Lighting Your Mirror
A guide for the Keepers who want their artwork to be seen as it was created to be seen.
Light is not decoration.
Light is the final brushstroke.
The way you illuminate your Mirror determines how faithfully its colors, textures, and emotional language reveal themselves in your space.
Below is the official, collector-approved guide to lighting your Mirror at home.
1. Ceiling-Mounted Spotlights
A dedicated ceiling spotlight is the most precise and elegant way to illuminate your Mirror.
Placement:
- • Aim the light at the artwork from a 30°–45° angle.
- • This angle prevents harsh shadows (too steep) and prevents glare (too flat). It is the global standard for museum display.
Height Considerations:
- • If your ceilings are high, use a narrower beam (10°–25°) with a stronger output so the light reaches the artwork with clarity.
- • For example: a 10° beam can beautifully illuminate a ~30” piece from a 20-ft ceiling.
2. Picture-Mounted Lights (When the Ceiling Isn’t an Option)
If you have very high ceilings or prefer a flexible installation, a picture-mounted light is an excellent choice.
These attach to the back of the frame and cast an even, art-safe glow across the surface.
Depending on your space, picture lights can be:
- • Battery powered
- • Plug-in
- • Hardwired (cleanest option, requires an electrician)
Choose whichever integrates best with your home’s design.
3. The Right Bulb
The bulb you choose is as important as the composition of the artwork itself.
There are two key specifications to respect:
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
This determines how accurately colors appear under the light.
Always use CRI 95+ — anything lower will make the artwork look dull, muddy, or lifeless.
Color Temperature
This decides the warmth or coolness of the light.
- • If your home uses warm lighting, choose 3000K–3500K.
- • If your home uses cool white lighting, choose 4000K.
Advanced tip (for perfectionists like us):
- • Mirrors with warm palettes (reds, oranges, golds) look best at 3500K.
- • Mirrors with cool palettes (blues, greens) flourish at 4000K.
At Mirrors by Viulet, our studio lighting runs at 4000K, CRI 95+ — museum-grade clarity.
4. Beam Spread: How Wide the Light Opens
The beam angle determines how wide the light falls across the artwork.
- • 10° — ideal for small pieces or high ceilings
- • 25° — perfect for medium artworks (~40” x 40”)
For larger Mirrors, instead of using extremely wide beams (which reduce intensity), simply use two or three spotlights aimed together for even illumination.
5. Sizing Picture Lights
If you choose a picture-mounted fixture, follow this simple guideline:
- • The light should be at least half the width of the frame.
- • For pieces over 30”, choose a light 2/3 the frame width or more.
This prevents uneven highlights and ensures the artwork reads as one continuous visual.
6. Final Notes on Installation
Your bulb must match the base of your fixture, the technical detail your electrician or lighting supplier will confirm for you.
Once installed, step back… and adjust the angle until the entire surface glows with soft, even clarity.
The Result
When lit correctly, a Mirror becomes what it was meant to be:
a living presence in your space.
The colors breathe.
The symbolism opens.
The artwork becomes a portal rather than a decoration.
This guide ensures your Mirror is displayed with the same reverence, precision, and beauty with which it was created. If you ever need personalized lighting advice, our concierge team is here for you — always.
Mirrors by Viulet — Where art becomes remembrance.