Reading Light

Reading Light

Tips on Wall Sconces as Ambient Lighting

Wall sconces are lighting fixtures that are mounted on the wall to provide soft ambient illumination or subtle background lighting. While wall lighting can be directional it is most often general, illuminating the area at large. This type of lighting fixture is ideal for rooms and spaces such as hallways, stairways, and foyers which call for indirect accent lighting as opposed to specific task lighting. Here are some tips as well as mistakes to avoid when installing your wall sconces.

The most common mistake in wall sconce installation is failing to identify the appropriate height for placement. It is suggested that wall sconces be placed 66"-78" above the floor to prevent them from being bumped or scratched. If placed above the bed as a reading light, make sure to mount the fixture 30" above the mattress. If you are placing your sconces lower than what's recommended, be sure that you are using flush-to-wall sconces. Also take into consideration the optimal height at which the shade offers the most protection from the glare of the bulb. If multiple sconces are being installed, they should lie 6'-8' apart for the best aesthetic balance.

Be mindful of the other elements in the room where your sconces are placed.  Do you foresee a change in décor or style in the later future? If so, you may want to select sconces that compliment traditional and contemporary styles of décor. Assess the surrounding furnishings. If you're one who frequently rearranges furniture, be sure you install your sconces in a place that allows you to be flexible with layouts and design.

Another common mistake in selecting wall sconces is size consideration. When choosing wall sconces, keep in mind the distance from the sconce to where people will most likely be standing. The further the distance, the larger the sconce can be. For example, you wouldn't be standing as close to a sconce hung on either side of a garage door as you would a sconce hung on either side of a bathroom mirror, so a sconce selected for the exterior of your home would be much larger than one selected for the interior.

Wall sconces can pull together the other design elements of your home while playing up the best features of a room. Combining wall sconces with other forms of lighting diminishes shadows and provides optimal general and task lighting. For more information on wall sconces visit Bellacor online.

About the Author

Bellacor is a leading online retailer of lighting and home décor featuring hundreds of thousands of products from the industry's top vendors.  To ensure overall customer satisfaction and ease of shopping, Bellacor offers personal shopping services, free shipping on orders over $75, a price match guarantee, no hassle returns and no restocking fees.  These added benefits, along with Bellacor's superior customer service, have made Bellacor the ultimate destination for lighting and home furnishings online.

What's the best kind of light to use for reading?

I want to feel just as comfortable reading in my room as I feel when I'm reading in the library. What kind of lights do I need to do this?

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