How to light a painting

Short answer: There are two ways: a picture light above the frame or a spotlight aimed from the ceiling. With a spot, aim at the centre of the picture at about 30°; with a 2.7 m ceiling and a picture centred at 1.5 m, that is about 70 cm from the wall. A picture light should be about one half to two thirds of the picture width. Choose warm 2700–3000 K, with a controlled beam that avoids glare. For valuable works, consult a conservator.

Picture light or spot?

• Picture light: Close to the work, practical for one picture, needs a cable route.
• Track or magnetic spot: Adjustable when pictures change, see track spot selection and magnetic track.
• Adjustable recessed spot: Clean look, but the picture position is fixed, see types of spot light.
• Wall washer: For a whole wall of small works, see wall washers.

The 30° rule

Light should reach the centre of the picture at about 30° from vertical. Steeper lengthens the frame shadow; shallower causes glare and the viewer's shadow.

Distance = (ceiling height − picture centre height) × 0.58.

• 2.7 m ceiling, 1.5 m centre: 1.2 × 0.58 = about 70 cm.
• 3 m ceiling, 1.5 m centre: 1.5 × 0.58 = about 87 cm.

Test on the wall; surface and glass change the result.

Where should the centre be?

Galleries commonly use about 145–155 cm as eye level, slightly lower in seated areas.

Which light?

• Colour: 2700–3000 K for oils and wooden frames; 3000–4000 K for photographs and modern works.
• Beam: narrow 15–30° for small pictures; 45–60° or two spots for large ones.
• Power: low power is usually enough at home. Aim for a soft accent above the room level; dimming helps.
• Colour rendering: Check the value in the product's technical table.

Examples from our shop

• Molled MOL8052 and MOL8055: mirror and picture LED lights, 6 W, 35 cm, 3000 K, IP20, aluminium; MOL8052 with a gold/antique look.
• Lamptime DT series in track spots: 15°, 30°, 45° and 60° optics.
• ML30–ML34 spots in magnetic track.

A 35 cm light suits pictures about 50–70 cm wide. See all wall lights.

Protecting artworks

• LED is better than halogen on UV and infrared, but light can still fade some pigments over time.
• Keep levels low for watercolours, prints and paper.
• Consult a conservator for valuable works.

Common mistakes

• Steep light from too close.
• A spot directly facing glazed pictures.
• Sharing a circuit without separate switching or dimming.
• Cool light on warm-toned works.

• → Track spots
• → Wall lights
• → Living room without a chandelier