Picture Lights

A picture light is specifically designed to illuminate artwork, photographs, or mirrors, typically mounted above the frame to cast light directly downward. It focuses on highlighting a defined area with minimal glare. A wall light, on the other hand, provides general or ambient lighting for the room and comes in a wide range of decorative styles. Picture lights are more directional and purpose-driven than standard wall lights.

As a general rule, your picture light should be about 50–75% of the width of the artwork it’s lighting. For small frames (up to 40cm wide), a 20–25cm light is usually enough. Medium artworks (40–80cm wide) suit 30–45cm lights. Larger pieces may require 50cm+ lights for even coverage. Always consider adjustability and beam angle for best results.

Yes, picture lights are generally safe for paintings—especially when using LED lights, which emit minimal heat and no UV radiation. Traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs may generate heat and light that can fade or damage artwork over time. For valuable or delicate pieces, choose LED lights with a high CRI and low UV output to protect colours and materials.