As the operator of a web site devoted to the topic of art light for the last several years, I have encountered questions on just about every aspect of artwork lighting and the methods used to provide it. I have listed the most common questionsand the responses that our team of professionals have given to them over that time. The good news about waiting until nowto publish a document such as this one is that the answers have been time proven to be effective.
Probably the most common question that we receive almost daily is that of addressing the visibility of the cord. The question is always the same and people ask it as a way of determining whether or not they will purchase a picture light. The question of eliminating the cord can be answered best by sharing the multiple ways we have discovered to eliminate the need or to hide the cord leading from the electric outlet up to the picture light.
One of the first and best ways of addressing the cord involves hiding it from sight. By installing a recessed outlet,many times called a clock outlet, directly behind the actual picture the entire cord and circuit can be hidden from sight. Our customers typically take this one step further and then cut the cord to the proper, smaller length and then use a device called a snap on plug to allow for a convenient way to attach an electrical plug to the cord. We then will suggest to the user of the light that they put a dimmer switch on the circuit.
The use of cord covers can also be very effective. The cord covers can make the appearance of the cord practically disappear. The units can be setup in a short amount of time with little effort. When people ask where they can get cord covers we recommend that they go to their local home improvement store. The items are usually located in the painting section or the electrical section of the store.
Another inexpensive method that can be used in lessening the visibility of the cord is to simply paint it. Almost all of the picture lights contain a cord that is paintable. While I am not completely certain for the cords of other picture lights, ours are all paintable. Taking the time to make the cord become the same color as the wall it rests against will allow the cord to blend in so well that the cord will barely be able to be seen.
Another less expensive alternative that does not involve electricity is to place plants, furniture, display tables or other decor in a position to hide most of the cord. In my house we have taken this approach and it seems to work great in the longer hallway where the picture lights are installed. We have used a staple gun to help attach the cord to the baseboard. This keeps the cord from having any curves in it and really improves its appearance.
Finally, we recommend that our customers consider using a battery powered picture light. The picture lights will offer only a minimum of light but are very good looking and will last up to 45 hours. A few models are even rechargeable.