When choosing the best art lighting fixtures, you really have to break them down into three categories: Picture lights, adjustable accent lights and optical framing projectors. Let’s take a look at the advantages offered by each category –

Picture Lights
Surface mounted picture lights are the simplest form on art lighting used by galleries, consultants and homeowners. Picture lights are attached to the frame or wall and cords are either exposed or concealed behind the frame depending on the location of the receptacle. The picture light floods the art and produces heat that may be harmful to works of art. They are available in several styles and lengths to fit most art. Costs for this form of lighting is minimal.

Adjustable Accent Lighting
Recessed accent light fixtures, typically MR16 fixtures, can be quite effective for illuminating art. The small aperture and high output of these lights makes them a favorite in both commercial and residential settings. The low voltage LED light produces a good color and can be controlled to spot light or flood an object with light. MR16 lamps, because of their dichroic reflectors, are “Cool Beam” lamps and do not create harmful UV or infrared rays that damage art. Accent lights come in many shapes and sizes and are made by many manufacturers. Cost for this form of lighting is moderate.

Optical Framing Projectors
Recessed optical framing projectors are by far the most dramatic and effective way to illuminate art or sculpture. Optical framing projectors produce a very high intensity focused light that can be manipulated to fit the exact contour of the object. Only a few companies promote optical framing projectors because they are so specialized and tedious to install. Some companies make simple framing projectors that must conform to a rigid formula and can only do square or rectangular art, masking the light with shutters. Others, like those offered by Phantom Lighting Systems, are more complex and require a trained technician to hand cut templates that mask the light to any shape. Costs for this form of lighting pictures can be high and does vary by manufacturer.

Phantom Contour Projectors are designed by a professional installer and have been engineered so a novice, do it yourself-er or qualified electrician can successfully illuminate art. The patented mounting method, simplified optical system and the ability to use both shutters and custom templates make this one of the most versatile and awesome fixtures on the market today. By shaping the light to only the canvas, the art takes on a “lit-from-within” look that can only be achieved with our Contour projectors.

Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service customers throughout the country.

See our framing projector comparison article to see how we stack up against the competition in this highly specialized niche market. Feel free to contact us toll-free at 800-863-1184 for design assistance or technical information.