Picture lights: a story of accent lighting
Emerging in the 1950s and 60s, the picture light nowadays offers great versatility in its use, and it is used as an interior decoration in its own right in addition to its functional accent use. Although originally, it was made to highlight a work of art or a specific area, it has become widely popular to include today 3D works such as statues, photos, or reading corners. Given its lighting function on a very precise focal point, it falls into the category of accent lighting lamps. Discover now our selection of picture lights, adapted to every interior style.
Technology has evolved considerably since the appearance of the first models. The incandescent bulb models of the last century were quickly replaced by more durable filament halogen bulbs, which themselves are now largely surpassed by LED technology: you will find among our wide range a great diversity of shapes and choices among the picture lights with LED technology. Their lighting power has no equal, just like their ability to produce this low-energy brightness. It is practical to know that the bill does not skyrocket, when you have to display a work of art, or when you stay in the bathroom for a long time! Today, connected versions are also present on the market.
What width for a picture light?
The width will depend on the area on which you want to project the light flow of the LED lamp. Various possibilities exist among our collection, but more generally we recommend the following:
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Small format: 30-40 cm
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Medium format: 40-60 cm
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Large format: 60-100 cm
Visible or concealed mounting: a criterion not to be overlooked
Beyond size, the mounting method of your picture lights deserves consideration. Some models are mounted above the frame with a very visible bracket, assumed as a decorative element in its own right. Others are fixed behind the picture, with a concealed bracket, for a more discreet result where only the light attracts the eye. The choice depends above all on the style of your work and the desired effect.
What material are picture lights made of?
Generally, you will most often find models whose base includes a cylindrical or curvilinear diffuser, with several direct lighting spots, or a fluorescent compact tube-type bulb that extends along the entire length of the light. Most are made of traditional materials such as:
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Satin nickel
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Chrome-plated metal
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Stainless steel
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Bronze
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Aluminum
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Or plastic (polycarbonate, even acrylic)
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Finally, natural wood
It is true that a metal light quickly makes you think of the industrial style, and this type of light is moreover mostly part of this register. It is interesting to recall that 20th-century artists and creators often used abandoned factories and the luminaires available on site to illuminate their works. Nowadays, you will find both the Nordic style, a picture light made of wood, making it very decorative.
Most are also equipped with a recessed base that is fixed to the wall. Technological advances have also allowed to personalize these luminaires even more, especially the models with an articulated, flexible, and orientable arm wherever you want. Find all our picture lights directly in our store, ready to illuminate your favorite works.
The other uses of picture lights
In addition to highlighting works of art, this precise style of light will be able to illuminate your bathroom mirror while you get ready, or your headboard to serve as a reading light! It is all the more interesting if a connected option is present in your LED bulb technology. Therefore, favor a dimmable light source, with a switch and an integrated color temperature dimmer, to adjust the number of Kelvin, thus changing the brightness from a neutral white (ideal for a bathroom in the middle of the day, around 4000K) to a soft light of a warm white hue (creating a warm and subdued atmosphere, around 2700-3000K).
You can also embed your light at the level of the entrance hallway! It is an excellent idea to dress the entrance of your apartment or house. Its linear shape will create a decorative atmosphere from the moment it is turned on that will delight your guests, especially if the model has a motion detector and if it is made of natural wood, or in matte black aluminum for example — two materials and colors extremely popular in this type of design!
For a standard picture light, generally count between 300 and 500 lumens for comfortable focal lighting, without ever overpowering the work with light that is too intense. Also discover our range of solar wall lights to complete your outdoor arrangement!
Also discover our range of solar wall lights to complete your outdoor arrangement!