A general guideline is to select a light that is roughly 50% of the width of the artwork (not including the frame). For very wide pieces or landscape orientations, you may need a light that is up to 2/3 of the width to ensure even coverage across the entire canvas.

LED picture lights are highly recommended because they do not emit ultraviolet (UV) rays or significant heat. UV rays and heat can cause irreversible damage, fading, and cracking to oil paintings, watercolors, and photographs. LEDs are the safest way to illuminate your art.

Most picture lights are mounted on the wall directly above the frame. However, some "frame-mounted" styles attach to the back of the picture frame itself. The light head should be adjusted (tilted) so the beam strikes the center of the art at an angle (usually 30 degrees) to minimize glare.

If you choose a hardwired picture light, yes, you will typically need an electrician to run wires behind the wall. However, plug-in picture lights are DIY-friendly; you simply screw the mounting plate to the wall and plug the cord into the nearest outlet.

Many of our hardwired and integrated LED options are dimmable. Dimming is an excellent feature for art lighting, allowing you to control the intensity of the highlight to match the mood of the room or the time of day. Check the specific product specifications for dimmer compatibility.