How Art Lighting Transforms a Room

If beautiful art work does adorn your walls, and you have taken considerable time selecting it, it is likely that it will quickly become the focal point in any room and effectively define the space. This stunning piece is a reflection of your personality, and therefore it is vital to select art lighting that will not only do it justice, but also create a specific impression or ambiance and also prevent it from becoming lost in a crowded room.

There are many different situations where art lighting could be effectively used such as in residential interior and exterior locations, offices, galleries and also commercial locations such as cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

Bringing Colours to Life

Art lighting has numerous advantages. Not the least of these is that it brings colors to life! In a normal room where natural light changes during the day and the main light in the ceiling is almost never suited to show paintings, photographs etc. to their best, art lighting provides a constant level of illumination.

Specific art lighting seeks to maintain a constant level of illumination in order to guarantee that all the colors in the painting or artwork will appear as ‘correct’ as possible, i.e. just as they would in everyday life, when the colors in objects are perceived in the correct relationship to one another.

Very cool lighting brings out strong contrasts and is best used to display contemporary pieces and pop art. Choosing the appropriate color temperature to display your art will enable it to look its absolute best.

Why Art Lighting Matters

Lighting affects how a person views a piece of art. If a painting is not properly lit then the viewer will not be able to see all of the details of the painting and from a distance the colors of the painting will appear washed out. In addition to not being able to view all of the details of a painting, a lack of proper lighting can also cause the textures of paintings to become invisible.

Creating a Strong Focal Point

An item of interest is an item of interest in any well-designed space, and this is typically highlighted through art or other forms of decorative wall features in a space. An area of interest can be further accentuated through focused lighting and this creates a powerful focal point.

When properly illuminated a painting or print is an obvious focal point which draws attention to the work whilst the remaining interior décor serves as a suitable backdrop and creates a visually-balanced space.

Drawing Attention Naturally

By focusing the light onto the artwork in the room it draws the attention to it without drawing attention away from the rest of the room’s furnishings and decor by using loud color or oversized frames and objects.

Adding Character

The most ordinary of rooms can have their character highlighted when artworks are illuminated with consideration.

Emphasising Surface Texture

Also visible with the aid of a light beam are surfaces, materials and finishes that are raised, layered or have a texture, such as three-dimensional objects or picture relief.

Improving Fine Details

Photographs, drawings and detailed prints benefit from even, whole surface lighting. Adding depth and richness to surfaces by revealing the full extent of fine details and minute textures. Most works of art have texture and detailing on the surface which is rarely fully appreciated until highlighted by appropriate artwork lighting.

Making Small Rooms Feel Larger

Thoughtfully positioned art lighting contributes to the perception of space. Illuminated artwork draws attention beyond furniture and walls, encouraging the eye to travel throughout the room.

In smaller rooms like these it also draws the eye away from the furniture, walls etc. And so creates the illusion of more space. This is particularly useful in hallways and in apartments that are generally very small and compact.

Rather than relying on overhead lighting, combining ambient lighting with lighting up artwork in a room will add layers to the space giving it the appearance of more depth and height.

Enhancing Different Types of Artwork

When selecting a spotlight or lighting system for your pieces of art it is very important to remember that there are many different forms of artwork and all need to be presented in a specific way in order to gain the full appreciation of the work.

Paintings

Paintings should receive even illumination to avoid the appearance of shadows and to accurately show off the colors used in the painting.

Sculptures

There are multiple ways to light up a sculpture from different angles in order to give more depth to the three-dimensional form and highlight its main features.

Decorative Wall Pieces

Artwork made of metal, wood, ceramics, or a combination of materials benefit from directional lighting. It accentuates the specific features of the texture and the craftsmanship that has gone into the artwork.

Matching the lighting to your piece of art will create a much more professional looking result.

Proper Positioning

When installing a fixture above a work of art, ensure that it is the correct distance from the surface to distribute light equally across it.

Adjustable Fixtures

This will allow you to modify the beam angle depending on the size of the frame and the room where it is to be placed.

Balanced Brightness

A moderate amount of light to view art in order to avoid washing out the colors and to view the art comfortably.

Reducing glare makes the best out of any artwork and also makes it more accessible to people.

Conclusion

Art lighting is one of the most effective ways to enhance your interior without expensive alterations to the structure of the building. It can highlight the color, texture, depth and mood of artworks within your home and it can make ordinary walls into beautiful features of a room.

Whether you have a single work of art to display or you have a large gallery of artwork, there are a variety of lights that can draw focus to the pieces and also highlight the space in which they are displayed.

Once you have selected the level of brightness, the position of the light and the color temperature, art lighting can become another medium in interior design and can add beauty, character and sophistication to any room.