Wall light sconces are one of the few fixtures that we install for different uses, and different levels of light, depending on the room. And it’s possibly the oldest type of lighting fixture in existence. All of the other fixtures inside our houses are mounted either in or on the ceiling, or they sit on a table or the floor. Because a wall light sconce is hung on the wall, it provides light without cluttering up the ceiling. It also doesn’t take up any space on the floor and doesn’t have to have a table to sit on.
What are wall sconces?
The sconce is a very old form of the fixture, historically used with candles and oil lamps. Modern fittings are more often called wall lights or wall lamps for similar terms, especially if the light source is wholly covered by glass. A sconce, by definition, is typically a wall lighting fixture that is installed using the wall for support.
Such indoor, outdoor wall lights & sconces lights are usually directed upwards and owe their existence to the pre-modern age when fixtures like these were used to hold candles and torches. Modern wall sconces come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and generally require some sort of electric light source that connects within the fixture.
What is a wall light?
Wall lights are stylish and flexible addition to your lighting scheme. As well as providing beautiful ambient and accent lighting, they can also provide great practical task lighting. Plus they can make a striking design statement in their own right. When installed on the exterior walls, porch, deck, patio, or driveways, wall lights stand out as decorative pieces while also providing soft illumination post-sunset.
Let’s see some types of wall lights, like wall sconces bedroom, reading lights, and how to position them, together with some tips for choosing the right wall lights for your space.
What’s the best height for installation of wall lights?
When positioning your wall light sconces, the ideal height and spacing will depend on a number of things, including the size and style of the wall light fitting, the proportions of the room, and the kind of look you’re wanting to create.
As a general rule of thumb, wall lights should be positioned around 152-170cm (around 5-5.5ft) above floor level, while multiple wall lights should be placed around 250-300cm (or 8-10ft) apart. You should aim for the top of the wall light to sit at eye level, to avoid glare from the exposed bulb.
However, this is only a general guide – if the room has particularly high ceilings (say more than 10ft), or if you’re hanging wall lights in a bathroom or bedroom, you may want to adjust these heights accordingly.
Difference between a wall sconce and a wall lamp?
The terms “wall light” and “wall sconces” are often used interchangeably and essentially mean the same thing – a lamp that is mounted on a wall. However, if we were to go into the technical details, where a wall light differs from a sconce is in its make like wall sconces bedroom reading lights – its light source is usually covered, typically by glass.
However, lights are rarely categorized based on these technical differences. Today’s lighting designers and manufacturers usually club sconces and wall lamps together. So lets use the term ‘Wall light sconces’ to mention both wall lights and wall sconces in general.
Should I have wall light scones?
Yes, we can now use the term ‘Wall light sconces’ instead of wall lights and wall scones or decorative wall sconces without lights, adding wall light scones to your home décor is a good idea. Wall light sconces can add a fantastic layer of lighting to your ambiance, whether you wish to install them indoors or outdoors. Modern wall lights can elevate the lighting design and décor of any interior space, while also providing effective illumination in terms of ambient lighting, accent lighting, or general lighting.
How and where to use wall sconces?
While you can let your imagination and creativity take over when it comes to figuring out where you want to install wall lights, the general consensus and design thinking dictates that certain types of wall sconces are to be used for specific purposes. For example, a picture light is typically used for highlighting a portrait, painting or piece of art that is hung on the wall.
Similarly, sconces that provide uplighting are generally preferred as the primary or secondary source of illumination in driveways, porches, stairways, entryways, hallways, corridors or large dining/living rooms. You will also find some wall sconces that are specifically designed to cater to the needs of a particular room. The WireRing lamp, for instance, is apt for ultramodern living rooms or swanky office cabins.
At what height should a wall light be? How far apart should wall sconces be?
When you talk about wall light sconces as a series of wall lamps, it is important that you make sure they are placed and installed at equidistant points. How far from each other they should be would largely depend upon the size of the room/wall and the kind of effect you wish to achieve. In terms of the mounting height, remember that upward-facing sconces should be approximately 20 inches from the ceiling.
Since they are throwing light upwards, decorative wall sconces without lights, such lamps can accentuate the beauty of a false ceiling or designer ceiling. For bedside sconces, make sure that the light is at eye level when you sit on the bed. For smaller designs (generally used in bathrooms next to the mirror), they should be mounted according to the user’s height.
Credits: Flos.com
Here are some FAQs about Wall light sconces
Are sconces still in style?
What are wall light covers called?
What is the difference between sconce and wall lamp?
Do wall sconces need wiring?
Where can I buy sconces?
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