Picture Lights

Shop picture lights from House of Troy, Kuzco, Alora, and Alora Mood. Our collection features direct wire picture lights, plug-in picture lights, and battery-operated artwork lighting in sizes from 8 to 36 inches.

Find slimline picture lights, traditional picture lights, and LED portrait lights for museums, galleries, and home collections.

Featured Picture Light Brands

House of Troy

Handcrafted in Vermont for over 40 years, House of Troy picture lights illuminate artwork in some of the world's finest museums and private collections. Every fixture carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality. Finishes include polished brass, antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, and black with brass accents.

House of Troy offers the widest selection of sizes, styles, and mounting options—from 8-inch slim-line picture lights to 36-inch gallery fixtures suitable for large canvases and wide frames.

Kuzco

Contemporary LED picture lights with architectural precision and energy efficiency. Kuzco fixtures feature integrated LED sources providing 3000K warm illumination with 30,000+ hour lifespans. Clean lines and modern finishes suit minimalist interiors and contemporary art displays.

Alora and Alora Mood

Fashion-forward picture lighting with contemporary aesthetics. Alora designs balance modern style with functional illumination for art collections seeking distinctive fixture design alongside their displayed pieces.

Installation Types

Direct Wire Picture Lights

Hardwired picture lights provide the cleanest installation with no visible cords. Ideal for permanent gallery walls, formal living rooms, and professional art displays. Requires electrical work but delivers seamless, museum-quality presentation.

Plug-In Picture Lights

Plug-in models offer flexibility without electrical work. Cord covers (often included) conceal wiring for neat appearance. Perfect for renters, temporary displays, or spaces where hardwiring isn't practical.

Battery-Operated Picture Lights

Battery artwork lights illuminate spaces without power access—above mantels, in hallways, or on gallery walls away from outlets. LED technology extends battery life significantly. Ideal for highlighting art in dining rooms, staircases, and remote wall locations.

Size Guide - Matching Picture Lights to Frames

Sizing Rule: Picture light width should equal approximately ½ to ⅔ the frame width for balanced illumination without spill onto surrounding walls.

Picture Light Styles

Slimline Picture Lights

Low profile picture lights with slim tubular shades measuring just 1-2 inches in depth. These slimline fixtures work beautifully above frames in tight spaces or where minimal fixture intrusion matters. Available in 14", 16", 21", 24", and 36" widths.

Traditional Picture Lights

Classic brass and bronze picture lights with curved arms and period-appropriate details. Traditional picture lights from House of Troy suit formal spaces, antique frames, and classic artwork requiring historically appropriate illumination.

Contemporary Picture Lights

Modern picture lights featuring clean geometric forms and LED technology. Matte black, brushed nickel, and architectural finishes suit contemporary art and minimalist interiors.

Library and Mantel Lights

Wider-beam fixtures designed for bookshelves, mantels, and display cases. These versatile lights illuminate multiple objects or wider displays requiring broader coverage than single-artwork picture lights.

Technical Specifications

LED vs. Incandescent

• LED picture lights: 2700K-3000K warm color temperature, 30,000+ hour lifespan, minimal heat (safe for sensitive artwork), energy efficient
• Incandescent: Classic warm glow, T10 or T4 bulbs, traditional appearance

Features

• Adjustable heads for directing light precisely
• Extension arms positioning light away from frames
• Dimming switches for intensity control (many models)
• Felt-lined clamps protecting frame finishes
• UL listed for safety certification

Finishes

Popular Options

Polished brass, antique brass, satin brass, oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, brushed nickel, matte black, black with brass accents, and pewter

House of Troy offers the widest finish selection, allowing coordination with frame finishes and room hardware.

Applications

Home Galleries

Create museum-quality displays in living rooms, hallways, and dedicated gallery walls. Layer picture lights with ambient room lighting for dramatic effect. Position lights 4-6 inches above frame tops for optimal angle.

Professional Galleries and Museums

Commercial-grade fixtures support extended operating hours. LED models reduce maintenance and heat exposure to valuable artwork.

Portraits and Photography

Portrait lights emphasize detail and color accuracy in family portraits, photographs, and formal artwork. Choose LED options with high CRI (Color Rendering Index) for truest color representation.

Mantels and Display Shelves

Library and mantel lights illuminate decorative objects, collectibles, and architectural features beyond traditional framed artwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size picture light do I need?

Choose picture light width approximately ½ to ⅔ your frame width. A 30-inch frame works well with a 16-21 inch picture light. Larger fixtures provide broader coverage; smaller fixtures offer focused illumination.

What's the difference between direct wire and plug-in picture lights?

Direct wire picture lights connect permanently to electrical wiring with no visible cords—ideal for permanent installations. Plug-in models offer flexibility and easier installation without an electrician.

Are battery-operated picture lights bright enough?

Yes. Modern LED battery picture lights provide sufficient illumination for most artwork. Battery life varies by usage, but LED efficiency extends runtime significantly compared to older technologies.

Should picture lights match frame finish?

Coordinating finishes creates cohesive appearance, but contrasting finishes can work beautifully. Brass picture lights complement gold frames; bronze suits darker wood tones; nickel pairs with silver or contemporary frames.

How far above the frame should picture lights mount?

Position picture lights 4-6 inches above frame top edges. Adjustable heads allow fine-tuning light angle for optimal coverage without glare or hot spots.