Ready to hang your custom-framed artwork in your Atlanta, GA home? You may have already picked the prime spot. It’s in the perfect spot so that you’ll enjoy seeing it every day. It’s in the right place so guests can see and enjoy it, too. But what’s the point if it can’t actually be seen?
Lighting custom-framed artwork and getting it right will ensure it is enjoyable for all. But glare, shadows, or uneven lighting will affect how well it is seen. Getting the lighting right enhances the effect and showcases your artwork. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to lighting custom-framed artwork. Let’s talk about some creative strategies for lighting great works of art.
Key Considerations When Choosing Lights for Custom-Framed Artwork
Here are three key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the lighting for your framed pieces.
- Heat. It’s important to choose lightbulbs that do not give off heat. If the light you prefer gives off a little heat, make sure it’s placed far enough away from the custom-framed art or photo that it won’t cause heat damage. LED lightbulbs are usually the best choice since they are energy efficient and don’t generate heat.
- Glare. Lights of any sort can cause glare. If you use special non-glare covers, it will usually diffuse sunlight to help protect your artwork. Place lights at an angle that doesn’t create a glare. Placing lights about 30 degrees above framed art or photos usually prevents glare.
- Distance. Placing lights about 5 to 7 inches above your framed artwork is usually suitable. But this can still depend on the size of both the light and your framed piece. The light should show off the piece, without harming it. You may need to experiment to determine the perfect spot for your lights.
- Direct Light. When hanging artwork, it should be placed on a wall that doesn’t get direct natural light. Indirect light is fine, but avoid direct light. Over time, UV rays can fade and age artwork. North-facing walls provide consistently softer lighting during most of the day. East-facing walls have morning light, and south-facing walls have afternoon light. West-facing walls, of course, get late afternoon and evening light.
Lighting Tips for Showcasing Custom-Framed Art and Photos
Ambient Lighting
Position your custom-framed artwork above or beside a table with an existing light. It can provide added depth and ambiance to the framed art. Move a table lamp or floor lamp and place it so that it sheds light on the space around the artwork and on the framed piece, too. This is an easy way to use lighting for custom-framed artwork and photos.
Ceiling-Mounted Accent Lights
You can use spotlights and position them so that they shine light toward individual pieces of art to highlight them. Ceiling fixtures may be surface-mounted or recessed and allow the direction of the light to be easily adjusted. Some accent lights also have a range of light-beam spreads, which allows for adjustments so that the light can cover most of the artwork.
Track Lights
Modern track-lighting systems have come a long way in lighting custom-framed artwork! Now, they provide a cleaner, more minimalist look than what they used to do in the past. If they have the right lamps, they can perform as well as ceiling-mounted accent lights, but they do have a few more advantages. They are easier to install and allow for future flexibility.
Wall Washers
Wall washing is a technique that “washes a wall” with light, without the light needing to hit every piece of art in the room. You can use wall washing to distribute light across a whole wall, and it comes in many forms. You can choose surface-mounted, recessed, or track lighting. Fixtures can be installed on walls, ceilings, or even the floor to get the desired effect.
Picture Lights
Picture lights are usually mounted on the wall or even on the frame of the framed art or photo. This placement puts a light source up close to the work of art and uses very low-wattage lamps. It gives a sense of intimacy with the art and invites viewers to come closer to look. You can use an LED variety that offers conveniences like battery or remote-controlled options.
Suburban Custom Frames
Talk to the framing experts at Suburban Custom Frames in Atlanta, GA, about lighting custom-framed artwork. We can help you choose how to showcase and highlight your framed art, photos, posters, and memorabilia so that it remains the focus of your room. Call us today for your custom framing and lighting needs.