Accent lighting for art

Benefits of using accent lighting to highlight artwork

There are several benefits of using accent lighting to highlight artwork, including:

• Bringing attention to details such as colour, brushstrokes, textures and storytelling.
• Guiding the journey of a viewer through a gallery by making some pieces stand out more than, or differently to, others.
• Creating the right ambiance within an exhibition.
• Providing gallery directors with the versatility to easily change artworks for different exhibitions without the time and cost of having to rework permanent ambient lighting fixtures.

Types of accent lighting suitable for art displays

Types of accent lighting suitable for art displays are:

• Traditional picture lights

Picture lights are mounted on the wall above an artwork. The beam is directed to provide an even coverage of the entire piece.

• Recessed downlights

Installed in ceilings, downlights with adjustable beam angles provide subtle illumination.

• Track lighting

Spotlights installed on tracks can be easily moved along the track, and the direction of the beam can be adjusted, providing versatility for different pieces.

• Surface spotlights

Surface spotlights are placed on the surface next to an exhibit to project light using a miniature zoom lens.

• Wall washers

Wall washers provide a discreet beam that illuminates a large area of a wall to showcase large or multiple artworks.

How to position accent lighting for maximum impact

Correctly positioning accent lighting is essential for maximum impact in art galleries.

In galleries with a standard 2.4m high ceiling, to create circular pools of light downlights should be mounted 500mm from the wall.

Wall washers mounted 700mm from the wall will achieve a broad, even distribution of light.

Tracks should be positioned around 650mm from the wall with a 30° angle to minimise glare and shadows, although this can vary from between 450mm to 900mm.

Choosing the right colour temperature for artwork

Choosing the right colour temperature for artwork is essential for maximising its presentation and protection from light damage.

Traditional artworks such as oil paintings usually require a warm colour temperature of around 2700K to 3000K, while contemporary and ultra-modern artworks will fare better under a cool 4000K. A neutral colour temperature of 3000K to 4000K works well for a large number of artworks.

A colour temperature that is too high for an artwork can cause fading and other damage, so it is essential that the correct temperature is selected for each piece.