Picture lights are perfect for art lovers, galleries, and anyone who wants to display art on their walls at home or work. These are designed to shine on artwork and photos, making them look better and highlighting their details. These lights focus on the art, improving how it looks by showing off its colors and textures without fading it.
Key Factors to consider:
- Size: Consider the size of the light you choose for your artwork. A small light might not be noticeable on a large piece, while a larger light could be too strong for a smaller artwork. For instance, a 10-inch light works well for medium-sized paintings, whereas a 24-inch light is better for larger displays.
- Power Type: Decide whether you prefer a battery-powered or electric corded light source. Battery-powered lights offer flexibility without cords, while electric ones ensure continuous illumination.
- Color Temperature: Look for lights with color temperature for different atmospheres. Options like warm white (3000K) for coziness, natural white (4300K) for accurate colors, or cool white (8000K) for a modern feel can be considered.
Considering these factors will help you choose the right picture light to enhance and create the perfect lighting for your space.
Best Picture Lights Table
| Picture Lights | Material | Power Type | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIGLIGHTLED Picture Light | ABS Plastic and Aluminium | 3 AA Batteries | Check On Amazon |
| LUXSWAY Picture Light | Plastic and Aluminium | 3 AA batteries | Check On Amazon |
| HONWELL Picture Light | Plastic | Li-ion battery | Check On Amazon |
| Concept Picture Light | Brass | Battery | Check On Amazon |
| Westinghouse Picture Light | Brass | C Batteries | Check On Amazon |
| House of Troy Picture Light | Metal | Electric Cord | Check On Amazon |
| E&Green Picture Lights | Metal and Plastic | Electric Cord | Check On Amazon |
| Westek Picture Light | Plastic | Electric Cord | Check On Amazon |
Best Picture Lights Reviews
1. BIGLIGHT Picture Light
If you are looking for a stunning wireless picture light, then BIGLIGHT is a considerable option. This is an attractive light, available in black color. The materials used are plastic and metal.
The direction of the light is adjustable. The light’s arm can be expanded up to 13” and it can rotate 180 degrees. The brightness is also adjustable; you have the 50% option and the 100% option.
It has 3 lighting modes; 3000K warm white, 4300K natural white, and 8000K cool white. It is battery powered. 3 AA batteries are required but they are not included in the package. It is a wall-mount light, installation is simple as the screws are provided.
Best Features
- 2-way switching
- 3 lighting modes
- Dimmable
- Sturdy material
- 180 degrees rotation
- Adjustable brightness
Cons
- Not suitable for big frames.
2. LUXSWAY Picture Light
If you love gold color, then you will love this picture light from LUXSWAY. It is made of plastic and metal. Brightness is adjustable and dimmable.
One great thing about this one is that the direction of the light is adjustable. The light’s arm can be expanded up to 13” and it can rotate 180 degrees. The brightness is also adjustable; you have the 50% option and the 100% option.
It is battery powered. 3 AA batteries are required but they are not included in the package. It is a wall-mount light, installation is simple as the screws are provided.
Best Features
- Soft brightness painting light
- Dimmable
- Attractive
- Sturdy material
- light’s arm can be expanded up to 13”
- 180 degrees rotation
- Adjustable brightness
Cons
- Not suitable for big frames.
3. HONWELL Picture Light
This is a flexible frame mount picture light that is completely made of plastic. It has excellent design and flexible directional rotation and equipped with rechargeable batteries.
The direction of the light is adjustable. The tilt-head can be rotated 180 degrees and the neck can rotate 360 degrees. The brightness is also adjustable; you have the 50% option and the 100% option.
It has 3 lighting modes; 3000K warm white, 4300K natural white, and 8000K cool white. It is battery powered. Comes with 2 rechargeable 2200 mAh Li-ion battery. Micro USB port for charging.
3 AA batteries are required but they are not included in the package. It is a wall-mount light, installation is simple as the screws are provided.
Best Features
- Rechargeable Battery
- 3 lighting modes
- Dimmable
- Attractive
- 180 degrees rotation
- Neck rotation 360 degrees
- Adjustable brightness
Cons
- Not very strong material
Doesn’t hold a charge for that long
4. Concept Picture Light
If you are looking for an antique-looking picture light for your frame, then Concept Lighting 202L could be an excellent choice for you. It’s a cordless light with an antique brass finish.
It is a cordless picture light. It is dimmable and remote-controlled. The light uses an advanced solid-state circuit with pulse-width modulation that provides 80 hours of battery life. The light uses superior quality LED lights that include warm color rendition and even light distribution.
The light uses 3 ‘C’ batteries and there is a remote control that comes with the light; it uses 2 AA batteries.
Best Features
- Antique brass finish
- Remote controlled
- Dimmable
- Antique finish
- Sturdy material
- Adjustable brightness
- Long battery life
Cons
- A luxurious option for sure but not a convenient one.
5. Westinghouse Picture Light
We have another stunning looking picture light with a brass finish from Westinghouse. It has an antique brass finish. It has an 8 feet long cord and an on/off switch.
This is a stunning light, made of brass. It has a 7-inch long antique brass finish and sleek lines. The neck is adjustable. But the flexibility isn’t there as it has a power cord so, it needs to be close to a wall socket.
It comes with a single powerful 15 Watt bulb. This is an excellent product if you are going with the vintage theme.
Best Features
- Antique brass finish
- Adjustable neck
- 8 feet long cord
- Stunning design
- Sturdy material
- 7” slimline
Cons
- Needs a wall socket
6. House of Troy Picture Light
We have another brass finish picture light from the House of Troy. It is a 14” light with excellent design and 2 different brightness levels.
This is an attractive picture light made of high-quality metal. The design is excellent, antique brass finish and 14” shade size. This light has a cord that extends below the picture. The on/off switch is on the cord and you can also adjust the brightness level.
Its height is 2.25” and it comes with a powerful Incandescent bulb. The bulb is included in the package.
Best Features
- 2 different brightness level
- Brass finish
- Sturdy material
- 14” shade
- Adjustable brightness
- Incandescent bulb
Cons
- Not a convenient product
- Needs a wall socket
7. E&Green Picture Lights
This picture light has a classic design. It is slim and has a brass finish. Its length is 24.4 inches and light is non-dimmable. Apart from that, this one is a very value for money picture light with good features.
This one comes with a premium quality metal construction. 90-degree swivel light and 120-degree beam angle. This is completely battery operated. So, a wall socket is not required.
Best Features
- Brass finish
- Battery operated
- Non-Dimmable
- Attractive
- Sturdy material
Cons
- Not suitable for big frames.
8. Westek Picture Light
Our final pick is the wireless battery operated picture light from Westek. It looks sophisticated, available in 3 different colors. This one is completely made of plastic.
The light is adjustable, the swivel head rotates 90 degrees. Its length is 16” and it is a wall-mounted light. It is Dimmable and its power saver mode turns off the light after 4 hours.
Installation is simple. Wall mounting screws are included in the package. It runs on 3 ‘C’ batteries that are not included in the package.
Best Features
- Adjustable light
- Remote controlled
- Dimmable
- Wall-mount
- Battery operated
- Available in 3 different colors
Cons
- Fully plastic material
Buying Guide For Best Picture Light
The only task of the picture lights is to illuminate the paintings or the photographs. Basically, the light needs to properly illuminate whatever it is attached to.
This sounds like a simple task but it is pretty easy to get the wrong light and wrong lighting can ruin the integrity of a painting or a photograph. So, you need to pick them carefully after going through our buyer’s guide; where we will discuss some important subjects for this important purchase.
1. The Size of the Picture Lights
The size needs to be appropriate according to art. So, it is important to purchase the light, just the right size. We have tips for you to follow.
- Measure the art. Take the measurement of the width very accurately. If the art is framed, you need to include the frame in the measurement.
- If you want to light that has a slim profile, then it is better to get a bit larger size. it will help to cover up the entirety of the piece.
- If the art is tall; very tall then you should get a light that extends a bit more further from the wall. So, it can properly light the entire piece.
Now, let us provide you with a chart to help you with your light purchase.
| Artwork Width | Width of the Light Approximately |
|---|---|
| 8” to 14” | 41/2” |
| 12” to 18” | 51/2” |
| 16” to 24” | 7” to 9” |
| 18” to 35” | 10” to 13” |
| 25” to 37” | 141/2” to 16” |
| 38” and bigger | 30” or You can use more than one light |
If you purchase according to the chart we have provided, you will be able to purchase the right light for your picture.
2. The Position
The position of the light is incredibly important and you should go through our expert tips before installing the light fixture.
- You have to focus the light beam in the center of the frame. Set it at approximately eye level.
- Then, make sure that the beam reached the top and the bottom of the frame correspondingly.
- The angle of the light is very important as well. If the light is completely straight, then it will create glare. If you have angled it too aggressively, the light will create long shadows. It needs to be just right.
- You will get the best result if you place the light at a 30-degree angle.
- You should go for LED lights. As they do not emit UV rays. Long-term exposure to UV rays can damage art and photographs.
3. Wall Mount VS Frame Mount
Of course, there are 2 types of mounts available. The wall mount goes in the wall and hangs above the frame. The frame mount attaches to the frame.
- The wall mounts will be installed on the wall behind the art and it is permanent. Gives a professional vibe.
- The frame mount is attached directly to the frame itself. But it allows you to move the frame.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages. But the user has to make the ultimate choice here.
4. Power Source
Well, we are discussing lights. So, we have considered the power source of these picture lights. Of course, in the end, it will be your choice and your convenience that matters the most.
- Plug-in Picture Lights: As the name suggests, you will have to plug them in an outlet just like regular lamps. These are the cheaper option and make it easier to re-position the lights. The presence of the cord can be an issue if you can easily hide it behind the frame.
- Direct Wire Picture Lights: This is more of a permanent solution. The lights will be hardwired into your house’s electrical system.
- Battery Operated: The battery-operated lights are expensive and they are easy to relocate. Outlets are unnecessary and provide a cleaner look.
5. Color Temperatures
Choosing the right picture lights involves understanding color temperatures. Here’s a guide to help you choose:
Warm White (2700K – 3000K)
- Creates a cozy ambiance, great for traditional art.
- Enhances warm colors like reds and yellows.
- Gives a timeless look, ideal for vintage pieces.
- Neutral White (3500K – 4000K):
- Balances warm and cool tones, suitable for various artworks.
- Reveals accurate colors without bias, good for portraits and landscapes.
Cool White (5000K – 6500K)
- Offers vibrant illumination, perfect for modern art.
- Enhances cool colors like blues and greens.
- Gives a clean look, great for contemporary installations.
Daylight White (6500K – 7000K)
- Mimics natural daylight, ideal for detailed artwork.
- Suitable for spaces with natural light or professional exhibitions.
- Provides true-to-life color representation.
Conclusion
When selecting picture lights, consider the type, desired lighting effect, and energy efficiency. LED lights are a choice due to their versatility, low energy consumption, and durability. Going through the buyer’s guide and our extensive product list will make it easier to understand.
Here are out top Recommendations lamp for pictures:
- Our first pick is the BIGLIGHT Picture Light. It is an LED light. Construction is sturdy and battery-operated. It is dimmable and comes with 3 different lighting modes.
- Our second pick is from HONWELL Picture Light . It is a good product with a rotating head and different lighting modes. But we like this due to its rechargeable battery.
- The last one is the plastic light from Westek Picture Light. It has a modern design. Although, it is made of plastic it works really well. Battery operated and available in 3 different colors.
