10 Fun Ways to show off your glass art with lights
USB-powered small portable spotlights are changing the way glass art is displayed.
Gone are the days when lighting was solely in the hands of experts and technicians who required complex “installations.”
Now, you can do it yourself, quickly and easily.
This is especially true for Hard Edge art glass.
The crisp lines and bold colour contrasts maximise the brilliance of any light source, making even small adjustments in lighting dramatically change the visual impact.
With a simple low cost spotlight and a sense of playfulness, you can discover endless ways to enhance and appreciate your glass art at home.
Here are 10 fun new ways to experiment with lighting your Hard Edge glass art:
1: MOVE THE SPOTLIGHT AROUND
Try different angles - front, back, and side positions all work differently, creating unique reflections and shadows.
Even small changes can transform the way your piece looks.
Try shining a light from beneath for an ethereal, floating effect.
2: DIM THE LIGHTS, THEN BRIGHTEN THEM UP
Most USB spotlights come with a dimmer switch. Adjust the intensity from your sofa and watch how the mood shifts.
A soft glow can create a more dreamy effect, while bright illumination can make colours pop.
Try gradually dimming the light while watching the artwork evolve under different conditions.
3: ADD A SECOND SPOTLIGHT
Suddenly, your glass art commission has multiple highlights and layered depth.
Move them around independently for even more dynamic effects.
Play with their placements to cast crisscrossing shadows or accentuate different aspects of your piece.
You can also use two different colored lights to create a striking, multi-tonal effect.
4: SWAP THE SPOTLIGHT FOR A STRIP LIGHT
A usb strip light creates a softer, more even glow that transforms the look of your artwork completely.
A warm-toned strip light, positioned below the art piece, can give your glass art a comforting glow, while a cooler one can enhance sharp edges and details.
Any glass artwork, whether off-the-shelf, or Reimagined from an original, or any fused glass art can reveal two personalities if you have a lighting option.
5: COMBINE WITH AN ANGLEPOISE LAMP
A desk or floor-standing anglepoise lamp provides a fill light that softens shadows, giving the piece a different ambiance.
This can be useful if you want a gentler transition between light and shadow.
Try angling the lamp towards a reflective surface nearby to create an indirect, diffused scattered lighting effect.
6: EXPERIMENT WITH REFLECTIONS
Try placing your artwork near a mirror or reflective surface or even a white wall to see how the light bounces and creates additional depth.
This can make the piece feel larger and add layers of complexity to its appearance.
If you have a glass tabletop, try positioning the artwork above it and lighting it from underneath for a luminous, floating effect.
7: WALL-MOUNTED GLASS? NO PROBLEM
Place a USB spotlight on a nearby table or shelf and direct it upwards or sideways.
Each position brings out something new.
If possible, move your light source a little each day and see how the natural changes in ambient light interact with it.
In this example, the led lights are behind the fused glass.
8: PLAY WITH COLOURED LIGHTS
Some USB spotlights come with colour-changing options, like warm white for a cosy glow, cool white for crisp detail, or bold colors for dramatic effects.
You can even change colours based on seasons or moods to keep things fresh and exciting.
Try combining different colours to see how they blend and interact with the different glass textures within the piece.
You might discover an entirely new appreciation for your piece!
Instagram videos showing different lighting options
9: MIX IN NATURAL ELEMENTS
Place your glass artwork among green houseplants, then light it from behind or beneath.
Watch the glass “come alive in the jungle”.
The contrast of organic shapes with rigid glass edges adds a stunning natural aesthetic.
Experiment with warm golden lights to mimic sunlight streaming through a forest.
10: CHANGE IT UP REGULARLY
The beauty of USB spotlights is their portability.
Move your light just 6° and see an entirely new perspective.
The small effort of repositioning a light can reveal new textures, reflections, and dimensions that keep your art constantly engaging.
Try rotating your artwork slightly as well for even more variation in lighting effects.
When’s a Good Time to Play with Spotlights?
Anytime is a good time, but here are some especially fun moments to experiment:
At night in a dimly lit room for maximum contrast.
Late winter afternoons when natural light is fading, and you want to enhance the warm glow of your glasswork.
Before guests arrive. A well-lit Hard Edge glass piece always grabs attention and can become a great conversation starter.
While relaxing on the sofa adjust the lights while watching TV and enjoy the evolving beauty of your piece.
Whenever you want a change. It takes seconds to move a light and discover a new effect.
During holidays or celebrations. Adjust the lighting to match the festive mood. Try red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween, or pastels for springtime.
On rainy days use lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere when natural light is dull. The glow of a well-lit glass piece can brighten your mood.
As a mindfulness exercise observing how light interacts with your glass artwork can be meditative. Take a few minutes each day to explore its changing appearance.
Linda’s free offer
I'm adding a little extra joy to your larger purchases!
Every order over £1,000 includes a complimentary USB spotlight.
Why? Because USB spotlights are now so affordable, it just made sense. No more wondering whether you should buy one, I’ve got you covered. Enjoy your glass art in a whole new light!
And if you already have spotlights, why not use them to experiment further? Light is an ever-changing element, and every small change brings a new dimension to your artwork.
Have fun and let your creativity shine!
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
Lighting is one of the most powerful ways to bring glass artwork to life.
Whether you’re using a single spotlight, multiple sources, or a combination of light and reflection, the possibilities are endless.
The beauty of experimenting with lighting is that there are no rules, just endless opportunities to see your art in a new way.
So go ahead, grab a spotlight, and start playing!
INTERESTED IN HOW MY GLASS ART IS PRODUCED?
See Vision to Glass: The Making of Linda’s Hard Edge Art
Any questions on lighting fused glass art?
Feel free to write to me and tell me your lighting thoughts, problems, indecisions ... I'll do my very best to give an honest answer!
