Picture Lights

Add the finishing touch to your home with Universal Lighting’s stunning range of picture lights. We have a variety of styles and sizes to suit every environment including modern, traditional and slimline designs, in a variety of colours and finishes including black, chrome and brass. Think of them as accent lighting, able to create an atmosphere and ambience of their own.

Use them to highlight any picture or wall hanging, which creates a focal point in the room and adds background mood lighting at the same time. A picture light is not just for pictures or artwork. They can be used to highlight any special object or focal point in a room and add interest to any gloomy corner.

Why Picture Lights

A picture light is designed to perform a specific task and its sole purpose is to enhance the look of your wall hung artwork. It enhances the vibrant details within the painting, print or photograph, draws attention to it and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Picture lights are functional and elegant, whether they be traditionally styled or sleek and modern LED versions. They can add an element of sophistication to any room whilst enhancing the detail and colours of your artwork. Whether it’s your child’s school picture, a family photo or original oil painting, there’s a picture light to enhance its looks.

Considerations

What type of art are you displaying?

Use soft warm white LED light bulbs up to 3000k for oil paintings. They won’t fade your painting as they give off very little heat, no ultraviolet or infrared light to attack the surface
Use warm white LED bulbs up to 3500k for prints and photographs, which need a slightly brighter focused light.

Style and Finish

It may sound obvious, but it should be in keeping with the rest of your room. Have a look at the finish of your existing door knobs, light fittings and switch plates when deciding the finish.
Always choose a picture light with an adjustable head, as this makes fine-tuning easy. Fit a wall dimmer switch whenever possible so you can change the light levels to suit the ambience. If you want an LED picture light, always choose a warm white colour temperature and ensure that it is dimmable.

Placement

Pictures and other artwork should be positioned with the centre of the piece at eye level. In most cases, that would be about 5ft or 1.524m above floor level. The picture light should be positioned centrally around 6” or 150mm above to give the best illumination.

What Size Picture Light do I Need?

When deciding on the size of your picture light, there are a number of things you need to consider. The size of the artwork, level of illumination and its proportion relative to the picture frame. The size of the actual artwork is not considered here, it’s the size of the frame that’s important. Typically, a picture light should be between 40% and 70% of the frame’s width.

For a frame of up to 24 inches (600mm) 240 – 420mm picture light.
For a frame of up to 30 inches (760mm) 300 – 530mm picture light.

For a frame of up to 45 inches (1140mm) 450 – 800mm picture light.

These are not hard and fast rules and a little smaller or larger won’t make a big difference but may balance better with your existing decor or personal preference.

We don’t profess to be art experts or art critics, but we do know about lighting. These are general guidelines to help you in your choice of picture light and how you can get the best from it. If your artwork is valuable or a specialised piece, we would always recommend getting specialist advice.

If you require help, further information or advice on selecting your perfect picture light, please contact one of our lighting specialists on 0151 650 2138 for expert advice.

Picture Lights FAQs

Q) What is a picture light, and what is it used for?

A) A picture light is a specialised wall-mounted or frame-mounted light designed to illuminate artwork, photographs, or decorative wall pieces. Its purpose is to highlight your artwork without causing glare or overpowering the space.

Picture lights come in various sizes and styles, from traditional brass fittings to modern LED options. They are commonly used in living rooms, hallways, galleries, and home offices to showcase feature pieces and add a touch of elegance to the décor.

Properly positioned, a picture light enhances the detail, colour, and texture of the artwork while adding ambient warmth to the room.

Q) What types of picture lights are available?

Hardwired picture lights:
These are wired directly into your wall and controlled via a wall switch. Ideal for permanent, clutter-free setups, especially in professionally designed spaces.
Plug-in picture lights:
Easier to install, these plug into a standard socket and are great for renters or those wanting flexible placement.
Battery-operated picture lights:
These are cordless and easy to install, ideal for use where wiring is impractical. Some models include remote controls or touch sensors for convenience.
LED picture lights:
Increasingly popular, LED models are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and produce minimal heat, which helps protect delicate artwork.

Q) How do I choose the right size picture light for my artwork?

A) Choosing the correct size is key to achieving even and flattering lighting:

A good rule of thumb is to select a picture light that is around half to three-quarters the width of the frame or artwork.
For wider artworks or gallery walls, you may need a dual-light fitting or multiple picture lights to avoid uneven lighting.
Adjustable arms and rotating heads can help direct the beam more precisely and minimise glare.

If you’re unsure, look for adjustable or extendable models that allow for custom positioning based on your frame size and wall space.

Q) Are LED picture lights better for artwork?

A) Yes, LED picture lights are generally the best option for illuminating artwork. Here’s why:

Low heat output: Traditional halogen bulbs emit heat that can damage delicate canvases or prints over time. LEDs run cool, keeping your art safe.
Energy-efficient: LEDs consume far less electricity, helping to reduce your energy bill and carbon footprint.
Long lifespan: Most LED picture lights last up to 25,000 hours or more, making them virtually maintenance-free.
No UV emission: LEDs don’t emit harmful UV rays, which can cause fading or discolouration of artwork.

For the best effect, choose a warm white (2700K–3000K) LED light, which flatters artwork without making colours look too harsh or cold.

Q) Where should I position a picture light for the best effect?

A) To achieve optimal lighting:

Mount the picture light above the centre of the frame, typically 7 to 10 cm above the top edge.
The light should be angled downward at 30 to 35 degrees, allowing it to evenly illuminate the artwork without creating harsh reflections or shadows.
If the picture has glass, opt for non-glare or anti-reflective glass, or test angles carefully to minimise glare.
Ensure the beam spread covers the artwork fully; some LED models include adjustable beam angles or lenses for this purpose.

It’s also important to consider ambient lighting—a well-lit room can enhance the overall presentation.

Q) Do picture lights require professional installation?

A) That depends on the type of light you choose:

Hardwired picture lights should be installed by a qualified electrician, especially to comply with UK electrical safety standards and Part P of the Building Regulations.
Plug-in and battery-operated models are suitable for DIY installation and often include mounting hardware and instructions.
Some newer LED models come with adhesive or magnetic options, ideal for temporary or rental situations.

Always read the product’s installation guide carefully, and if in doubt, consult a professional—especially when working with mains power.

Note: These FAQs were compiled with the assistance of AI. My questions and answers were submitted, and I have reviewed, fact checked and edited the results.

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