Exterior wall art is a great way to enhance your outdoor space, turning blank, boring walls into beautiful canvases. Whether it’s a mural, a sculptural installation or a piece of hanging art, adding the right lighting can really make it pop, adding atmosphere and emphasis to the art or wall decor it illuminates.
When designing outdoor lighting you have to first consider how it will work with your chosen wall art and the overall feel that it will give the space. Done the right way, lighting can elevate the experience of your outdoor space, highlighting the textures, shapes and colours of your wall decor and creating a warm illumination.
Lighting and Outdoor Wall Art
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Lighting does more than just making sure your garden is lit up after dark. It’s an art form in itself when it comes to outdoor decoration. Well placed and chosen lights effectively draw attention to the details of your outdoor wall art that you may miss during the day.
The shadows, highlights and depth created by well-positioned lighting can turn a simple piece of art into a feature.
Considerations When Lighting Wall Art
- Type of Art: The type of art you’re lighting will determine the type of lighting. For example if you have a sculpture or textured mural, grazing lights which shine across the surface at a low angle will highlight the texture and create great shadows. For flat paintings or metal wall signs, more even lighting, like spotlights, might be more suitable.
- Positioning: The placement of your lights is key. Too close and you’ll get harsh shadows, too far and you won’t highlight the details. For example, uplighting – placing lights at the base of the wall and angling them upwards – can create a dramatic effect, making the artwork look taller and more grand. Downlighting can soften the artwork and make it feel more intimate and inviting.
- Colour Temperature: The colour of the light is just as important as the intensity. Cooler lights (bluish hue) can give a modern sleek look, warmer lights (yellow or amber tone) a softer more natural feel. The colour temperature should match the artwork and the surrounding environment.
- Light Control: Dimmers and programmable lighting systems are great for controlling the intensity and timing of your lights. Being able to adjust the brightness allows you to set the mood for different occasions, whether it’s a soft glow for an intimate evening or brighter lights for a party.
Types of Outdoor Lighting for Walls
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There are several outdoor lighting options that work well for illuminating external wall decor. Some of the best types are:
- Spotlights: These give a focused beam of light and can be directed onto specific parts of your wall art. Spotlights are great for highlighting features of an artwork, perfect for intricate or detailed pieces.
- Wall Wash Lights: This type of lighting floods a wall with light, ideal for larger pieces of art or murals. Wall wash lights give an even spread of light across the surface so the whole piece is visible and appreciated.
- Grazing Lights: These are great for textured surfaces, the light is directed across the surface at a low angle, highlighting the texture and creating great shadows.
- Recessed Lighting: Placed in the ground or wall, recessed lights can be used for subtle uplighting, giving a soft glow around your artwork without being too intrusive.
- String Lights: For a more relaxed or playful feel, string lights can be used to frame your artwork or give a soft warm glow across the whole area.
Creating a Cohesive Look
While you need to focus on lighting the art itself, don’t forget to also consider the surrounding area. Lighting the artwork alone can look disjointed, so you need to blend the lighting of your wall art with other outdoor elements such as garden paths, seating areas and architectural features.
A well designed lighting scheme will complement the whole space and let the artwork shine without overwhelming the rest of your garden.
Also consider using lighting to highlight the landscaping around the wall decoration. Lighting up plants, trees or a nearby fountain will create depth and contrast and enhance the overall look of your outdoor space.
Energy Efficiency and Safety
When installing outdoor lighting, especially for artistic purposes, it's important to think about energy efficiency. LED lights are great for outdoor lighting because of their energy efficiency, long life and variety of colour temperatures. Solar powered lights are another eco friendly option that doesn’t require wiring so are easy to install.
Also safety is key when it comes to outdoor lighting. Make sure all your fixtures are outdoor rated and weather resistant. Choose low voltage lighting systems when possible, they are safer and more energy efficient.
Bringing Your Art to Life at Night
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With the right outdoor lighting you can completely change the look of your exterior wall art and bring it to life at night.
Whether it’s a mural that takes on a new dimension under soft lighting or a sculpture whose form is highlighted by the play of light and shadow, outdoor lighting is part of creating a dynamic outdoor space.
As lighting designer Paul Nulty once said “Lighting can bring a piece of art to life, turn something static into something vibrant and dynamic”. This couldn’t be more true for outdoor wall art.
The right lighting not only makes your artwork visible after dark but also brings it to life, gives a new perspective and enriches the viewer’s experience.
My Final Thoughts
Outdoor lighting does more than just light an exterior space, it can perfectly highlight a piece of wall art or decoration. By choosing the right type, position and colour, you can create a showstopper that elevates your artwork and shows off its intricate or interesting details.
Whether you have a mural, a sculpture or a simple framed piece of metal art, outdoor lighting is a must have in designing an exterior that not only beautifies your garden but also creates a talking point. Illuminated artwork creates mood, drama and turns your outdoor space into a gallery that inspires and delights.
Author: Matthew Chiappini