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A Lesson In Lighting: How To Use Wall Sconces
Three Bright Ways to Make Wall Lights Work for You
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior color selection. I also create Design Plans for DIYers. I'd love to help you through my eDesign Service {and it doesn't matter where you live!}. Visit my blog at http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle.
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior... More »
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!
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| Task lighting is just what the name implies. Whether it's reading, doing homework, crafting or cooking, this type of lighting helps you to perform tasks. It's a light source that is close-in and usually represented by lamps or low-hanging ceiling fixtures.
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. |
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| 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. |
Here, crystal walls sconces provide accent lighting with sparkle. This shimmering light adds an unexpected twist to the understated, modern space.
by Imagine Living
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In this space, extra-long wall sconces measure up to the size of the large, oval mirror. This creates a captivating focal point that is in perfect proportion, and the sconces also add to the ambient lighting of the room.
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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.
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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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| In a bedroom without nightstands, wall sconces can become a necessary substitute for table lamps. Positioned about 30-36 inches above the bed, these wall sconces make terrific lights for reading. |
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.
Ideabook updated on March 27, 2011.
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I also did not realize spotlight accent lights should be brighter than the room's ambient lighting.
Also, gorgeous photos!
Pictured here are some lighted hand made glass for my customers.
That being said I am thinking that perhaps in our bathroom reno that they would look great on either side of the mirror?? would an overhead light still be needed?
Thanks everyone for your comments and photos!
http://www.houzz.com/photos/users/ariadne