Here are some basic tips about installing art lighting in your home.
Track lighting and recessed cans are ideal for lighting artwork because they can be aimed at artwork. High-end recessed lighting with fixed lights often feature louvers and filters for focusing light just on the art, reducing ceiling glare and filtering ultraviolet (UV) rays (The Studio Shop, n.d.).
Your painting will acquire a chameleon-like personality if you use a dimmer to modify the light falling on the painting. Be aware, however, that dimmers used in incandescent and halogen lights will change the colour temperature of the light, causing colours in the painting to change how they appear when compared to appearing in natural light.
Avoid projecting light onto your painting downward from the ceiling to floor at a steep angle, because doing so creates unpleasant shadows from the painting, and reveals irregularities in the construction of the wall.
Available in a number of patterns of light, MR-16 low voltage bulbs provide a pleasant white light. The bulbs emit a small amount of UV rays which are filtered by the glass lens that comes with the fixtures.
Fixtures should be set so that light strikes the wall at 30 to 45 degrees, measured to a point at eye level on the wall about 60 inches (152 cm) from the floor. A steeper angle than 30 degrees will create deeper shadows; shallower than 45 degrees may cause reflective glare. With an eight- foot ceiling, place your track or recessed cans 20 inches to 36 inches (50 cm to 90 cm) away from the wall; on a 10 foot (3 m) ceiling, 42 inches to 60 inches (107 cm to 152 cm) from the wall (The Studio Shop (n.d.).
Suitability of types of lighting * Incandescent: poor Colour Rendering Index (CRI); causes UV damage to painting's surface * Halogen: poor CRI; causes UV damage to painting's surface * Fluorescent: poor CRI; green cast of lights changes appearance of colours * LED: excellent CRI; minimal exposure to UV reduces risk of damage to painting's surface
Consider the psychology of contrast: "Like background music, brightness contrast evokes emotions of contentment and pleasure" (Gordon, 2003, pg. 12). "If all objects and surfaces in a room receive equal emphasis from light, contrast is lost. Over time, the lack of contrast causes people to feel listless and depressed" (Gordon, 2003, pg. 11). Contrast can be attained by focusing a light on a painting, then slightly darkening surrounding areas. Thus, you can establish a mood by emphasizing your painting with accent lighting, while leaving other areas in comparative darkness.
Avoid exposure to damaging UV rays found in sunlight and common illumination such as halogen and incandescent lights (Lumicrest, 2015). Avoid UV light rays because it causes fading. UV rays are present in sunlight and small amounts in fluorescent and halogen lighting. It is recommended to use UV filtering glass in all picture framing and to avoid direct sunlight.
Bottom line: Use focused LED lighting while lowering ambient light levels to create interest while safely illuminating your painting. Avoid exposure to damaging UV rays found in sunlight and commonly found lights such as halogen and incandescent.
REFERENCES
Gordon, G. (2003). Interior lighting for designers. (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lumicrest Lighting Solutions Inc. (2015). LED lighting for art galleries & museums. [White paper]. Retrieved from http://Lumicrest.com/