Choosing Art Lighting
Knowing which lighting to choose for your artwork can be a daunting task. We have compiled some of our best art lighting tips and ideas on this page and can supply some of the finest lighting options for you. If you would like a full art lighting design service we can offer that too but either way why not give us a call on 0161 207 0212 to see how we can help today.
Art Lighting Design Ideas
Downlights can be a fantastic way to light artwork. They can be discreet and blend in to the ceiling, creating a seamless look depending on the style you want to achieve. Multiple options are available with downlights such as colour temperature, the option for dimming as well as the colour of the fitting itself. When choosing a downlight, it is also important to consider the beam angle. This is the angle at which the light shines.
What will work for you and your artwork really depends on the size and shape of the artwork itself – for a smaller piece then a narrower beam angle will be necessary. For a wider and bigger piece, a wider beam angle will be necessary. This ensures that the art will be lit entirely and eliminates the possibilities of shadows which could ruin the piece.
Depending on the dimensions of your wall and length of the artwork, or if there are multiple pieces on one wall, sometimes a single downlight isn’t sufficient. The solution for this is to have a wall wash optic. This works by utilising an asymmetrical beam angle which can light an entire wall without the scallop effect which regular downlights will produce. The scallop effect is created when downlights with multiple or the same beam angles create gaps in between the light and creates an undesirable effect. The wall wash optic creates a much more seamless look and can be perfect for lighting multiple pictures at a time, and results in a much more desirable and luxurious look and feel.
A surface mounted light can be another option that will ensure the whole piece of art is lit effectively. They fix onto the picture itself and can be adjusted to fit the size of the artwork. This minimises the risk of shadows and creating optical illusions, which can often push eyes away from the art rather than attracting them towards it. Like a downlight, this can be customised in terms of colour and colour temperature.
If the art is positioned over a table or dresser where there may be a floor lamp or table lamp, then perhaps downlights or surface mounted lights aren’t necessary. The light from the floor or table lamp can be used to light the artwork instead. This is a more cost-effective option and could be useful for the smaller areas where downlights or surface mounted light wouldn’t work.
There are multiple ways to efficiently light artwork, all that have different effects to suit you, the style of the home or the style of the art work. With the option to dim, it means that it can never be too bright or too dim and you are in complete control. Asco Lights offers the best prices and solutions for art lighting so why not give us a call or drop us an email to find out how we can help you achieve the perfect look today.
Call us today on 0161 207 0212.
