There are many ways you can increase sales of our hand-painted historical maps without investing a lot of time or money. Utilizing proper lighting is one of the best ways you can attract the attention of your customers. Lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere, and allows your customers to fully appreciate the intricate details of our historical maps. Read on for some useful tips on how to showcase our artwork by mastering the art of illumination.

After over 100 juried shows from Seattle to Miami I’ve learned the importance of selling maps as art- not as books

Highlight a Featured Piece With Picture Lights

One approach you can take to showcasing our maps is choosing a featured piece to highlight with picture lights. Doug Russell, a lighting designer for professional galleries, recommends using picture lights on a specific piece of art to draw in viewers. According to Russel, “They provide a sense of intimacy with a piece of art, and invite you to stand close for a look.”

Using picture lights is a great way to pique your customers’ interest and draw them over to the map display. They won’t be able to resist the gorgeous colors and attention to detail under the pleasant glow. The picture lights will draw your viewers’ eyes to the point of focus and make them much more likely to make a purchase.

Layer Your Lights to Avoid Extreme Dimness or Brightness

When illuminating your map display, it’s important to aim for a “happy medium” with light intensity. Lights that are too dim will prevent your customers from getting a clear view of the artwork and leave them feeling frustrated. Conversely, lights that are too bright can create an unpleasant mood and make the maps look less appealing.

To avoid falling into extremes on both sides of the spectrum, you should consider layering your light sources. Interior designer Ashley Meier recommends overhead lighting to create a pleasant atmosphere: “Layering lighting around a room is always a great fix. Investing in a beautiful overhead light makes a lot of sense.” By layering an overhead light with smaller picture lights to focus on specific pieces, you’ll create the perfect mood.

Avoid Fluorescent Bulbs and Aim to Replicate Natural Light

Fluorescent bulbs can be extremely distracting to your customers when viewing the historical maps in your gallery. You should aim to replicate natural light and create a relaxing atmosphere, and fluorescent bulbs can’t accomplish this. Greg Dufner, owner of interior design and architecture firm Dufner Heighes, warns of their negative impact. “Absolutely do not use fluorescent bulbs. Those that replicate daylight are a much safer choice than bright, white, artificial light.”

Instead of relying on harsh artificial light, you should opt for Full Spectrum LED bulbs. They’ll create a much calmer effect, and your customers will feel at peace to browse with the natural light.

Creating a Pleasantly Lit Gallery Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Lighting has a tremendous impact on the mood of everyone who enters your store. By following these easy tips, you’ll be able to boost sales and make your customers more likely to return for future purchases. Mastering the art of lighting may seem difficult at first, but if you stick to this guide, you’ll have it down in no time.

Need some display ideas?

Please watch this video to see what some of our other retailers have done!

Interested in Retailing our Maps around the country?

Please email [email protected] and watch this video about our retail product offerings!

https://youtu.be/uYo5z2_hrjU