HOW TO USE WALL SCONCES TO COMPLETE YOUR LIGHTING SCHEME

Wall sconces can serve several important purposes in your overall lighting and decor scheme, and should never be overlooked! With the ability to direct light into the room at face level, wall sconces are helpful for “filling in the gaps” when a decorative ceiling fixture, like a chandelier, doesn’t provide quite enough light.

These fixtures are also particularly useful for providing ambient (“general”) lighting in a space where ceiling fixtures don’t work well, like a stairwell with a slanted ceiling. In the bathroom, placing wall sconces on either side of the vanity helps even out the light emitted by the bath bracket, eliminating unsightly shadows.

Wall sconces originate from wall-mounted candlesticks used to illuminate rooms and corridors in pre-electricity times, but can be just as useful in lighting today’s home. The traditional candelabra-style wall sconce is still quite popular, but the number of styles available today is unprecedented. Open candelabra styles provide an open, direct brightness, but wall sconces with opaque glass shielding (think half-moon or “urn” style sconces) create a warm, pleasant glow.

Because wall sconces can suit virtually any purpose, from general lighting to task lighting to simply decoration, consider the space you are looking to light. Then ask yourself:

• Does this space need more light, or simply a boost of style? There are plenty of options available for both. If the wall sconce is to be used for ambient/general lighting, choose a piece with an open candelabra or a clear glass casing.

• Am I using this wall sconce to accentuate a feature in my home? Wall sconces such as picture lights work great for accent lighting. Consider the positioning of the accent piece you are looking to highlight. Wall sconces can cast light up, down, or all around, so your options are limitless.

• Can I gain functionality from this piece by installing it in an area where task lighting is needed? Wall sconces, especially wall lamps, are great for task lighting to reduce eye straining in places where certain tasks, like reading, are performed.

A few more helpful tips:

• Most wall sconces are mounted 5-6’ above the floor.

• Avoid placing fixtures with sharp edges where people might bump into them; if you have small children living in your home, it may be best to avoid sharp edges altogether.

• Some sconces do not mount at the center due to the location of the back plate. Be sure to communicate this to your electrician/ installer.