A Lesson In Lighting: How To Use Wall Sconces
Three Bright Ways to Make Wall Lights Work for You
Lighting is one of the most important elements in design, but it is often overlooked. A great lighting plan will improve the appearance of colors and furnishings, and it will also help you look and feel better in your space. There are three main types of lighting that work together to achieve balance: ambient, task and accent. Wall sconces — depending on where they are positioned — can fit into all three of these categories. Read on to find out how these versatile fixtures can help to make your room shine!
Ambient lighting provides a space with overall, general illumination. Good ambient lighting isn't harsh, yet it floods a room with enough balanced lighting so that you can see and move around safely. In rooms with tall ceilings, sconces can be installed high on the wall which will add to the ambient lighting, as shown here.
Accent lighting adds to a room's appeal by creating drama. As shown in this space, wall sconces with dark, opaque shades will force the light to radiate out from above and below the fixture. This creates a very interesting hourglass shape on the wall, as well as dramatic shadows.
Tip: Accent lighting is also used to put the focus on artwork, plants or architectural elements that are of interest. This type of lighting should be brighter than the surrounding ambient lighting.
Tip: Accent lighting is also used to put the focus on artwork, plants or architectural elements that are of interest. This type of lighting should be brighter than the surrounding ambient lighting.
Here, crystal walls sconces provide accent lighting with sparkle. This shimmering light adds an unexpected twist to the understated, modern space.
Sometimes the best things come in threes. In this bathroom, a trio of wall sconces is spaced evenly between the vanity mirrors, creating task lighting that is perfectly balanced and adequate for grooming and getting glam.
Miniature wall sconces are great space savers in smaller spaces, but don’t be fooled by their size. Wall-mounted reading fixtures, like the ones pictured here, often use powerful ‘laser beamed’ LED bulbs, which are also energy efficient.
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Whether they are actual candles made from wax or faux candles powered by electricity, traditional “candelabra” wall sconces always add a touch of elegance to a room.
In this space, wall-mounted lamps provide task lighting for the sofa. Even with the dark wall color, the lighting is now sufficient for reading.