Want to elevate the look of your home on a budget?
Wall sconces are the secret interior designer’s weapon to transform a ho-hum space into something special. These fixtures don’t just light up a room – they change the entire feel of it.
Check this out:
The decorative lighting industry is a $12.6 billion business that includes items like pendant lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, chandeliers, and more. Wall sconces account for the largest market share at 34.2%.
Wall sconces are the popular choice for homeowners because they provide that “wow factor” while also adding function to a room.
The great thing is that quality retailers like wall sconces specialists have sconces in all shapes, styles, and sizes to fit any home. You can easily create that luxe look with the right placement of high-quality wall sconces.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why Wall Sconces Are Outselling Home Lighting
- The 3 Requirements to Selecting Wall Sconces
- 5 Tips to Wall Sconce Installation
- 3 Energy Saving Benefits
Why Wall Sconces Are Outselling Home Lighting
The numbers speak for themselves. Wall sconces aren’t just in style, they’re becoming the preferred lighting solution for savvy homeowners everywhere.
And for good reason.
Wall sconces provide soft, ambient lighting that is far more flattering than the overhead lighting most people use in their homes. It creates a layered lighting effect that adds depth and warmth to any space.
But here’s the secret most people don’t know…
Wall sconces are extremely versatile. You can use them to highlight artwork, create cozy reading nooks without taking up valuable floor space, add task lighting in bathrooms, and set the mood with ambient lighting in bedrooms.
Wall sconces work in every room of the house. From sleek, modern minimalism to traditional and rustic styles, there is a wall sconce to suit any decor and add that touch of magic.
The 3 Requirements to Selecting Wall Sconces
Picking out the perfect wall sconces isn’t just about the prettiest fixture. You need to know what your space needs.
Start with function.
Are you looking for wall sconces to create an ambient atmosphere or provide task lighting for activities? Ambient wall sconces direct the light both up and down for a soft glow that reflects off walls and ceilings. Task lighting should provide focused, directed lighting.
Size does matter.
Small sconces look lost on large walls while oversized fixtures overwhelm a smaller space. An ideal wall sconce should be about one-quarter the width of the furniture or wall area it will be lighting.
Match your home’s style.
Choose sleek, modern sconces for contemporary spaces. More ornate wall sconces work best in traditional or rustic homes. Your wall sconces should complement existing fixtures and style in each room.
5 Tips to Wall Sconce Installation
Proper installation makes all the difference between a professional look and a DIY disaster.
Height is more important than you think.
The rule of thumb for wall sconces is 60-66 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture. If you plan on using them for reading, mount sconces 48-54 inches high so the light source is at shoulder level when seated.
Spacing is everything.
Wall sconces should be 8-10 feet apart for even light distribution when using multiples. If you are mounting them to flank a mirror or artwork, sconces should be 28-36 inches apart.
Something most people don’t realize…
Switch location is crucial. A common installation faux pas is to have an awkward switch location that ruins the effect of the otherwise beautiful sconce. Plan the electrical work before falling in love with a specific fixture and location.
3 Energy Saving Benefits
Here’s some good news for your electricity bill.
The average homeowner saves $225 per year in energy costs when they switch to LED lighting. Lighting accounts for about 15% of the average home’s electricity usage, so smart choices really add up.
LED wall sconces are game-changers.
LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. That’s less money spent on electricity and nearly no bulb replacements for years to come.
LEDs produce very little heat making them safer. LEDs also have better light quality and don’t flicker when dimmed.
Smart controls amplify the savings.
Add timers or smart switches to your wall sconces for even more energy savings. The investment in LED wall sconces pays for itself through energy savings alone.
Placement Strategies That Create Magic
Placement is the key between okay lighting and jaw-dropping ambiance.
Layer it up.
Wall sconces are best used as part of a larger lighting scheme. Combine wall sconces with overhead lights and table lamps for multiple sources of light.
Separate spaces.
In open floor plans, wall sconces can help define separate areas without having to use physical dividers. Two sconces can work wonders at signaling a transition between living room and dining area.
Don’t forget about dimmers.
Add dimmer switches to complete control of the mood. 57% of home decor decisions are influenced by social media. Well-lit rooms look great in photos and make your home more Instagram-worthy. Make sure your sconce lighting is picture perfect.
Mistakes That Ruin Wall Sconces
Even the most beautiful wall sconces can be a disaster if you make these common mistakes.
Installing sconces too high or too low. This is an all-too-common error that ruins the entire effect. Take the time to mark the position and step back before drilling any holes.
Ignoring the direction of the light. Up-light wall sconces are wonderful for ambient lighting but terrible for reading. Down-light sconces provide better task lighting.
Choosing the wrong size. This happens more often than you’d think. When in doubt, go slightly larger. Undersized wall sconces look cheap.
Wall sconces are one of the most versatile and forgiving types of lighting you can choose. Get the basics right, and they’ll enhance your home for years.
What You Can Expect As Results
Wall sconces are not just another lighting fixture – they’re design elements that can change the entire feel of your home.
The versatility is unmatched. Create a cozy reading nook, highlight artwork, or add that extra something to your dining room with the right wall sconces. These fixtures deliver the results homeowners want, something overhead lighting can never match.
The energy savings are real. LED technology and smart controls combine to save money and enhance your lighting.
Ready to take the first step with wall sconces? Choose a room to start, get the placement and style right, and you’ll see why these fixtures are the hottest trend in home lighting.
All-inclusive Conclusion
Wall sconces take up the largest market share in the decorative lighting industry for good reason. Wall sconces combine style, function, and energy efficiency.
Pick fixtures based on what you need (atmospheric lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting) and then size and height them appropriately.
LED technology means modern wall sconces are an investment that will pay for themselves through energy savings.
Wall sconces with smart placement can take any room from ordinary to extraordinary. Choose with a clear plan and fixtures that match your style and needs.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
