10 Reasons to Use LED in an Art Gallery

When looking for the best way to light a location, the first step is always to consider the type of location and its unique needs. In the case of an art gallery, there are certain lighting needs which are better suited to LED technology than other lighting options. Let's take a look at the top reasons to use LED in an art gallery.

1. It offers higher lumens for a brighter output

One of the biggest reasons to use LED in an art gallery is because of the impressive lumen output they offer. In an art gallery, patrons need ample light in order to see the artwork and navigate the overall gallery with ease. Since LED offers a higher lumen output, as well as a more consistent and even light tone in general, it is a smart move for an art gallery looking for bright, clean illumination. This crisp and clean light source will heighten the art goers experience by way of proper visibility.

2. It offers lower wattages consumed for better performance

While you might think a light that offers some of the highest lumen outputs would take a lot of energy to create those lumens, LED is actually one of the best options in terms of wattages consumed. A higher wattage typically means the lamp uses more energy than a lower wattage option. LED offers some of the highest lumen outputs with the lowest wattages for a solution that is bright, pleasing, and helps cut down on monthly utility costs for the gallery.

3. It produces less heat than other options

One of the other big reasons to use LED in an art gallery is because the lamps are low heat. A lamp that is less efficient in its operation will naturally lose a good deal of energy to heat rather than illumination. With an LED solution, up to 90% of the energy consumed is converted to illumination instead of heat in most lamps. This is important for any location, but especially a location with delicate artwork which can be easily altered or damaged by excessive heat. This is great for the art and the patrons, but it also ensures longer lamp life and fixture life overall.

4. LED lasts a long time

LED lamps can last up to 4 times as long as other solutions. This will save time and money in the long run in terms of frequently changing the bulbs and maintenance. Part of the reason LED lasts so long is because they operate on a driver rather than a ballast as in most fixtures and they do not produce the damaging levels of heat that other options produce during operation. The lamps will last a long time and so will the internal driver which gives a great return on the initial investment of the LED fixture.

5. LED offers better color rendering indexes

Color rendering is the scale of how well a lighting solution shows and picks up different colors. A higher color rendering index means the lamp will pick up more colors which is essential in an art gallery where colors are so diverse and important to the experience. LED offers some of the highest color rendering indexes over comparable options. Opt for a color rendering index in an LED that is above 80 for the best results.

6. LED offers dimmable options

With LED options, you can have the ability to dim the lights as needed without turning them off completely. This is an important feature you can use in a variety of ways in such a setting and not every lamp offers this ability. Whether the gallery wants to dim certain areas for dramatic effect or dim lights during a special presentation, LED gives enough versatility on this matter to meet your exact needs with ease.

7. Almost any fixture type comes in LED

While the use of LED was once limited in the fixture types available, today's market offers an LED solution in just about every type of fixture so your gallery can get the right option. Originally, LED was most commonly found in recessed troffer-style lights, but today you can find LED technology in a range of fixture types such as recessed can, track lights, suspended or pendant fixtures, and more. It's easy to find the right lights for your gallery with the use of LED technology with such a diverse market.

8. Retrofitting is an option

If installing all new LED lights for your gallery is out of the question, you can retrofit most existing fixtures to be compatible with LED lamps. With how many benefits LED offers for an art gallery, this aspect makes it even easier to add this type of lighting to your location. This is a great way to test out the many benefits of LED by starting with just a few fixtures here and there in your gallery before converting entirely to LED lamps.

9. It aids in the preservation of artwork!

One of the biggest reasons to use LED in an art gallery is because it can literally safeguard the artwork so it lasts for as long as possible when combined with other art saving techniques. LED lights use a limited scope of infrared rays during operation. They do not use ultraviolet rays at all. This makes LED especially well suited for fragile or particularly old artwork in need of proper lighting without the light adding any damages or the use of extra filter lighting which may get in the way of a patron's viewing experience.

10. LED requires less maintenance

Since the lamps last a long time and the driver pretty much operates on its own with little to no upkeep, LED is a low maintenance option well suited to art galleries. When dealing with light changes or repairs, it can disrupt the natural flow of the gallery leaving some sections closed off to patrons. LED offers an option requiring minimal upkeep on your end which is sure to benefit your art gallery for years to come.