Let’s be honest — when you walk into a South African home and notice a beautiful painting on the wall, the mood is instantly set. Whether it's a family heirloom or a contemporary canvas from a local art market, the way it’s lit makes all the difference. That perfectly placed light has the power to transform a piece from “nice” to “wow, where’d you get that?”
Over the past 16+ years at Future Light, we’ve seen our share of beautiful (and sometimes hilariously dim) attempts to light artworks — from hotel lobbies in the Winelands to lounge walls in Gqeberha. The difference that well-placed art lighting makes? Night and day. Quite literally.
Key Takeaways
- Art lighting should enhance the colours and details of your artwork, not overpower it.
- LEDs are the best choice for artwork — no UV, low heat, and perfect colour rendering.
- Position your light at a 30-degree angle to reduce harsh shadows and glare.
- Energy-saving art lights preserve both your Eskom bill and your walls.
- Choose from recessed spots, surface-mounted spotlights, or sleek picture lights.
- Good art lighting adds value to your space and brings your passions to life.
Understanding Art Lighting: What Really Matters?
What is art lighting anyway?
Art lighting refers to specialised lighting designed to bring out the best in your wall-mounted pieces, whether it’s a framed oil painting, a sleek canvas, or even a woven tapestry. It’s not simply turning on a ceiling light — it’s about focusing on the texture, depth, and story your art tells.
Colour Rendering Index (CRI) explained
CRI is basically your lighting’s truth-telling ability. The higher the CRI (up to 100), the more accurate your artwork’s colours appear. We always recommend LEDs with a CRI of 90+ to help reds, greens, and blues shine just as the artist intended. Need help choosing the right one? Check out our LED bulb range.
Beware of UV and heat
One thing we can’t stress enough — traditional halogen lights can damage artwork over time by releasing UV and heat. LEDs are far safer and more efficient for your long-term display game.
Good art lighting should showcase your passion, not overpower it. It’s all about balance and care.
Types of Lights That Work Best for Paintings
Picture lights for elegance
These are the “old-school cool” lights that elegantly hover above your frame. They're popular in studies, galleries, or living rooms trying to recreate that museum-like ambiance. Many of our modern options use LED and are dimmable, too.
Track lights for flexibility
If you love rearranging your room (or your artworks), then track lighting is your go-to. Adjustable and stylish, they suit open-plan spaces and art clusters perfectly.
Recessed spotlights for subtlety
Recessed downlights like the Aisha Tilt Downlight let your light “disappear” into the ceiling, while putting your canvas centre-stage.
The right style of art light will complement both your room and the personality of your artwork.
How to Position Your Art Lights Perfectly
The 30-degree angle rule
Mount your light to hit the artwork at a 30-degree angle — this minimises shadows and glare while offering even coverage. For textured artwork, a 35-degree angle helps to reveal the depth.
Ceiling height considerations
Low ceilings? Opt for wall-mounted or surface-mounted options. With high ceilings, angled COB spotlights or even track systems work well. Always test lighting positions at night for accuracy.
Distance from artwork
Keep the light 15–50cm away depending on its spread and intensity. Avoid light spillage onto surrounding walls by using narrow-angle beams or adjustable heads.
Measure twice, tilt once. Getting the angle right can make your painting glow or fall flat.
Energy Efficiency Meets Aesthetic Goals
Why LED is your best friend
LED lighting doesn’t just save on electricity — it reduces environmental impact and keeps your home cooler. It’s a win-win for your art and our planet.
Low maintenance, high longevity
Once installed, these lights will serve you for years—many reaching 25,000+ hours. No more standing on a chair to change a fragile halogen on a Sunday morning.
Styling options with efficiency in mind
From indoor wall lights to downlights, there’s always an LED alternative that ticks both form and function.
Efficient lighting means you can leave your favourite piece glowing all night with peace of mind.
Lighting for Different Types of Art
Glass-covered artwork
Reduce glare by using anti-reflective glass or positioning lights at angles. LEDs with a broader beam reduce intense reflections.
Textured work like oil paints or sculpture
Use angled track lights to highlight textures and shadows. Surface nuance comes alive under raking light from spotlights such as our track-mount Ella spotlight.
Photography vs fine art
Photography often benefits from cooler light (~4000K) to maintain crispness, while paintings are warmer (~3000K). Adjust accordingly for authenticity.
Your light choice should respect your medium — oils, glass, and prints each have unique needs.
DIY Tips for Hanging and Lighting Art at Home
Mark your eye line
A good frame should hang with its centre around 1.5–1.6m from the ground. Your art lighting must follow suit to ensure even illumination.
Use masking tape to map out your beam
Before drilling or installing, test your beam spread by mimicking the light’s angle using a torch and tape markings. You’ll avoid installing too high or too narrow.
Combining art lighting with smart control
Pair with dimmable or smart control systems for dynamic results. Add a dimmer switch or even integrate with Zigbee or Wi-Fi systems for mood control at the touch of a button.
Take your time with placement — one weekend of planning equals years of picture-perfect pride.
Wrap up your lighting journey by exploring our full indoor lighting collection. Whether you're hunting for the elegance of a classic picture lamp or the flexibility of a modern track setup, there's a light waiting to elevate your next masterpiece. Bonus tip? The COB spot makes a superb choice for spotlighting deep colours. Or check out our lighting blog for even more helpful tips!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What's the best type of light for artwork?
LED-based, high-CRI lighting is ideal. It doesn’t emit UV radiation or heat, which protects your art while showcasing its true colours.
Q2: How far should I place the light from my painting?
Usually, 15–50 cm works well. The important part is to hit the artwork at around 30° from the vertical to eliminate strong shadows or reflections.
Q3: Can I use regular downlights to light art?
You can, but make sure to choose tilt-adjustable versions and use narrow-beam bulbs to tame your spread. The Aisha Satin Tilt LED is a solid choice.
Q4: Is it safe to leave art lights on overnight?
Yes — if you’re using LED lighting, it’s energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and safe to run for long periods without risking overheating.
Q5: Which colour temperature should I use?
3000–3500K is usually ideal for warm visual tones. Photography or modern pieces might benefit from cooler lighting at 4000–5000K.
Q6: Can I light multiple pieces with one source?
Yes, with adjustable spotlights or track systems, you can aim one light at multiple smaller works. Just be mindful of shadows and spacing.
Q7: Does sunlight ruin artwork? Should I still light it artificially?
Direct sunlight can absolutely fade and damage artwork. Use UV-filtering glass and control light with blinds. Artificial lighting gives consistent, controllable visibility.
Q8: What should I avoid with art lighting?
Avoid hot lights (halogens), poor beam angles, low CRI values, or too much contrast. These stress your art rather than serve it.
