Artwork is one of the easiest and quickest ways to add a personal touch to your home décor. We learn this lesson early on, but if you've come here, chances are your tastes have moved beyond simply tacking posters on the wall. You know that if it's worth hanging, it's worth framing; and if it's worth framing, it's worth lighting well. What you might not know is that there are different lighting techniques and considerations to be aware of to place your artwork in the best light and preserve its quality for years to come.

For direct lighting, picture lights with halogen bulbs are best. Picture lights come in a wide range of styles that can either complement or blend into the picture frame without obstructing the artwork. Unlike incandescent or florescent lighting, halogen bulbs produce a pure, white light that doesn't distort color or emit harmful radiation that could damage the painting over time. However, they tend to burn hot, so go for the lowest wattage that does the job and leave enough space between the light and the picture to prevent prints from burning or oil paints from melting. A good rule of thumb is to place your hand on the painting where the light hits it most directly; if the light feels too warm for your hand, it's too warm for the picture, and needs more distance.

Glossy prints or glass-covered frames call for indirect lighting to reduce reflective glare. Track lighting or adjustable recessed lighting are both excellent for aiming enough light at a picture to illuminate it without shining directly on it. In a pinch, you can always just set a lamp nearby, but again, be cautious about the type of light bulb you allow near a painting. Even CFL bulbs produce enough UV rays to bleach out colors over time. Incandescent bulbs are less harmful, and their warm light can cast a flattering glow on your artwork that brings out yellows and reds. If you prefer to see it the way the artist intended, look for incandescent's that put out a more natural, white light that equally lights the full spectrum.

No matter what type of bulb you use, it's best not to light a painting any longer than necessary, since any type of bright light can eventually cause colors to fade. So be sure to turn out the light when nobody's there to see it. Doing so will not only save the painting—it will also save on your electric bill.