Choosing the right artwork for your home is a personal decision that revolves around emotion as much as décor.
You decide where to place the picture, what height to hang the art, and what furniture may be part of the surrounding décor .
Next is choosing the type of picture lighting that will illuminate it properly, revealing the true colors of your chosen artwork. Decisions are made about picture lights, such as the style, whether it will be a wired or wireless art light, and ideas for concealing the wiring if you opt for a plug-in light.
Further to the style of light, you also need to determine the size of the fixture.
Knowing how to measure for a picture light is vital to properly illuminating artwork. Here are the steps to follow when measuring for a picture light.
Step #1: Measure Framed
and
Unframed Dimensions
Our website includes a selector tool that is built for the dimensions of the artwork only. You enter the dimensions (width and height) of your unframed artwork, excluding frame and mat, and the tool provides a recommendation on lighting for the artwork.
This tool offers some general advice that is predicated on the artwork having a 3-5” frame. A more comprehensive recommendation can be provided by our team and will require the framed and unframed dimensions, as well as images of your artwork.
Having both the framed and unframed dimensions of the artwork is important as the difference between these dimensions greatly impacts the height of the fixture over the artwork, more specifically the distance between the light source and the subject (your artwork). All light in the world is emitted in a cone; In physics this is defined as the inverse square law. This means that the greater the distance between the source and subject, the greater the lateral coverage, but conversely, the less intensity is available.
A simple example:
A flashlight held near a wall at one foot away will shine a small, very tight, concentrated spotlight. Move the light to 10 feet away from the wall, and the result is a much larger, softer spread of light. This relationship is defined by the inverse square law.
The addition of a frame and mat moves the art light farther from the picture, increasing the distance from light source to subject (your artwork). This, of course, has a direct relationship to not only the available coverage, but also the intensity offered by the fixture.
If the artwork is unframed or has a very thin frame, a larger light may be needed to properly illuminate the artwork. This is done to offset the reduced distance from source to subject and the previously described reduction in coverage.
All of our fixtures, with the exception of the Rechargeable Micro Series, offer a vertical adjustment to allow for raising the art light. This is included to allow for adjustment of the distance from source to subject (therefore adjusting lateral coverage), to provide a means to help mitigate glare, and finally to allow adaptation to frames of various sizes.
Step #2:
Ensure the Light is Large Enough
Once the dimensions of your artwork have been determined, they’ll need to be properly taken into consideration to ensure desired coverage from a fixture. The traditional rule of thumb was to have a picture light that is at least 1/2 – 2/3 the width of the artwork. Our use of proprietary optical systems has largely rewritten these rules and we caution against the use of generalities with art lighting. The size and shape of light output from LED fixtures can vary widely, especially when compared to legacy halogen or incandescent fixtures using standard bulbs. Similarly, artwork shape and composition can result in different lighting requirements.
For artwork greater than 40” in height, our Plug-in ArtTrack, Plug-in Micro Series, and Plug-in Vision Series use a combination of cutting edge optics to provide greater vertical intensity. We recommend some versions of these fixtures for artwork up to 60” in height, but many customers are pleased using them on much taller works. If an art lighting manufacturer does not discuss or disclose the maximum height for their fixtures, know that it is most likely 25”-35”. There’s a reason they don’t discuss this!
There are also instances where a piece is wider than the maximum recommended size for a fixture. Multiple fixtures can be used to allow for full coverage of your artwork. The Plug-in ArtTrack, for instance, is designed specifically for medium to large artwork, up to 60 inches tall. The ultra low-profile track system allows for inconspicuous side-by-side installation of two fixtures with both unframed artwork and flush mount frames. Additionally, two Plug-in Vision Series can be installed side by side for pieces greater than the recommended maximum lateral dimensions. Both of these systems are able to be paired to a singular remote control for a seamless experience.
Step #3: Make a Selection By Size, Not Lumens
When you’re shopping for picture lights, you may encounter information about lumens or candela. These are measures of light intensity combined from all directions (including those in a direction other than towards your artwork). More than anything, art lighting is about proper distribution of light. This is why we discuss fixtures in terms of artwork sizes instead of lumens. Using artwork sizes takes into consideration more important factors like coverage and distribution of light. Lumens alone are strictly a measure of total light output in every direction, and therefore aren’t relevant as the sole metric for art lighting.
To revisit our earlier analogy, once again imagine a flashlight held up to a wall. The flashlight would feature the same lumens at a 1’ distance as it would at 10’ distance, but offer very different coverage and distribution of light on the subject.
These characteristics of light are defined with the inverse square law. It is less about how much light can be created, and more about how the light is applied to the artwork. Our principal concern remains providing proper coverage, distribution, and intensity on artwork of various sizes and compositions. The objective suggested by those using lumens to define their products is that the simple creation of intense light is the goal, which should not be the case for artwork.
Our art lighting aims to provide visibly uniform light distribution over the entire work of art. Traditional lighting often creates a hotspot at the top of the picture that then relies on dispersion to the lower area. We use specialized optical systems to capture, concentrate, and redistribute light that brings your artwork to life.
Note that while we feel artwork sizing is the best context for recommendations, we do have the lumens of each of our fixtures available in their dedicated cut sheets for those that are curious. These can be found in the ‘Tech Specs’ section of each product page, just above the product reviews.
Lighting the Way
When it comes to choosing picture lighting, we have many options for both plug-in powered and wireless lights, in different styles and finishes. Size of the lighting is perhaps the most important part. We care about your artwork, so let us illuminate your art with our industry leading and customized picture and display lighting.
If you’re still struggling with how to measure for a picture light, or you’d like advice on selecting a fixture, we can review pictures and dimensions of your artwork and make recommendations.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-561-0492 or email us at info@situlighting.com.
John F.
A little pricey, but it does the job.
Terry
It’s awesome
Patrick O.
My Hex Head wall art has been a great addition to my man cave. The quality of their products is unmatched. I’m looking forward to buying more Hex Head products to add to my collection.
Matthew S.
Awesome
Stan D.
Wonderful product that "wowed" the family we sent it to. Customer service was great and even though we expected it to arrive after the holiday, it arrived before! This was our second order and we highly recommend!
Awesome Product
Clay T.
Gave the Philly Eagles art with light kit to a great friend and co-worker for Xmas. He loved it as much as he does the Eagles! The quality is A+! Thank you guys at Hexhead! I am gonna buy a Chiefs one for myself!
Chris
Great product love it just make sure you follow the instructions carefully and you will be fine!
Steve
This is a must, easy to install and elevates the display to the next level.
Derica
Amazing quality
Christa S.
I bought 2 and they are fantastic!
Rusty J.
Absolutely love my 49ers wall art from hexhead .
Jim G.
If you’re buying art definitely get the lights too! They look amazing
Sean C.
Really nice piece. Just got it hung up in the man cave. My only complaint is I wish the LED kit was a little bigger as this is the XXL size. Should have 2 light kit options, small and for larger pieces but overall I am very pleased. Will buy again.
Mike K.
Looks good. Quick shipment. Very happy with it.
Jason E.
You have to see in person!
Conan R.
Received the Oregon Ducks wing metal sign and absolutely love it. Light kit was very easy to assemble. Great quality and recommend to any sports fan. Great addition to the man cave!! Thank you. Conan
Benjamin
Love it…it’s all it said it was
Krystal P.
Absolutely amazing, DIY is definitely DIY. However, it can get done with patience totally worth the money!
Mack T.
I would highly recommend Hex Headart without a doubt!
Douglas
It took a little doing to get it set right. But that was on my part. But all in all, I love it 
Tonia
Love the lights once I figured out the layout (operator error, lol)
Larry
Definitely quality workmanship made out of salad materials and just the fact that it is University of Michigan makes it that much better
Tara B.
Love the artwork itself! Husband and son are excited to hang it up in our pool table room. Love the old school Denver Nuggets design. Only suggestion would be to offer the artwork to come pre lit with the lights already installed. For those of us who procrastinate or don’t have time most days an option like that would be worth an upcharge.
Steven N.
Beautiful led lights! Very easy to assemble the led lights.
Steven H.
Awesome addition to my Eagles Mancave… all set for the season. The artwork is extremely well done and a real quality piece. I purchased the LED light set to accent, and the 3D look pops!!! Great work!
Bryan P.
Outside quality great product and it’s made in America
David
A must for the sign!
Miguel
Great product
Jaime
I love my dodger sign looks great in my man cave
Jim R.
Really lights it up
ernesto
How to trim the strip to fit the backing and still work.
Audrey
Great! The light pack makes it better!
Kenn
Love it!
Jasson W.
Love the quality of the product. The only thing that I would like to do is maybe find a better way to hide the wire. Other than that quality is fantastic.
Holden
Adds some much to an already amazing piece of art.
Terrence G.
I loved my original purchase of a Yankees Hex Head sign with the LED kit that I purchased a Giants sign with the LED kit. The lights really make the sign pop. Can a University of Wisconsin Bucky Hex Head with the LED kit be far behind? Stay tuned.
Robbie
I love it!!! Awesome craftsmanship!!!
Steve M.
Love the entire package!!
Gary
Easy to install and lots of functions with app.
Kelly
Nice! Love it!!!
Terrence
Would like smaller led strips also.
Amy K.
This came quickly, it is well made, lights change and had a remote. My husband LOVES it!
Keith
It works ok -doesn’t look great,doesn’t provide a full floating affect
ERIC E.
Great light set. Perfect to place between plate glass on a tray to illuminate liquor bottles above.
Thomas B.
My only complaint is maybe have different sizes for the smaller pieces
Tami
Confusing to apply and the pack being corded, not battery powered is hard for cosmetic reasons.
Leslie T.
Got this for my husband’s birthday and he loves it.
Roy S.
I liked it so much I ordered a second Rams sign as well as a SF Giants sign.
Dana M.
Light kit was very nice and worth the extra expense- really makes the art look amazing
Brett M.
Excellent product. Amazing art work, made with quality materials, and the add on LED kit is a must. Well worth the $
Brett H.
Just got my Chelsea FC Hexhead....absolutely love it! Looks so nice! Really pops and makes my man cave look amazing! Love your products!
Michael
Awesome. Love them
Marcus
Love it!
Gary K.
Workd great
Paul P.
OMG The Best that I bought in a really long time, the art was dead on and the light enhances the art to the extreme! Thank you so much for your talents!
Michael O.
My piece was exactly as described and I love it, great job Hex Head.
Chris W.
This site may come up and have you question if it is legit. I have ordered from them twice and they are some of my favorite man cave pieces!!!
Todd
Great
Steve
Received my order in great condition and in a timely manner.
Moreno, R.
I would at the moment can't, been working a lot at my job. No time, so now till next year once it slows down. So i can use the kits , 14 hour day not enough time to play . But thank
JOSEPH
The product looks amazing.havent put it up yet but very excited to do so. I bought the Baltimore Ravens sheild for my self and the Radiers sheild as a Christmas gift. Great quality. Fast shipping and great customer service(they forgot to send my lights that go on the back i called the company and they sent me them just as fast as the ship the other items).
Steve G.
Easy to install and really makes my Hex Head Art stand out even more.
Michael P.
It does what it say does,nice if you like lights that change colors, nice!
John
Good
Mike N.
It’s Awesome!!
Dayna J.
Beautiful multi colored lights!
John
Love them
Chris F.
The light kit was very easy to install and adds an awesome touch in the dark! A must have addition to any piece.
jason
Great product!!
Michael P.
It's a great look
Caitlin
Never received item
Jose M.
It’s good quality and I like the lights and sign
Andrew
One strand of lights did not work.
Darrell C.
Love it!! Have 2 sets of LED lights in it so the eyes come out!!
Chris C.
Came out just as expected. Bought the light kit and hid the wires behind it. Looks great and could not be more pleased!
Chad W.
Really makes it ‘pop’! Getting lights for my others now!!
Juan P.
They look amazing. Great quality.
Cindy J.
Oh my goodness where do I even start?! This is the best metal wall art ever!!!! My family and friends love it as I do! It’s definitely worth buying of you’re a major sports fan!
James P.
Great product
Tommy H.
Very well crafted. Just Looks great in our sports room.
Christopher S.
Focus point of my den. Kids love it, adults are amazed by it.
Tonya C.
Perfect addition to my titans sign
Dave G.
Looks great! Here is a photo of mine at the tiki!
Gregory F.
The LED package worked great for me. Even my big fingers had no problem assembling the LED kit. It was easy to layout on the back of the wall art. I was able to set it up how I wanted for what worked best for my house. Follow the instructional video and you should have no issue. Thanks for the great product.
Eric O.
Adds to the room, will be adding another soon.
Casey M.
Looks nice
Kevin B.
I can’t say enough about this purchase. I received it as a Christmas gift. Craftsmanship is like no other and very quick shipping. Very, very happy. It goes awesome in my new bar. I will definitely be ordering another one.
Amanda F.
The LED light kit was easy to install after watching the tutorial video. It really makes the art pop. The colors are very vivid. I added the lights and hung the art in under 15 minutes. It is a great addition to our family room! Thank you!
Richard W.
The lights were super easy to connect. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. It is a great value and product for $40. The remote control is awesome too.
Ryan L.
Works perfect!
Christopher C.
I want to thank Hex Head for creating these great NCAA College Signs. They truly are amazing and they definitely make the biggest fan impressed! We will definitely be purchasing more in the future! Thanks again!
Mickey J.
You must add the LED lights with your art work!! It puts an already awesome creation over the top!!
Kirstie B.
Love our tar heel ram and Iowa state cy. Exactly what we were wanting for under our pool house!
John G.
Love it wish I had more
Matthew H.
Beautiful piece and the led lights are a must!
James S.
Great way to share your passion for your team with others in a unique peace of art. Don't forget to add the LED lights to really show it off!
Kelley L.
I purchased two sign and both arrived on time and in excellent quality. Great products and I would recommend to anyone looking to add some cool gear for their office, basement or other areas to celebrate their teams.
JOSUE F.
Awesome products this is my 3rd purchase
Shawn J.
The lights work (once I figured out to align the arrows on the connectors). The remote is is not paired or doesn’t works so the lights currently cycle through all the availed colors, which must be corrected. Once this is corrected, the lighting will be a nice effect.