Wall Sconces

Wall sconces take so many forms it is hard to make any broad statements about them except to say that they are all mounted on the wall! They can be decorative or neutral, directional or diffuse, close to the wall or protruding out on a bracket. Wall sconces are a great way to add character to a room.

Wall sconce pointers

• If the fixture has an opaque shade or body (metal, ceramic or wood) it will distribute the light in a directional pattern and will rely on light reflected off adjacent surfaces to light the room. If the fixture has a translucent shade or body (glass, plastic, fabric or paper) it will give a portion of the light out in all directions.
  
  
• When used in pairs on either side of a window, doorway or fireplace sconces can add formality and elegance to a room.
  
  
• Sconces can be a good way to add continuity to a floor plan and visually tie together many different spaces in a house.
  
  
• Though they can be used successfully on an art wall, sconces are generally not a good choice for actually lighting artwork
  
  
• If you use a small sized fixture with a very bright lamp (or bulb) the fixture may give enough light but it will be glaring. It's better to use more than one fixture with a less intense lamp. This will make for less glare and will help to distribure the light more evenly.