Light plays a crucial role in displaying wall art. Natural daylight, in particular, influences colors, the texture of materials, and even the durability of the artwork. In this blog post, you'll learn how sunlight affects wall art and how to thoughtfully position art in your space.

1. Direct sunlight can cause discoloration
Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight can cause color variations over time, especially with prints on paper or canvas. Modern printing techniques reduce this risk, but indirect light remains the safest choice for long-lasting quality.

2. Indirect daylight gives the most beautiful display
Indirect light spreads evenly throughout the room and creates natural colors without harsh shadows or reflections. This works well with soothing designs and materials like canvas.

3. Choice of materials for rooms with a lot of light
Canvas is suitable for indirect light due to its matte finish. Dibond is colorfast and can withstand light well. Plexiglas, due to its glossy surface, can reflect in direct sunlight, making it less suitable for strong light.

4. The best position in relation to windows
Ideally, hang wall art perpendicular to a window or in an area where light doesn't fall directly on the image. This prevents reflections and keeps the composition clearly visible.

5. Highlighting art with artificial lighting
In rooms with limited natural light, indirect artificial lighting can be a good alternative. Preferably use warm to neutral light (2700–3500K) to ensure realistic colors.

6. When sunlight can be an added value
In spaces where sunlight briefly enters, light can actually add depth to the artwork. Especially with lighter designs or textured pieces, a few hours of light a day can enhance the effect, provided it doesn't fall directly on the artwork for extended periods.

A well-considered combination of material, light, and positioning ensures that wall art remains beautiful for a long time. When in doubt, indirect lighting combined with a soothing design is usually the best choice.