Lamps for illuminating mirrors and paintings

A lamp for paintings is a specific thing, but necessary. It allows you to see the smallest details and enjoy the beauty of the paintings. There is nothing to say about illumination for mirrors. She will help to correct or remove any flaws, to perform subtle manipulations with the face. In order for such devices to work at full power and really be useful, you need to know some of their nuances.

Lamps for mirrors and paintings emit light that does not give shadows and other defects. They are designed for uniform illumination of interior details. But, despite the same functions, they have fundamental differences.

Picture lighting emits a directional light. That is, he highlights individual areas of the picture. The lighting is used cold, white to highlight all the colors in the painting.

In the case of a mirror lamp, its light is directed towards the person's face. It is soft, diffuse and not very bright so as not to cause discomfort in the eyes. Mirror lights are an additional source of illumination, that is, they can illuminate other interior items. Picture lamps, on the other hand, illuminate only one canvas, leaving the other part of the room in the shade.

Main advantages:

• highlighting details and nuances;
• can be used as a night light;
• create a calm, unobtrusive atmosphere;
• are an element of decor.

The quality of the background light is largely dependent on its direct source - the light bulb. There are several types that can be used for backlighting. Important: having decided on its function, choose the right light source:

• halogen lamps: economical, provide diffused light, therefore ideal for illuminating mirrors. But they should be exploited with caution: the gas in their composition can be hazardous to health. If such a lamp is used to illuminate paintings, it should be placed at a distance of 20 cm, since they get very hot;
• fluorescent lamps: also consume little energy. White light is emitted, which, with the correct selection of the plafond, can be made diffused. These bulbs have a fairly long service life. To illuminate the paintings, be sure to use fluorescent lamps with a light filter, otherwise the paints will disintegrate under such lighting;
• LED lamp: the safest type, as these lamps practically do not break. They have a different temperature color: warm orange or deep purple. They provide spot illumination, so their use as additional lighting is irrational.

• Wall sconces. The most popular and varied type of lamps. They can be with round, oval, rectangular shades; different colors. Often located on a leg that turns in different directions. Thanks to this, the light can be directed to any point of the illuminated object.
• Chandeliers... They are fixed to the ceiling and descend on the sides. Suitable for a mirror. A kind of option, it requires careful development.

• Spot... These are models in the form of tubes or LED strips. Their light can be narrow-beam or have a wide luminous flux. Such lamps are located on a leg that bends at different angles. Convenient for illuminating pictures. LED spots are often used to illuminate museum and gallery exhibits.

The main types of backlighting are distinguished:

• wall lighting: used for wall sconces and spotlights. It is convenient: you can move it to any point in the apartment, regardless of the illuminated object. Fasteners that can withstand this design can use screws or brackets. There are models equipped with a switch and a plug. In this case, the device should be connected via the socket;
• built-in backlight: This is a modern form of lighting that is not yet very common. Used to illuminate mirrors. The main plus is saving space, as well as time: you do not have to rack your brains, first choosing a mirror, and then lighting to it. This is a two-in-one option;

• Led strip: universal device. Suitable for both mirror and painting. It is equipped with LEDs with resistors. And it is very easy to attach to the surface.

To fasten the tape you need:

• divide it into parts, according to the size corresponding to the lighting object;
• remove the protective layer under which the adhesive base is located;
• glue the film to the desired place.

Among the most common materials for lighting fixtures are metal, glass and plastic. For metal structures, aluminum, copper, brass, steel are used.

• steel: the most commonly used metal. Lamps made of it have a smooth, beautiful, shiny surface. It is treated electrostatically: the surface of a steel device is electroplated in the form of chromium, nickel, gold, silver, bronze;
• aluminum: very light, which reduces the weight of the luminaire;
• copper, brass: such products are expensive. There are many types of metal data processing. Copper and brass constructions are distinguished by their beautiful luster and subtlety of workmanship. Mostly they are made to order.

Glass or crystal lights are ideal. They are fire resistant and emit beautiful, multi-colored light. These shades can be transparent or opaque, which will help to make the light more diffused.

From unconventional materials, wood, bamboo, and also fabric are used for illumination.

When choosing the color of the lighting fixture, you should focus on the entire interior. For modern design, white or yellow lamps are best suited. Moreover, both for a metal case and for glass shades.

To emphasize the majesty of the classics, the mirrors can be decorated with lamps in the color of precious metals: bronze or gold. If the backlight does not play a decorative role, if its function is to emphasize the object of lighting favorably, use transparent models that will not be conspicuous.

It is worth saying a few words about black. It looks quite graceful, but you need to experiment with it with care: the black tint can hide the light. Pastel colors and metallic colors are well suited for decorating lamps. They are versatile and will fit into any interior.

The shapes of lighting fixtures for mirrors depend on the style of the interior. For modern design, lamps with straight, even lines are used. It can be a circle, oval, rectangle, square, or spotlight. The illumination of a cylindrical, "goblet" shape looks very elegant. It is usually placed on the sides of the mirror.

The spiral configuration has a rather original look. It will suit modern styles. And if we talk about lamps in the form of a double spiral, then its soft, streamlined shapes will perfectly emphasize the classic interior.

Illumination for mirrors can also have non-standard outlines: in the form of a flower, birds, anchors or candelabra. It all depends on the stylized focus. As for the pictures, everything is simpler here. Basically, they are illuminated with a spot, which is in the form of a tube or tape.

Basically, the backlight is installed on the sides or along the perimeter of the illuminated object. As for the mirror, if it is small, it is better to use lighting with lamps around the perimeter for it. These can be spotlights, LED strips. Perimeter lighting can be built-in or separate.

If the mirror is large, paired elongated sconces located on the sides two meters from the floor are best suited. Hanging ceiling chandeliers are also used.

The option of illuminating the mirror from above is also possible. This will help save space. But with this kind of lighting, all the flaws of the face will be visible. The luminaires located on the sides emit light that is close to daylight. But there should be at least two of them, and they take up a lot of space.

To illuminate the paintings, the background light is placed above or below. It depends on the subject of the image. To illuminate portraits, the lamp is attached from below. If the canvas depicts a landscape, then from above. Moreover, the lamp should occupy 2/3 of the length of the picture.

• Most often, mirror lamps are used in the bathroom. It is very important here that such a lamp is moisture resistant. Therefore, models with an IP44 and IP55 index are used.
• Bedroom: if the mirror in it is large, full-length, then the lamps are installed on the sides, 2 m from the floor. If we are talking about a dressing table, it is better to fix the lighting around the perimeter. By changing the tone of the lighting, you can get its natural tint. Thanks to this, you can achieve the effect of a make-up or makeup mirror in the bedroom.
• For the cabinet mirror, you can choose a sconce with long legs that turn in different directions, or you can fix the sconce on top. They are positioned so that they do not interfere with the opening of the cabinet. They can also become an additional source of lighting.

When choosing a backlight for a mirror or painting, follow these rules:

• Safety: When purchasing a product, familiarize yourself with its specifications. Check with the seller on how to properly connect and operate.
• Durability: Depends on the material of the luminaire and its wiring. Glass shades break frequently. With this in mind, you can opt for plastic or metal models.
• For the bathroom, the main conditions are the moisture resistance of the lamp and protection against electric damage, which corresponds to class 2.
• Be sure to consider the size of the object that will be illuminated: the light must hit the entire surface. It is likely that you will not need 1 lamp, but several.
• Use a filter lamp to illuminate the paintings so as not to destroy the paint.

For high quality and safe lighting, use the products of leading European brands. These are, for example, a German company Paulmann and an italian company Odeon Light.

These manufacturers produce models of different styles: from modern to classic. Their variety is striking: from clear ergonomic lines to pompous, pretentious delights. An extensive pricing policy and a variety of goods provide a wide range of buyers.

Looks very good in the spot interior. It is universal: it can illuminate both a mirror and a picture. Its classic version looks especially elegant: in bronze color, with slight abrasions and ornaments on the case. It is exquisite and mysterious at the same time.

Built-in lighting is beautiful and functional. It also saves space. The light in it is provided by LEDs. Thanks to this type of lighting, you do not need to think about how to choose a device that would be in harmony with the interior. This kind of lighting will suit any setting. It illuminates paintings especially favorably. Leaving the other part of the room in the twilight, she will certainly draw the eye to the canvas and illuminate all its nuances.

Wall sconces are a classic backlighting option. Elongated, cylindrical in shape, they unobtrusively fit into the interior. With them, the atmosphere becomes softer and more comfortable, home.

For even more varieties of lamps for illuminating pictures, see the next video.