Floor Light

A home is beautified and personalized by adding larger decorative pieces of artwork such as statues, sculptures and planters, or creating curio or shelving displays of smaller things that we are proud of and love to show off.

However, only with proper lighting can these items of creative style and deep value be truly appreciated. Knowing how to accentuate artwork and knick knacks with splashes of revealing light makes quite a difference in how they grab and hold our attention.

Floor based pieces of art are three dimensional and therefore require more than one source of light to bring out their true nature. Using only one source of light will cause shadows that will obscure certain qualities of a piece and make it much less attractive. Providing light to a piece via three light sources is recommended for displayed floor based art, angling each one to eliminate shadows which might be cast by the other light sources.

Depending on the positioning of the piece within the room, several lighting options are available for consideration. An overhead lighting fixture provides a base light shining directly down and onto the piece. This could be a surface mounted fixture or recessed light.

There should also be angled lighting shining at the object from each side. This might be achieved by using track lighting which can be moved and swiveled to the proper angles, or by placing small spotlights at the base of the piece.

Small pieces of artwork, small framed photos and knick knacks placed along shelving units or within curio cabinets require a bit different lighting strategy. Shelves and cabinet walls can block light from certain areas, and glassed-in items can cast significant reflective glaring.

To beat these problems, under cabinet lighting fixtures or small puck lights can be installed in curio cabinets and shelving units which have more than one level. This is especially effective when used within glassed-in curio cabinets as the light source is internal and doesn't produce glare. If items are being displayed on a single shelving unit then several recessed lights can be positioned above, but forward of center. They should be the swivel type so that the light can be angled towards the front of the pieces.

Track light units or two or more small spot lights can also be installed in the ceiling to project light onto displayed items. Angled light coming from a couple different directions is best as it helps to prevent glare on shiny objects and glass covered photo frames. This also helps to prevent shadowing that can cause distortion of nearby items.

As you go about decorating your home with beautiful pieces of floor based artwork and filling your shelves and cabinets with treasures and knick knacks, be sure to give creative thought to the lighting. Doing so should bring the desired attention to your prized possessions.