We love the classic look of a dark library full of oil paintings spotlighted with picture lamps. These wall-mounted artwork display lights can be hard to find, so we've rounded up a few sources in case you're on the lookout...
• Croft and Little: Classic picture lights in the low hundreds
• Lamps Plus: Huge selection with prices in the low hundreds
• Y Lighting: Modern and contemporary high-end artwork lighting
• Amazon: Everything from designer lights to clip-ons
• Hogarth: Classic brass picture lights updated with LED and halogen bulbs
• IKEA: Basic modern picture lights around $20
• Bellacor: A broad selection of picture lights from around $50 to $400
• Fine Art Light: custom lights fitted with UV filters and IR heat filters
If you're wondering what size light you'll need for your picture, About.com has a helpful guide.
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Comments (4)
We have the ikea fixture above out sofa highlighting a beatuful print. We receive so many comments everytime people come over. BTW, we made a small whole in the wall and fished the wire between the 2x4's so it would be exposed.
I'm looking for a similar type of light, but to serve a different purpose.
I don't have the room for a floor lamp in my bedroom and am looking for a wall-mounted light that I can hang above a full-length mirror, but to provide a more general light than a picture light would.
Any suggestions?
I also rent, so I can't hard-wire anything into the wall. It has to be on a cord.
I wouldn't be too quick to use these on artwork. Light is very damaging to pigments and materials and these will eventually burn the work they are spotlighting.
If you really want the look, make sure you don't leave it on for prolonged periods and never, ever use it over works on paper. Prints are very susceptible to light damage and will fade and diminish the pigment. Light is the leading concern for works on paper. Because of this museums only allow a print or drawing to be displayed for 3 months at a time and only under low light levels.
There are two aspects of why picture lamps cause irreversible damage to artworks: heat and ultraviolet light. Be aware than many halogen bulbs can get very hot, just like any traditional lightbulb. Framing artwork behind ultraviolet-protective glass or installing UV filters on the art lamps is important to protect against fading of pigments. Placing lights far enough away from your artwork to reduce the heat is important to protecting oil paintings from damage.