How to Protect Your Art from Light Damage: A Friendly Guide to Avoiding Sunlight and Choosing the Right Lighting
Why Light Matters More Than You Might Think
Have you ever noticed a once-bright poster slowly losing its vibrancy or an old photo yellowing with time? If so, you’ve witnessed firsthand how light, especially sunlight, can silently wreak havoc on cherished items. When it comes to artwork—be it a treasured painting, a collectible print, or a framed family keepsake—light exposure is one of the most underestimated threats.
Most people think framing something beautifully is the end of the preservation process, but that’s just the beginning. You may be wondering: What kind of light actually causes damage? Does artificial light pose the same threat as sunlight? The answers might surprise you. At The Frame Shop, we regularly help customers who unknowingly placed their framed artwork in sunlit areas, only to see fading, discoloration, or warping after a few months or years.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here to share everything you need to know about avoiding direct sunlight and selecting proper lighting to ensure your art looks stunning and stays protected for generations to come. We’ll walk you through what causes damage, the best lighting options, and how small adjustments in placement and protection can make a massive difference.
Getting to Know Light: The Good, the Bad, and the Harmful
Let’s have a little light chat—literally! All light isn’t created equal when it comes to how it affects your artwork. So, what kind of light is actually damaging? Ultraviolet (UV) light is the primary culprit behind most light-related damage to artwork. UV light exists in sunlight and can also be found in some artificial lights like fluorescent bulbs. Over time, UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in pigments, paper, textiles, and other materials, leading to fading, yellowing, and brittleness.
You might think closing the blinds or using tinted windows helps, and while those are good starting points, they aren't enough on their own. Even indirect daylight that bounces off walls or comes through a window can degrade artwork. And yes, certain artificial lights can be just as sneaky. Incandescent and halogen lights emit a lot of heat, which can also stress the materials in your artwork.
On the other hand, modern LED lighting, especially museum-grade varieties, emits very low UV and minimal heat. It’s all about understanding the light sources in your space. Ask yourself: Where is your art hanging? Is there a window nearby? What kind of bulbs are in your fixtures? Once you become aware, you can start taking smart steps toward protecting your pieces.
Sunlight’s Silent Sabotage: Why Direct Sunlight Is a No-Go
We love sunlight for our morning coffee and houseplants, but your artwork? Not so much. Direct sunlight is perhaps the most aggressive threat to framed art. You might think that glass provides a shield, but regular glass offers little to no protection against UV rays. Within just a few months of sun exposure, you might begin to notice that rich blues have turned grayish or once-vibrant reds now appear faded. This is especially true for works on paper, textiles, and photographs, which are highly sensitive to light.
At The Frame Shop, we recently worked with a client who brought in a beautiful watercolored map that had been hanging in a sun-drenched hallway. The top edge was completely bleached compared to the bottom, which had been shielded by the mat. The contrast was striking—and avoidable. Our advice? Keep your artwork out of direct sunlight, always. Take a look around your home or office right now. Is anything hanging opposite a large window or on a wall that gets afternoon sun?
Even if the sun doesn’t directly shine on it every hour, repeated exposure over time can be harmful. If moving the piece isn't possible, there are still options. UV-filtering glass and museum-quality acrylic can help shield your artwork from damage. But remember, even the best materials work best in combination with smart placement.
Let’s Talk Indoor Lighting: What’s Safe and What’s Not?
Now let’s switch gears and focus on indoor lighting. You might be wondering: Are the lights in my home safe for my art? The answer depends on the type of lighting you use and how close the light source is to your artwork. Incandescent and halogen bulbs, while warm and cozy in tone, produce both UV rays and heat, which can dry out or even warp delicate materials. Fluorescent bulbs are a bit better in terms of heat, but they still emit UV radiation. LED lights, especially those rated as museum-grade or with a color temperature around 3000K, are your best friend.
Not only do they produce little to no UV radiation, but they also run cooler, reducing the risk of thermal stress. One of our clients had a gallery wall in their living room with halogen spotlights. Over time, we noticed subtle discoloration on their vintage film posters. After switching to adjustable LED track lights with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of over 90, their artwork was both safer and looked more vibrant. The take-home message? Always check what bulbs you’re using, how close the light source is to the art, and how long the lights stay on. Better lighting choices can drastically reduce your risk of long-term damage.
The Magic of UV-Filtering Glass and Acrylic
Here’s where science meets protection: UV-filtering glazing options like museum glass and acrylic. Think of these as sunglasses for your art. At The Frame Shop, we always recommend UV-filtering materials for clients who want serious protection. Standard glass blocks only about 40% of UV rays, while museum glass can block up to 99%, and museum-grade acrylic offers the same level of protection with the added benefit of being shatter-resistant and lightweight.
And no, it doesn’t mean your art will look cloudy or lose vibrancy. In fact, most UV glass is optically clear and non-reflective, making your piece pop even more. Let us share a quick story: A local collector brought in a signed concert poster that had suffered sun damage despite being framed behind regular glass. The colors had faded unevenly, and the signature was barely visible.
After restoration, we re-framed it using museum acrylic, and now it hangs in a controlled space with LED lighting—no fading since. If you’re serious about protecting your investment (or your memories), UV glass or acrylic isn’t just an option—it’s a must.
Choosing the Right Spot: Room by Room Advice
Let’s go room by room for a moment. Where do you hang most of your artwork? Living rooms, hallways, offices, maybe even bathrooms? Each space comes with its own challenges. For example, bathrooms and kitchens are often filled with moisture, heat, and bright lighting—a recipe for disaster when it comes to preserving delicate art. Bedrooms and home offices are generally safer, especially if you control the light levels throughout the day.
South-facing walls often receive the most light, while north-facing walls are better protected from sunlight. One of our clients had a gorgeous oil painting hung in a dining area with tall windows. We recommended moving it to a north wall and installing filtered window shades to diffuse ambient light. They also added dimmable LED track lights that highlight the piece without exposing it to UV or heat. When choosing a spot, ask yourself: How much natural light hits this wall throughout the day? Is there a nearby light fixture? How often is the room used? Answering these questions helps you make smart placement decisions that keep your art safe and stunning.
Gallery Tips: How Museums Handle Light
Ever wondered how museums manage to display centuries-old art without visible wear and tear? It’s all about tight control of light levels. Most professional galleries and museums limit ambient light to around 50 lux for sensitive works and use high-CRI LED lighting that emits almost no UV or heat. They also rotate exhibits regularly to reduce long-term exposure.
Even large windows in museum buildings are often treated with UV films or filters to block out harmful rays. At The Frame Shop, we bring these same practices to your home. For example, we helped design a lighting plan for a private collector’s home gallery, installing museum-grade LED ceiling tracks and outfitting all windows with UV-filtering film. Result?
Their 19th-century prints have remained vibrant and stable over the years. If museums go to such lengths, shouldn’t you do the same for your prized possessions? Think of your home as your own mini-gallery. With the right precautions, your collection can enjoy museum-quality preservation without leaving your walls.
Let’s Talk About LEDs: The Lighting Hero You Need
LEDs might just be the superhero of art-friendly lighting. Unlike traditional bulbs, LED lights don’t emit UV rays and generate minimal heat. That means you can spotlight your favorite pieces without worrying about slow, silent damage. But not all LEDs are created equal. Look for fixtures specifically labeled as museum-grade or art-safe, with a color temperature around 3000K for warm, natural tones, and a CRI of 90+ to make colors appear true and vibrant. Want some ideas?
LED picture lights can be mounted directly above your frames, while LED track lighting provides flexible positioning for gallery walls. One of our clients installed a dimmable LED picture light above a mixed-media piece, allowing them to adjust the brightness throughout the day without compromising the artwork. Another used LED strip lighting behind a floating frame to create a glowing halo effect—no heat, no UV, just style and safety. If you haven’t already made the switch, now is the time. Your art deserves it, and your eyes will thank you too.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Light Protection
Let’s round up some expert-level advice you can put into action today. First, always choose UV-filtering glass or acrylic when framing new artwork. Second, keep framed pieces out of direct sunlight at all costs—consider light levels at different times of day. Third, use curtains, blinds, or UV window film to control how much light gets into a room.
Fourth, replace any hot or outdated light bulbs with cool-running LED alternatives. Fifth, consider rotating your art every few months to give each piece a rest from exposure. One family we worked with rotates seasonal pieces, hanging a different set every quarter, which not only reduces exposure but also keeps their walls feeling fresh.
Finally, if you have valuable or sentimental art, invest in a consultation with professionals like us at The Frame Shop. We offer in-home assessments to help identify risks and solutions tailored to your space and your collection. With these strategies, you can display your art proudly and confidently, knowing it’s safe from the hidden dangers of light.
Final Thoughts: Light Smart, Love Your Art Longer
So, now that you know the risks and the solutions, what will you do to protect your artwork? Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind painting or a sentimental photo, your pieces deserve the best care. Lighting, both natural and artificial, has a huge impact on how well your art holds up over time. But the good news?
You’re in control. Avoiding direct sunlight, choosing the right placement, using UV-filtering glass or acrylic, and selecting safe LED lighting can transform your space into a haven for your art. At The Frame Shop, we’re passionate about helping you not just frame your pieces beautifully but also preserve them for generations to come. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help—whether it’s with lighting consultations, custom framing options, or full preservation strategies. Don’t wait until the colors fade or the paper yellows.
Ask yourself: Is your art safe where it hangs today? If you’re not sure, reach out. We’d love to guide you. After all, art should be celebrated—not just today, but every day, for years to come.
