The Lighting Blog

When we think of home lighting, we typically think big. We think of chandeliers, floor lamps, or ceiling mounts. These all provide excellent sources of light. However, lighting is equal parts home décor and function. Sometimes alternative light fixtures can provide both. An increasingly popular fixture is the wall sconce.

Wall sconces are light fixtures that are fixed onto, and fully supported by, the wall. They have no floor base. Wall sconce lighting has been used throughout the centuries for both its form and function. The castles of Europe used giant wrought iron sconces to light the entrance ways. Likewise, gothic cathedrals used the wall sconce for illumination and décor. The sconces were generally large iron fixtures that held torches. Inside these structures, small candle-lit wall sconces were used to illuminate hallways.

The modern wall sconce is similarly used for form and function. While sconces do not provide primary sources of light, they are perfect for hallway lighting. Sconces should be placed about three quarters up the wall towards the ceiling. If you are using multiple sconces to light a hallway, it is recommended that you space the sconces equidistantly apart on alternate sides of the hallway. This will provide your hallway with a nice decorative touch.

There are many styles of wall sconces. Most light fixtures come in collections, and almost every collection offers at least one (if not multiple) variations of the wall sconce. Most wall sconces feature a single light that illuminates upward, but with growing demand, manufacturers are now offering variations of this design. Several wall sconce fixtures now hold as many as four bulbs, some of which cast light in alternate directions. There is no shortage of choices when it comes to this type of fixture. Whatever you are looking for aesthetically,there will be an array of wall sconces that match your style, and illuminate your home.

Filed under: FYI, general, lighting, sconces