As the operator of a dedicated picture lighting website for the past several years, I have encountered questions about nearly every aspect of artwork lighting and the methods used to provide it. I have listed the most common questions and the answers that our team of professionals have given them throughout this time. The good news about waiting until now to publish a document like this is that the answers have proven effective over time.

Probably the most common question we get, almost daily, is to address cord visibility. The question is always the same and people ask it to determine whether or not to buy a picture light. The best way to answer the question of eliminating the cable is to share the many ways we’ve discovered to eliminate the need or hide the cable that runs from the outlet to the picture light.

One of the first and best ways to approach the cord is to hide it from view. By installing a recessed outlet, often called a clock outlet, directly behind the actual image, all of the wiring and circuitry can be hidden from view. Our customers typically go one step further and then cut the cord to the proper, smaller length and then use a device called a snap plug to allow a convenient way to attach an electrical plug to the cord. Then we will recommend that the customer install a slow cooker switch in the circuit.

The use of shoelaces can also be very effective. Cable covers can make the appearance of the cable virtually disappear. Cable covers are also very easy to install. When people ask where they can get cable covers, we recommend they go to their local home improvement store. Items are usually found in the paint section or electrical section of the store.

A less expensive and convenient approach to lessen the visibility of the cable is to simply paint it. Almost all the cables of the lamps that our store sells can be painted. While I’m not entirely sure about the wires on other picture lights, ours can be painted. Painting the wire the same color as the wall will allow it to blend in so well that the wire will barely be visible.

Another less expensive alternative that doesn’t involve electricity is to place plants, furniture, display tables, or other decorations in a position to hide most of the cord. In my home we have taken this approach and it seems to work very well in the longer hallway where the picture lights are installed. We have used a larger staple to directly attach the cable to the socket. This keeps the cable straight and dramatically improves its appearance.

Finally, we recommend that our customers consider using a battery powered picture light. The lights will provide an attractive minimum light and will last up to 45 hours. Some models are even rechargeable.