Decorating Tip: Picture Lights

In much the way that a painter uses the contrast of light and dark to model a subject and make certain features more prominent than others, we can use light in our interior decorating to give importance to the structure of the room. One way to subtly add warmth and elegance to a room is with the addition of picture lights.


These long, tubular, lights either screw into the wall above the picture or into the back of the frame itself. By lighting a painting or picture separately, you’re automatically drawing attention to it. You’re also going to accentuate the colors and make the picture seem sharper. These low-wattage lights also provide gentle, interesting indirect lighting for the room. At once, the space will seem warmer, more elegant and more energetic.

Picture lights are inexpensive. You can find them online or at your local home improvement store. They can be purchased in a variety of colors and styles so you can pick the one that best suits the picture you’re highlighting and your decor.