Step by Step Picture Lighting Installation Guide

Picture lighting is ever-growing in popularity. This wall light type is perfect for highlighting artwork, pictures, shelves, and more. Here is Lighting Design's step-by-step guide for installing your home picture lighting.

1. Unbox your picture light. This is the first and simplest step, but don't underestimate it. Be sure to remove everything from the package. Don't forget pieces such as the backplate and hardware pack for installation. 
2. Cut off any power supplies if you are connecting wires. If your picture light has to be hard-wired (i.e. it doesn't come as a plug in light) you need to turn off any power supply. To do this, turn it off directly from your electrical junction box AND with the light switches in the room. This is such a crucial step. Failure to properly cut off the power supply could lead to severe electrical shock or even death. 
3. Attach the backplate to the wall or electrical box. How you follow this step again depends on whether your picture light is hardwired or a plug in. For plug-in picture lighting, this step is fairly simple. Make sure where you install the backplate is level and try to find studs to screw into. If your picture light needs to be hardwired, you'll need to connect wires and then install the backplate. Refer to our How to Change a Light Fixture blog for a step-by-step guide. 
4. Screw the light fixture into the backplate. Once your backplate is installed and all the wires are connected, it's time to screw in your light! Use the hardware pack that came with the light to attach the fixture to the backplate. The backplate should allow your light to sit flush and steady on the wall. 
5. Install the light bulb. Don't forget the light bulb! Few things are more frustrating than getting your new light up only to realize you forgot the light bulbs! Most light fixtures do not come with light bulbs (unless they are LED-integrated). Be sure to pick up the right shape and base from the company you ordered the light from or at your local home improvement store. Once you have your bulb, you can screw it into the picture light.
6. Restore power or plug in the picture light. Last but certainly not least, it's time to plug in your picture light! Whether you need to restore power or simply plug in and flip a switch, don't miss this step. Now you can enjoy your picture light and admire your handy work. 

Thank you to Hudson Valley Lighting for the informational pictures.