DIY Network

Lighting Artwork From "Bare Walls" episode BRW-103

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

Nancy Golden and her guest, Bart Watkins, of Liz-Beth Galleries, discuss the options in lighting artwork. They recommend taking into consideration the style of your home's architecture before you decide on a type of lighting. The options they discuss include the following:

• Recessed, or can, lights (figure A)
• Track lighting (figure B)
• Picture lights (figure C), available in designs that plug into the wall and those that are battery-operated and attach to a picture frame
• Mantel lights (figure D), which cast light from below the artwork.

Watkins shares several hints to keep in mind when you're thinking of lighting a painting or other work of art:

• Never let picture light be larger than artwork.

  
  

• Put as much light on the picture as you can.

  
  

• Even low-wattage light can damage artwork. Incandescent lights give off less UV radiation than other types, but it can still be damaging. It's a good idea to light artwork only when you're in the room to enjoy it; otherwise, turn out the lights.

  
  Never use halogen bulbs to light artwork -- they get much too hot.

  
  

• If your painting is behind glass, consider using a mantel light to help cut down on reflections and glare.

  
  

• A simple rule of thumb when you're deciding whether or how to light a piece of art: Decide how much you like the piece. There's no use lighting a piece you're not crazy about.

  
  

• Remember: Incandescent light will always be a bit warmer than other types. They'll add a tiny bit of yellow to whatever they light.

  
  

• If you're hanging two pictures together, don't use two picture lights. Instead, hang the pair above a table and place a lamp on the table to illuminate the area.

The Bare Facts: Consider using unusual items as art. A quilt hung on the wall makes a beautiful statement.

RESOURCES :
The Art of Illumination: Residential Lighting Design
Model: 0070329591
Author: Glenn M. Johnson
$49.95 Paperback - 224 pages 70 edition (November 20, 1998) McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing

GUESTS :
Bart Watkins
9211 Park West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-691-8129
Liz-Beth Galleries