Picture Lights

Picture lights are commonly used to add drama and interest to any room in your home. Often used in the living room or entrance area, picture lights can create a focal point for arriving guests. Depending on the type of picture lighting you choose, you can create the effect you want to represent.

Many designers use uplighting. This type of picture lighting can be very inexpensive. Uplights are often placed on the floor and lighting is aimed upwards onto the picture. Watch for unsightly shadows caused by the picture lights on the frame of the picture. Often two picture lights aimed at the same picture will solve this shadow problem. Set the lights at a slight upward angle. If needed, place the uplight on a low shelf or table. If the uplight is not meant to be seen, you can disguise it behind a plant or other low object.

Many kitchens, offices, and work areas use undercabinet picture lights. These lights are usually hidden beneath cabinets and shine down on the picture you wish displayed. Some undercabinet lights come ready to install yourself. Just simple screw it under the cabinet, plug the electrical cord in, turn it on and direct the light on your picture. Others will need an electrician to install. These usually require wiring to be installed and connected inside walls.

Wall sconce can also make nice picture lights. Many companies offer picture lights that are specifically meant to hang on frames. They can range in price from $20 to hundreds of dollars. The least expensive picture light will have an attached cord and can be attached to the top of the picture frame. It usually contains an incandescent tubular bulb and can be purchased in several different finishes to match your decor. The more expensive picture lighting, such as a curved light with Swarovski glass can cost over $500. This type of lighting is wired through the wall and can be precisely aimed at a picture or area within a picture.