How do you light wall art to avoid glare and reflections?

Position your light source at a 30-degree angle relative to the wall vertical or mount a picture light 15 to 20 cm above the frame. This angle directs surface reflections straight down toward the floor rather than into the viewer's eyes, keeping every detail visible and colors true.

For ceiling track lights or recessed spotlights, install the track 60 to 90 cm away from the wall for standard ceiling heights of 250 to 270 cm. If you choose a dedicated wall-mounted picture light above the artwork, select a fixture width measuring roughly one-half to two-thirds of the total frame width.

Material choice also alters how light behaves. Cotton canvas on stretcher bars naturally diffuses light without specular glare. Cotton posters framed behind protective plexiglass in ayous wood frames benefit most from diffuse, warm light with a color temperature of 2700 to 3000 K and a CRI of at least 90.

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