Lighting artwork can be tricky, but it's necessary in order to get the most out of your investments. Read our guide for lighting your artwork and get started today!
Whether you’re looking to illuminate the Mona Lisa or your child’s self-portrait from kindergarten art class, finding the right lighting will make all the difference in how your art looks. Follow our tips and you’ll have your very own art museum, right on the walls of your own home.
The first thing to consider when choosing lighting for your artwork is the type of bulbs to purchase.
- LED lights are generally accepted as the best kind of light for showcasing art. These bulbs do not get hot and don’t emit any harmful UV rays, so the potential of LED bulbs damaging your art is very low.
- Halogen lights produce the most pure white light out of any light bulb, so they are an excellent option for lighting that will render the truest colors from your art. However, halogen bulbs are known to produce a good deal of heat, so care must be taken to position these bulbs far enough away from paintings or photographs in order to prevent heat damage.
- Incandescent lights are great for lighting very colorful works of art, as their warm tone enhances reds, yellows, and oranges and compliments cooler blue, green, and purple tones. Like halogen bulbs, incandescent light bulbs also produce heat and should not be placed extremely close to your art.
- Fluorescent bulbs should generally be avoided as they emit a large amount of UV light that has been known to prematurely fade and damage art.
Now that you’ve chosen the type of bulb you’ll use to illuminate your artwork, it’s time to decide how to place the lights. If you have oil paintings, you should use a broad light source to prevent any glare on the shiny surface from direct, harsh lighting. Acrylic paintings aren’t glossy and can be illuminated by any type of light placement you choose.
Track lighting is typically a popular choice for lighting paintings or photographs, since they allow for allover general light on the surface of the art. If you’re working with sculpture, you should try to provide multiple light sources to emphasize shadow and texture.
You might try recessed lighting from above the sculpture, as well as lighting from below or to the side of the piece, depending on the angles and size of your particular piece. Art with a sturdy frame can also benefit from a picture light above the frame. This will provide specific, targeted lighting that will emphasize the colors and texture of your painting.
Artwork lighting doesn't have to be complicated. Turns out all you really need are a few strategically placed bulbs to make your art really shine!
