Choosing the Right Wall Sconce

Posted November 3rd, 2009 in Article, Bathroom, Bedroom, CFL, ENERGY STAR, Lighting, Living Room, Wall Sconce

When general lighting just isn’t enough for your hallway, foyer or bathroom, wall sconces are an excellent way to provide additional light. Whether it’s a wall washer or corner sconce, traditional themed or contemporary, placed indoors or outdoors, these versatile fixtures provide just the right amount of light for your home décor.

What exactly are wall sconces?

These wall-mounted fixtures provide general, task or accent lighting with equal effect. Much of the time, wall sconces are designed to complement other main lighting sources, such as chandeliers and ceiling fixtures. These extremely versatile fixtures can be used in areas all over the home. They can be directional or they can emit substantial light in the room, and much of the time they are reversible and can be mounted for up or down lighting.

Where can they go?

There are few places wall sconces cannot be mounted. Therefore, we could reasonably put these versatile little gems into three different categories: indoors conventional, indoors unconventional and outdoors.

Indoors conventional

· Bathroom and hallway fixtures provide a small amount of light for accenting already existing fixtures

· Foyer fixtures offer an exemplary complement to ceiling fixtures, such as chandeliers or hanging pendants

· Show off that cherished piece of art in the living room or office

· Other conventional applications for indoors include:

o Bedroom

o Dining room

o Kitchen or kitchen nook

Indoors unconventional

The American Lighting Association suggests placing wall sconces on each side of the fireplace. This attractive addition will draw attention to the fireplace area and provide general lighting.

In addition, beauty wraps are an amazing way to wash light throughout your bathroom. Install a fixture at least 24 inches wide over the bathroom mirror, plus two wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28 inches apart and 60 inches above the floor. The affect is breathtaking.

Outdoors

Ah, yes, the great outdoors. Just like their indoor brethren, outdoor wall sconces can perform a number of tasks. While beautifying your property, fixtures placed on the front and back porch or by the garage will also make your home’s exterior safer and more secure. In addition, basking in the glow of outdoor wall sconces allows you to enjoy the times you spend outdoors.

How do I properly place wall sconces?

Whether you’re planning to install wall sconces along a hallway or in a bathroom or foyer, they should be hung roughly 60 inches from the floor, and spaced roughly six to feet apart from each other.

Themes, finishes, light bulb types, architectural styles

Just like any other type of indoor and outdoor lighting, wall sconces boast dozens of different available themes, meaning something will be sure to catch your eye and capture the attention of your guests. Some of the themes available include:

· Alabaster Stone / Glass

· Art Deco / Retro

· Asian

· Contemporary / Modern

· Craftsman / Mission

· Crystal

· Functional

· Renaissance

· Rustic / Country

· Stained Glass

· Tiffany

· Traditional / Classic

· Tuscan

· Youth

Finishes

Similar to the themes list, finishes are many and varied. If you can dream it, there’s a finish to match it. From the very popular bronze and nickel tones to the elegant brass and silver tones, you should have very little problem matching a chandelier finish to your new or existing décor.

Bulb type

While wall sconces can vary in size, theme and style, they can also carry different types of lights bulbs. Gone are the days of only medium-base bulb powering your lighting fixtures. From the environmentally friendly compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) to the powerful halogen bulbs, always take note of what kind of bulbs your wall sconce requires. Some other possibilities include:

· Fluorescent

· Incandescent

· Krypton/Xenon

Architectural styles

One way in which wall sconces are unique from all other lighting fixtures is in their architectural styles. They’re small enough to be placed virtually anywhere, inconspicuous enough to keep the focus on other lighting and powerful enough to offer the ideal amount of light.

· Corner sconces provide accent light and can showcase a cherished piece of furniture or art.

· Lighted shelf fixtures offer a small ledge to accommodate a knick knack, picture frame or any other decorative touch.

· Swing arm fixtures are more versatile than their other wall sconce counterparts, since the light source itself can be moved to cast light anywhere the swing arm will reach.

· Wall washers flood a specific area with a soothing array of light, perfect for complementing other fixtures in the room.

· Wallchiere sconces are in a class by themselves. Modeled after torchiere lamps, these feature distinctively long bases that give way to a mellow glow on top. More decorative than task oriented, these classic-inspired fixtures are a perfect accent piece and double as functional art.

ENERGY STAR fixtures

Environmental awareness is the responsibility of us all in today’s world. A number of lighting manufacturers are doing their part to increase their product lines with improved technologies and ENERGY STAR-rated wall sconces. Progress Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting and Minka Lavery have proven themselves to be leaders in this movement.

Happy Home Improving!