FAQ

WHAT IS A PICTURE LIGHT?

Picture lights, also referred to as sign lights, are specifically designed to provide illumination for artworks, making them stand out prominently when displayed in residential settings. These lights come in a wide range of styles, finishes, and designs, catering to various aesthetic preferences ranging from contemporary to classic and traditional. In addition to their primary function of highlighting artwork, picture lights can also be effectively used to illuminate wall signs or objects like menus in commercial establishments. Moreover, if you're planning to curate your own art exhibition, picture lights can serve as a valuable tool.

When choosing lighting options, it is of utmost importance to prioritize the protection of your artwork. Using halogen lights directly on your paintings or placing them too close can cause gradual damage and fading of the artwork over time. To mitigate this risk and ensure the longevity and quality of your cherished pieces, we highly recommend opting for LED bulbs. LED lights emit minimal heat and do not emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making them an ideal choice for preserving your artwork.

HOW DOES A PICTURE LIGHT ENHANCE THE APPEARANCE OF ARTWORK?

Choosing picture lighting offers numerous benefits. One key advantage is that picture lights are designed to be discreet, ensuring they do not compete with the artwork itself. Instead, they provide subtle illumination that enhances the vibrant colours of the artwork. The colour temperatures of picture lights are specifically calibrated to harmonize with the art, creating an optimal visual experience. For residential settings, a recommended colour temperature would be a high CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of 2700K, while museums and galleries may opt for up to 3000K.

An increasingly popular option is LED picture lights. These lights have their own set of advantages. LED picture lights emit less heat and fewer infrared rays compared to traditional bulbs, which helps safeguard the longevity of your art. This feature becomes particularly valuable if you intend to sell the artwork later on. Moreover, choosing LED lights provides efficiency and longevity, sparing you the inconvenience of frequently replacing bulbs.

ARE PICTURE LIGHTS ADJUSTABLE TO ACCOMODATE DIFFERENT SIZES OF ARTWORK?

When dealing with artwork that has a particularly wide frame, it is important to consider the proper lighting arrangement to maintain a balanced aesthetic. In such cases, you have a couple of options to ensure the correct balance of illumination. One option is to choose a slightly different size of picture lights or even consider using two picture lights instead of one. This allows for a wider coverage of light and helps distribute it more evenly across the artwork, ensuring a harmonious visual effect.

Alternatively, you can explore the use of recessed ceiling lights as an alternative lighting solution. By angling the recessed ceiling lights towards the wall where the artwork is displayed, you can create a directed light source that effectively highlights the piece. This technique compensates for the wider frame by providing adequate illumination from above, creating a balanced and visually pleasing presentation.

Considering the unique requirements of artwork with wide frames, it is essential to carefully assess the lighting options available to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. By selecting the appropriate size of picture lights or utilizing recessed ceiling lights strategically, you can ensure that your artwork receives the proper illumination it deserves, enhancing its visual impact and maintaining a well-balanced appearance.

Picture Lights

FAQ