Tips for Choosing Wall Sconces

Many homeowners think choosing vintage wall sconces will be easy, but there are so many styles! You also want the fixture to provide the right amount of illumination and flow with your existing decor. Sconces are smaller and throw less light than chandeliers or pendants, but your selection still requires careful thought. As you shop around, keep the following in mind.

Single or Pair

Single Arts & Crafts Sconce, c. 1940Before you make any decisions, do you want one or two sconces? A single sconce is ideal for a small office or bedroom or the top of a staircase in a small hallway.

Areas where paired sconces work best include dining room buffets, on either side of a fireplace or flanking mirrors and pieces of artwork.

Best Placements

Know the rooms where you will be installing these fixtures. Entryways, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways can all benefit from a well-designed wall sconce that provides a little extra light.

Keep in mind, the sconces you choose will likely differ depending on ceiling height, existing decor and the amount of light you want.

Purpose of the Light

If a wall sconce is going to be used for task lighting, choose one that is practical and fits the room design. A wall-mounted swing arm light is a decorative alternative to a desk lamp and frees up space on horizontal surfaces. Wall sconces are also ideal for highlighting artwork, sculptures and other architectural details.

How to Hang Sconces

When choosing wall sconces, consider how many you will need and how you plan on placing the fixtures. Experts recommend hanging wall sconces at approximately eye level, between five and six feet.

The height of your ceiling and the size of the sconce may alter these dimensions, but you don’t want to come eye-to-eye with the brightness of an exposed light bulb.
 
Our showroom staff can help you choose the ideal lighting for each room of your home, from our selection of antique and vintage restored sconces. Visit our Hartford location today.

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