Lights for illuminating mirrors and paintings

Lamp for paintings - a specific thing, but necessary. It allows you to view the smallest details and enjoy the beauty of the paintings. About lighting for mirrors and say nothing. It will help correct or remove any shortcomings, perform subtle manipulations with the face. In order for such devices to work in full power and really benefit, you need to know some of their nuances.

Lights for mirrors and paintings emit light, which does not give shade and other defects. They are designed for uniform illumination of interior parts. But, despite the same functions, they have fundamental differences.

Illumination for pictures emits a directional light. That is, he allocates separate sections of the picture.Illumination is used cold, white, to highlight all the paint pattern.

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

Main advantages:

• selection of 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 depends largely on its direct source - the light bulb. There are several types that can be used for lighting. Important: having decided on its function, it is correct to choose a light source:

• halogen lamps: economical, provide diffused light, so it is perfect for lighting mirrors. But it is necessary to exploit them with caution: gas in their composition can be hazardous to health.If such a lamp is used to illuminate the paintings, it should be placed at a distance of 20 cm, as they become very hot;
• fluorescent lamps: also consume a small amount of energy. Highlight white light, which, with proper selection of the ceiling, can be made diffused. These bulbs have a fairly high service life. To illuminate the paintings, be sure to use fluorescent lamps with a light filter, otherwise the colors in this light will decay;
• LED bulbs: the safest species, since such lamps practically do not fight. They have different temperature colors: warm orange or saturated purple. They provide point illumination, so their use is irrational as an additional lighting.

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

• Spot. These are models in the form of tubes or LED strips. Their light can be narrowly focused or have a wide luminous flux. These lamps are located on the leg, which is bent at different angles. Convenient for highlighting pictures. LED spots are often used to illuminate museum and gallery exhibits.

Of the main types of illumination are distinguished:

• wall lights: used for wall sconces and spots. This is convenient: you can move it anywhere in the apartment, regardless of the object being lit. From fasteners that withstand such a design, you can use screws or brackets. There are models equipped with a switch and plug. In this case, the device should be connected through a socket;
• built-in lights: this is a modern kind of lighting, which is still not very common. Used to illuminate mirrors. The main plus is the saving of space, as well as time: you do not have to wrestle with first choosing a mirror, and then highlighting it. This is option two in one;

• Led tape: universal device.Suitable for both mirror and picture. It is equipped with LEDs with resistors. And very easily attached to the surface.

To fasten the tape you need:

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

Among the most common materials for lamps emit metal, glass and plastic. Aluminum, copper, brass, steel are used for metal structures.

• steel: the most commonly used metal. Lamps from it have an equal, beautiful, brilliant surface. It is treated by electrostatic method: electroplated coating in the form of chromium, nickel, gold, silver, bronze is applied to the surface of the steel device;
• aluminum: very light, which reduces the weight of the lamp;
• copper, brass: such products have a high price. There are many types of data processing metals. Copper and brass designs are distinguished by beautiful brilliance and fineness of performance. Basically they are made to order.

Glass or crystal lamps - ideal. They are fire resistant, emit a beautiful, multi-colored light. Such covers can be transparent or opaque, which will help make the light more diffused.

From non-traditional materials for lighting used wood, bamboo, as well as fabric.

Choosing the color of the lighting device, you should focus on the entire interior. For modern design best suited fixtures in white or yellow. And both for the metal case, and for glass shades.

To emphasize the grandeur of the classics, 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 illumination favorably, use transparent models that will not catch the eye.

It is worth saying a few words about black. It looks quite elegant, but you need to experiment with caution: a black tint can hide the light. Well suited for decoration lamps pastel colors and color "metallic". They are universal, fit into any interior.

The forms of lighting for mirrors depend on the style in the interior. For modern design use lamps with straight straight lines. It can be a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a square, or a spot light. It looks very elegant lighting cylindrical, "goblet" shape. It is usually located on the sides of the mirror.

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

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

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

If the mirror is large, paired elongated sconces, located on the sides two meters from the floor, are best suited. Also use hanging ceiling chandeliers.

The option of lighting the mirror and the top. This will help save space. But with such coverage all the flaws of the face will be visible. Luminaires located on the sides emit light close to daylight. But there must be at least two of them, and they take up quite a lot of space.

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

• Most often, lamps for mirrors are used in the bathroom. It is very important that such a lamp was moisture resistant. Therefore, apply the model with an index of IP44 and IP55.
• 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 the dressing table, it is better to fix the lights around the perimeter.Changing the tone of lighting, you can get its natural shade. Due to this, it is possible to achieve the effect of a make-up or make-up mirror in the bedroom.
• For a cabinet mirror, you can choose sconces on long legs that turn in different directions or fasten sconces from above. They are arranged so that they do not interfere with opening the cabinet. They can also be an additional source of lighting.

When choosing a light for a mirror or picture, follow these rules:

• Safety: when purchasing a product, familiarize yourself with its characteristics. Check with the seller how to properly connect and operate.
• Durability: depends on the material from which the lamp is made, and on its wiring. Glass ceiling lamps are often broken. Given this, you can opt for plastic or metal models.
• For the bathroom, the main conditions are moisture resistance of the lamp and protection from damage by current, which corresponds to class 2.
• Be sure to consider the size of the object that will be lit: the light must fall on the entire surface. It is likely that you will need more than 1 lamp.
• To highlight the pictures, use a lamp with a light filter, so as not to destroy the paint.

To ensure high quality and safe lighting, use products from leading European brands. Such, for example, are the German company. Paulmann and 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, frilly frills. Extensive pricing and variety of goods provide a wide range of buyers.

It looks very advantageous in the interior spot. It is universal: they can highlight both a mirror and a picture. Particularly elegant is its classic version: in bronze color, with slight scuffs and ornamentation on the case. It is exquisite and mysterious at the same time.

Built-in lights - it is beautiful and functional. Also saves space. The light in it is provided by LEDs.Thanks to this kind of lighting, it is not necessary to think about how to choose a device that would be in harmony with the interior. This light is suitable for any situation. Particularly advantageous, it illuminates the picture. Leaving the other part of the room in the twilight, it will certainly attract the eye to the canvas and illuminate all its nuances.

Wall sconces are a classic version of the backlight. Elongated, cylindrical, they gently fit into the interior. With them, the situation becomes softer and more comfortable, homely.

For more varieties of lamps to highlight the pictures, see the following video.