When it comes to selecting lighting for artwork, the types of fixtures and light bulbs you choose determines the vibrancy of colors, the clarity of art techniques, and the emotional meanings behind the artwork you admire. The right type of lighting can also preserve the quality of your artwork and prevents cracks or fading over time so you can proudly display artwork for years to come. Continue reading below to learn how to light art best in your space.

Types of Light Fixtures to Illuminate Your Artwork
Types of Light Bulbs to Consider
Art Display and Maintenance Tips

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Types of Light Fixtures to Illuminate Your Artwork

Accent lighting is a sophisticated and practical way to showcase artwork and enhance its colors, style, and details. Depending on your space and personal aesthetic, there are a number of ways to integrate accent lighting, from ceiling-mounted lights to track lights, wall washers, or picture lights.

Ceiling-Mounted Lights

Ceiling-mounted lights provide direct illumination for maximum visual impact. Fixtures like flush mounts and recessed lights spotlight the art from above, offering a clear and dynamic brightness.

Track Lights

Track lights usually feature a series of light fixtures attached to a “track” for continuous illumination. Like ceiling-mounted lights, track lights are often installed from above. However, this type of lighting is typically easier to install than ceiling-mounted lights and can be adjusted to better provide localized illumination.

Wall Washers

A “wall washer” light is a type of fixture that “washes” a specific wall in a bright, even light. These lights are primarily used to illuminate large pieces of artwork. Wall washers can be placed at regular intervals on the wall or ceiling to uniformly diffuse light. This makes a wall washer an ideal choice for lighting paintings like oil portraits, which are often highly detailed and textured: Unlike direct lighting, which can cause shadows, a broad wall washer makes sure all parts of the painting are uniformly lit. Wall washers typically come in slim rectangular configurations and are available in different forms of lighting, including recessed lights, pendant fixtures, or even floor lamps.

Picture Lights

Picture lights are both a practical and decorative form of lighting that is installed on the frame of the artwork itself. Picture lights provide an even illumination over the surface of the photo or art print. Because this type of light is positioned closer to the artwork, it offers a softer and subtler glow than ceiling-mounted or wall washer lighting.

Read Layered Lighting: How to Illuminate Your Home for more lighting ideas and inspiration.

Types of Light Bulbs to Consider

LED

LED lighting is a popular choice for lighting artwork because it produces little UV radiation or heat, meaning it can be positioned closer to the art. It is also available in both warm and cool shades, making it a versatile choice for illumination. Install LED lights 1 to 3 feet away from artwork for the best results.

Incandescent

Incandescent lighting is a warm type of light that provides a soft glow. Due to its warm tones, this type of lighting can help bring out the vibrancy of reds, oranges, yellows, and other warm colors in art pieces. Because incandescent lights can emit more heat, it is important to maintain distance between incandescent light sources and artwork to preserve the piece for the long term. Aim for at least 3 feet away from the wall on the ceiling or 3 feet above artwork on a wall for the best results.

Halogen

Halogen lighting is a form of incandescent lighting that generates an even more powerful light. The pure white properties of halogen lights maximize illumination to showcase your artwork's every detail. Museums often use halogen bulbs for this very reason. When pairing halogen lighting with artwork, be sure to have 3 to 5 feet of distance between the light source and the display wall. Then install UV filters to maximize protection and prolong the quality of your art.

Art Display and Maintenance Tips

Angle

When installing lighting for artwork, the suggested light angle for efficient illumination is 30 degrees. Not only will this provide the necessary brightness, but it will also prevent any glare or distracting shadows on the art.

Brightness

Accent lighting should be three times brighter than the existing ambient light. Be sure to place artwork in areas that don't get a lot of direct sunlight. This will prevent the art from fading over time and preserve its vibrancy. Provide maximum protection for your artwork by hanging it in a frame with conservation glass, which blocks UV rays.

Temperature

Artwork lighting has a suggested temperature of 2000 to 3000 Kelvin. This is the ideal temperature range for properly illuminating a painting without disturbing or distorting its color palette. If you can feel the heat from the light source when you touch the artwork, consider moving the light further back.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

The CRI is a quantitative scale that measures the ability of an artificial light to accurately display color in comparison to a natural light source like sunlight. The index follows a range from 0 to 100. When choosing a light fixture, select one with a rating of 90 or above for ideal illumination. A light’s CRI rating can be found in the product description on-site.

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