drama to the space, drawing attention to the textures and details of the displayed items. For those seeking a more flexible and adjustable lighting solution, ceiling-mounted options like track lighting present an excellent alternative. Track lighting can be directed towards artwork or display areas, offering the flexibility to adjust and focus light as needed. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for those who frequently change or update their display arrangements, ensuring that each piece, regardless of its position, is always shown in the best light.
