If You Don’t Have This Kind of Light in Your Home, You’re Missing Out

If you’re looking to bring sophistication and polish to your home, here’s an easy solution you may not have thought of yet: adding picture lights or sconces over some of your artwork!

Most picture sconces feature metal construction with elongated shades oriented downward, which creates nice diffused light shining over your favorite painting or framed print. For an unexpected take on the classic picture light though, look for a single sconce with a painted or patterned shade. As long as its neck or construction allows the shade to arc down, you can use any given piece as a picture light.  

Best of all, picture lights and sconces come in a vast variety of price points and aesthetic styles, so there’s truly something for everyone. Even renters, who might not want to get involved with the electrical aspect of lighting installation, can find plug-in options or use this helpful puck light hack with a lamp of their choosing.

If you’re looking for something classic, this brass picture light fits the bill. It has a slight patina, which gives it an “Old World” look in a very charming way. Just note that this one is hardwired, so you will need a plug near the piece you’re looking to highlight.

Buy: Antique Brass Picture Light, $239.99 from World Market

This fuss-free picture light is battery-operated, dimmable, and comes with a handy remote for easy adjusting. It illuminates artwork up to 48-inches wide and will last 80 hours on the batteries if used at the highest setting — in other words, much longer if you have it dimmed so it casts a subtle glow on your favorite thrifted portrait.

Buy: Concept Matte Black Picture Light, $109.95 from Lamps Plus

Modern and sculptural, this sconce is another great plug-in option. If you want to hide an unsightly cord, try a cord cover kit, like this one. These solutions work like a charm, and you can easily paint the cover the same color as your wall to have your light further blend in — and your artwork further stand out..

Buy: Swing Arm Wall Sconce, $222.00 $121.99 from Wayfair

This nickel light adds instant polish (literally!) to any piece of art. Add one above a framed concert poster or another more casual framed piece to fancy it up. The contrast of high-low is a fun juxtaposition. 

Buy: Frame Makers Picture Light, $249.00 from Lumens

Another great plug-in option, this bronze and black picture light showcases the mixed metals trend that’s been so popular as of late. It’s dimmable, too, making it easy to adjust to your liking.

Buy: Aged Bronze Picture Light, $386.32 $322.50 from Lowe’s

This sconce is super-customizable with nine different shade options — I love this pleated ceramic shade! — and you can choose to have it hardwired or plugged-in.

Buy: Ceramic Wall Lamp, $130.00 from Etsy

This piece is part of Art Month, where we’re sharing how to find, buy, and display art in your home, and so much more. Head on over here to see it all!