Wall sconces were introduced long before the discovery of electricity, when they were used to hold candles and torches along the walls of dwellings, homes, and castles. Some of today's designs still feature the "candle" appearance that is reminiscent of early sconces. These days, wall sconces are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors, which makes it easy for you to find the lighting that is right for you and your home.
Wall sconces can be used to provide soft background illumination, as well as directional task lighting. The style and materials that are chosen for a wall sconce can determine the lighting effect that is produced. Sconces with incandescent lamps and glass, mica, or fabric shades will diffuse light, which is perfect for ambient lighting in areas which don't need large amounts of light. Sconces featuring halogen wall sconce will provide general lighting and complement existing light without taking up precious floor space. When used properly, sconces can add just the right amount of ambience to a room, and can be a beautiful addition to any style of décor. Consider the placement and the style of the wall fixture when giving your home the stunning effect you desire.
Miles of Styles
From traditional and ornate, to clean lines and simple design, there is a range of wall sconces styles available. Size can range from a horizontal fixtures only a few inches high, to a longer, more slender fixture such as a wall torchiere. To determine the right style of sconce for your home, begin by evaluating the room and the objects already in it. What material, color, or trend is predominant in your room’s décor? Do you want to enhance or highlight the décor and atmosphere of the room? Wall lights should be chosen to complement the look of other lighting in the room as well as the architecture and decorating style of the home.
Art Deco/Retro: Art Deco was a design movement which was popular mid 1920’s to late 1930’s. It emphasizes streamlined, modern design, and has an elegance all it’s own with shiny finishes and geometric patterns such as the popular sunburst motif. Art Deco and Retro fixtures bring a sense of nostalgia for the early twentieth century and bring style and grace to a room that is reminiscent of early Hollywood glamour.
Contemporary/Modern: Contemporary and Modern wall sconces typically feature clean, straight lines. Despite the minimal decoration of a modern lighting fixture, the metal and glass accents will create an atmosphere of luxury and appeal. Modern wall sconces primarily showcase chrome finishes and glass diffusers, but the options are endless.
Craftsman/Mission: Craftsman lighting fixtures encourage originality and simplicity of form with their sturdy structure, clean lines, and natural materials. The arts and crafts movement began around the turn of the 20th century as a reaction to the heavily ornamented Victorian style. The style favors simple straight lines and the use of natural materials such as copper, wood, and mica. It emphasizes the importance of handmade crafts, as opposed to factory-produced items. Mission style is related to the Arts and Crafts style in that it tends to favor simple, plain lines but can oftentimes lean toward darker, warmer finishes.
Full Crystal and Crystal Accent: Crystal wall sconces are a great way to bring shine and sparkle into a room lacking in that particular area. Some manufacturers have different varieties of crystal ranging in both quality and price. Crystals can vary in color as well, allowing you to not only add a spark of interest, but to coordinate with the exiting color choices in your décor.
Swing Arm: Wall sconces can be practical as well as stylish. Adding a swing arm sconce on either side of a bed is an efficient way of achieving the task lighting needed to read in bed, with the added bonus of having a bedside table clear of any additional clutter. Directional wall sconces are a fantastic way to highlight areas and objects of interest in a room, the most flexible of all directional wall sconces being a gooseneck wall light, with its ability to be fixed in any direction.
Iron/Rustic/Lodge: Iron wall sconces have a timeless appeal that fits well in traditional or rustic settings. Cast iron fixtures are strong and sturdy as well as beautiful and ornate; the artistic possibility of hand-wrought iron is incomparable. Unique rustic wall sconces that feature deer, horses, bears, or even pine cones can enhance cabins, lodges, or homes with a rustic design.
Kid’s Room: Kid’s Room wall sconces are a great way to liven up your child’s room. An array of colors and motifs are available from pink crystal to space travel; the choices are endless. Adding colorful images and fun designs with a wall sconce is an easy way to make a room come to life, and turn it into a bright and cheerful space.
Stained Glass/Tiffany: Stained glass wall sconces each have their own individual style, coming in a variety of colors and shapes. A Tiffany fixture can be styled with a multitude of designs, from grapes to tulips, or a mission styled stained glass fixture. With such a variety of stained glass, Tiffany sconces make a statement with their own individuality. Stained glass wall fixtures are full of rich colors and tones that transmit texture and bring the patterns to life, perfect for a room that is missing a little something.
Traditional: Traditional wall sconces have gentle curves and graceful scrolled arms, and are generally constructed of Brass or Pewter. Bare candelabra bulbs are often seen on traditional wall sconces, but the addition of a simple silk shade can transform your fixture, giving your home instant elegance. The mix of dark metals with soft, muted colors creates an overall ambience of timeless influence.
Transitional: Transitional wall sconces are the blending of Traditional and Contemporary fixtures. A Transitional sconce can be beautiful and functional, making it perfect for a home with up-to-date and relaxed décor. Transitional fixtures are made for today’s casual home, featuring a fresh and fashionable style.
Location and Function
From entryways to flanking fireplaces, paintings, and headboards, or lining hallways and climbing alongside stairways - wall sconces are an ideal way to bring additional light to much needed areas throughout your home. However, if your wall has not been pre-wired to accept the wall sconce, it may be difficult to install without the help of a professional handyman or electrician. Some wall sconces may not require hard-wired installation, and offer the option of a cord and plug application. Sconces can be used for task lighting in bedrooms or near an armchair for a convenient table-free reading lamp. Perhaps the most useful application for a wall sconce is in the bathroom, where two sconces installed on either side of a bathroom mirror provide ideal cross-illumination for applying make-up and other personal care tasks. Sconces are generally used to complement a function withing a room, and are almost always installed in pairs. Sometimes two aren’t enough, and multiple sconces can effectively light long hallways, large rooms, and home theaters.
How low can you go?
It is suggested that wall sconces be mounted 60”-66” from the ground. As the room increases in height, so should the mounting height of your fixtures. In this case, the fixtures themselves should also be increased in size to keep in proportion with the room's increased square footage and ceiling height. Wall sconces should be placed anywhere from 6’-10’ apart, depending on the amount of light needed and the amount of light that is thrown from the fixtures themselves. For a hallway or entryway, the sconce layout should be balanced. A staggered pattern spaced every 8-10 feet along the length of the hall can accomplish this without the projection of the fixture taking up walking space. A common problem when lining staircases or lower level rooms is being able to see the bulb from above the fixture. The glare caused by the exposed bulb can be solved with a closed diffuser on your wall sconce, or a downlight. Sconces can provide light for safety as well as ambience, lighting steps that were once dark and possibly hazardous. Make sure to pay attention to how far the fixtures extend from the wall (measured as projection), so as not to make it a danger for guests and residents of the home. ADA compliant fixtures protrude 4” or less and can be a great choice for tight spaces.
