Picture Lights highlight paintings, photos, and wall displays with focused illumination. Available in sleek LED and classic designs, they add stylish accent lighting to any space.
Picture lights are a type of wall light designed specifically to illuminate artwork, photographs, mirrors, or feature walls. They are usually installed above the item and shine light downward to highlight the piece and bring out colours and details.
Picture lights are popular in homes, galleries, hallways, and commercial spaces because they create a premium “showroom” look and add warmth to a room without overwhelming brightness.
Picture lights can be used to highlight:
Artwork and paintings
Framed photos and prints
Feature walls or decorative panels
Mirrors in hallways or living areas
Gallery walls with multiple frames
They are ideal for accent lighting and can add depth and atmosphere to your space.
Where should I install a Picture Light?
Picture lights are typically installed:
Directly above the artwork or frame
Positioned so the light shines down evenly across the artwork surface
At a height that avoids glare and harsh shadows
As a general guide, place the picture light centred above the frame, and select a width that suits the artwork size.
What size Picture Light do I need?
As a general rule, your picture light should be around 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the artwork/frame.
For example:
Smaller frames → compact picture lights
Wider artwork or feature pieces → longer picture lights for even coverage
Choosing the correct size ensures the artwork is illuminated evenly without dark corners.
What colour temperature is best for Picture Lights?
The best colour temperature depends on the look you want:
Warm White (2700K–3000K): Soft, cosy, classic display lighting
Cool White / Natural White (4000K): Cleaner look, great for modern spaces
Daylight (5000K): Best for colour accuracy (ideal for artwork detail)
If you want the most true-to-life colour appearance, Daylight (around 5000K) is the best option.
Do Picture Lights Damage Artwork?
Modern LED picture lights are generally a safe choice for artwork because:
LEDs run cool (low heat output) . LEDs are energy efficient & many LED options avoid excessive UV output.
This makes them a great option for displaying artwork long-term.
Can I use a Picture Light as feature light in a room?
Yes! Picture lights don’t have to be limited to frames. They’re also commonly used as: