Interior Decorating

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Interior Decorating

Find the Right Size Picture Lights for Your Artwork

How to Measure for a Picture Light

From About.com

Photo courtesy of LampsPlus
With proper picture lights, your art will stand out in the room. What's the point of hanging a beautiful piece of artwork if you can't see it? With proper picture lighting, you'll be able to see your art, it will attract the attention it deserves, and you'll be able to see all the details "in the best light."

Picture lights attach to the frame of the art and come in various lengths and many metallic finishes. They're great for lighting art in a dark place or to draw attention to it.

Measure the width of your art and use the following rules to determine the length of your picture light.

  • For a frame 8 to 14 inches wide, use a 4 1/2 inch light.
  • For a frame 12 to 18 inches wide, use a 5 1/2 inch light.
  • For a frame 16 to 24 inches wide, use a 7 to 9 inch light.
  • For a frame 25 to 37 inches wide, use a 14 1/2 to 16 inch light.
  • For a frame more than 35 inches wide, find a 30 inch light.

Of course these are just suggestions. Find the light that looks best and gives the proper illumination for your artwork.

Go to our Directory of Quick Tips.

More Interior Decorating Quick Tips

Explore Interior Decorating

About.com Special Features

Green Your Clean

Rid your home of grime and harsh chemicals by cleaning with these natural items. More >

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Every home is different, but this basic cleaning supply list is a good starting point. More >

Interior Decorating

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Interior Decorating
  4. Beginner Decor
  5. Quick Tips
  6. Picture Lights- Find the Right Size Picture Lights for Your Artwork

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.