Lighting for works of art

The lighting of works of art in museums, galleries and also in private rooms plays a decisive role in setting the scene for valuable art. There are a number of factors to consider here that require knowledge and understanding of art. Light distribution, the right color temperature and perfect color rendering influence the effect of the artwork. 

Every piece of art has its own form of expression and different requirements for optimal presentation in order to convey the aspects of its creator. If you have purchased a work of art for your home or would like to present a new object in the best possible way, you will find helpful tips for lighting unique works of art in the following article. 

 

The optimum artificial lighting

The goals are clear: you want to ensure that the painting, statue or installation is perfectly visible, that all the colors are recognizable, that the focus is on the details and that the artwork remains in its original condition for as long as possible. A work of art should also always offer an experience, which is why the ambience of the room is also important. The viewer enjoys the holistic atmosphere of the room, the presentation area and the artist's creation and can fully engage with the art object. 

 

Increase the visibility of your artwork!

With the right lighting, you can bring a work of art into focus for the viewer. Details, shapes, colors and textures become clearly visible and the painting, sculpture or art object is presented in a high-quality way. If the light is too dark, the beauty and message of a painting, for example, will not come across well.

Use modern lamps from our BUYnBLUE online lamp store, for example, to make your works of art optimally visible. Ceiling lamps, Floor lamps and wall lights in extravagant and stylish designs can be found here in a selected range. 

 

Pay attention to the excellent color reproduction!

When you illuminate works of art, you not only light them up, but also influence the play of colors and possibly even the meaning of the painting or installation. For this reason, the light should transmit the colors in such a way that the integrity of the work is preserved.

Correct color rendering ensures that viewers see the painting as the artist intended, without distorting their perception. Colors can be influenced primarily by light that is too dark or too bright. But lamps that are too warm or lighting that is too cold can also have an enormous influence on color rendering. 

 

Skilfully emphasize key points!

You can emphasize details with balanced lighting. A history or a causal connection is thus more recognizable and the viewer's experience is improved. This works wonderfully with correctly placed light cones and points of light that emphasize details in certain areas of the artwork. Lighting such as Floor lamps and LED spotlights are ideal for this. 

 

Preserve valuable works of art!

If works of art are exposed to a light source that is too strong, too warm or even hot, they can be severely damaged and often have to be restored at great expense. Sensitive materials such as paint, paper, cardboard or wood can be easily attacked and pigments can fade.

That's why low UV radiation, optimum light intensity and lighting duration are better for every work of art. Thanks to innovative technology, modern lamps can now be controlled at any time, even on the move. This allows you to achieve optimum lighting for works of art and preserve them for the long term.

Depending on the height, width and size of the artwork, several different lamps are used. If the work does not require lighting at night, you can equip the lamps with timers. This way the work is automatically switched off at certain times.

 

Artists use special light sources for their works of art

For an artist, natural sunlight is one of the most important sources of light. They also use task lighting such as desk lamps and small clamp lights for their creative work. Incandescent lamps, LEDs, special daylight lamps and halogen lamps are often used here.

Creative creators of works of art rarely commit to their work. They are constantly developing new approaches during the painting or production process. The incidence of light and the atmosphere also play an important role. Depending on the mood of the day and the weather, the artist is influenced during his work. It is not unusual for an idea to turn into something completely different in the end. If you are not quite sure what the artist wanted to express, highlights on certain accents and details are always a good idea. 

 

Types of lighting for works of art

You can use various lighting concepts for works of art. To ensure that your works of art appear in a perfect light, the color rendering, heat emission of the lamps and UV radiation must be professionally controlled. There are various light sources that can be used for this purpose and provide first-class lighting for works of art.

 

1. Natural filtered sunlight

   Sunlight, which creates a lively atmosphere at different times of day, provides great lighting accents, is economical and you can use special protective films so that the artwork is not damaged by UV radiation. Make sure that the light does not hit the artwork directly and that it increases and decreases in intensity at different times of the year. Skylights or hatches cast a bright but pleasant light into the room and can be closed or opened wider. If you place pictures opposite windows, darkening is definitely necessary, depending on the angle of incidence. 

   Sunlight can be diffused as desired and harsh shadows can be easily minimized. Skylights can provide a controlled and even natural light source, reducing the effects of direct sunlight and providing uniform illumination. Sheer curtains, blinds or frosted glass are simple diffusers. This controls and regulates the amount of light entering the room.  

   Light-resistant works of art such as sculptures made of robust materials are shown to their best advantage in front of windows, while sensitive and light-sensitive works such as photographs or old paintings should not be placed in direct sunlight. At the same time, use reflective surfaces of mirrors or light-colored walls to diffuse natural daylight further into a room to better showcase your artwork. 

    

2. Darkening

   To prevent works of art from being damaged by light reflections, strong UV radiation or glare, gallery owners and artists use UV films to help preserve them. Sunlight also generates heat, which is why works of art are often exhibited in large and well-cooled rooms, such as museums and large halls.

   Shading devices and air conditioning systems are also used to control the ambience and temperatures, as many old or special paintings are exposed to the natural ageing process over the years and need to be protected. Curtains, blinds and shutters in galleries are closed punctually after visiting hours so that the light can no longer harm the works of art. 

    

3. Modern LED lamps

   LED lamps for works of art offer various advantages. They emit hardly any heat, are energy-efficient and the color temperature can be individually adjusted. With modern LED lamps, you can adjust the lighting for individual works of art separately and adapt the illuminance to the specific requirements of different art objects.

   In addition, there are LED lamps with UV filters and coatings to minimize UV radiation. Install LEDs with dimmers to adjust the light intensity and create a special atmosphere for visitors.
   
   LED lamps are economical and long-lasting. Install them in track or recessed luminaires to create uniform lighting. Thanks to their flexibility in terms of distribution and installation, you can create great accents with LED lamps. Direct the eye-catcher to the desired work of art and bring it to life!
   
   

How to illuminate your works of art in the living area

Do you want to provide optimum lighting for a special picture or art object in your home? To ensure that every guest can admire the artwork at all times and that the work is not damaged, similar rules apply to art lighting in your living area as in a gallery.

The atmosphere and the precise light effect are very important. The BUYnBLUE online lamp store has high-quality and exclusive lamps for every design for your home. To ensure that the lamps match your furnishing style and the art on display, choose lamps and luminaires with different color rendering and light intensity. Ensure a uniform color temperature so that the room becomes an excellent exhibition space for the artwork.

Larger sculptures look perfect in the center of large rooms and in front of windows. Use highlight and focus lighting to draw attention to your art objects. Spotlights, ceiling lamps and Floor lamps are suitable for casting a targeted cone of light onto the artwork. You can also use dimmers to compensate for unevenness.

There is less strain on the eyes with dimmed light and the works of art are better preserved. Create a gallery-like atmosphere with exclusive lamps and illuminate your art at home just as professionally as in a museum or public exhibition. 

 

Conclusion

Lighting plays a very important role for works of art. Optimal art lighting presents the work in the right light, tells the story and message of the creator and preserves the art object.

Because genuine works of art are often very rare and expensive, they also add value to your rooms. With different and multi-layered lighting, they create the right ambience and the optimum climate for pictures, paintings and sculptures.

With high-quality and modern lamps, you can also combine works of art excellently with your furnishing style and offer a real experience when viewing great creations.