Which Direction Should Wall Sconces Point?
Wall sconces are timeless pieces of decor that can help to improve the look and feel of almost any space. However, perhaps the most important decision that you’ll need to make after buying your sconces is whether you want them facing up or down. Let’s take a closer look at uplighting and downlighting and when you might want to choose one style over the other.
Uplighting
As the name suggests, uplighting occurs when you have the light inside of the sconce facing toward the ceiling. Uplighting is often used to make a room feel larger or to reduce glare by directing light off of ceilings or walls instead of directly into your eyeline.
Uplighting can also be ideal if you’re looking to highlight some aspect of the room such as a painting or a mirror. You can also use it to create extra contrast between the color and texture of interior walls and the rest of the space.
Downlighting
Downward lighting is typically used in spaces where you want or need to get something done. For instance, you may place a downward facing sconce above your favorite living room chair so that you have a reliable source of light while you read.
You could also put a downward facing sconce on a bathroom vanity or above the kitchen sink. This ensures that you can always see what you’re doing while shaving or cutting vegetables for dinner.
Downlighting can also be ideal in helping to make a room feel smaller and more intimate. For instance, you could use these in the dining room so that guests are more likely to focus on their meals or those in their general area. Bedrooms may be another area where you might want to use downlighting techniques.
Can You Use the Two Together?
You can absolutely use wall sconces that face both directions in the same space. For instance, you might want sconces on one side of the room to offer an ambient light, so you would use uplighting techniques on that side of the room. Then, on the other side of the room where you read before bed, you can use a downward sconce to provide some direct light.
Of course, you can use wall sconces that face both directions on the same wall or in the same general area if that works best for you. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to move a sconce up or down, so you can spend time experimenting until you find something that you like.
Choosing the Right Height for Your Wall Sconces
When you’ve decided on the direction your wall sconces will face, you’ll need to choose the correct height to install them. For most applications, wall sconces should be mounted between 60 and 66 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture. This puts the light source at about eye level, this helps minimize glare and provides good illumination.
In hallways, you might consider installing wall sconces slightly higher at 66 to 72 inches to provide even light distribution. For bedroom reading lights, position them lower around 54 to 60 inches so the light falls directly where you need it. Bathroom vanity sconces work best at 65 to 70 inches from the floor to eliminate shadows on your face while getting ready.
Spacing Is Important
Regardless of how you use your wall sconces, remember to keep them at least six feet apart from each other. This ensures that you don’t have too much light concentrated in one spot, and it also prevents the sconces themselves from dominating the aesthetic in your living room or kitchen.
If you are ready to have wall sconces added to your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mister Sparky today. We’ll be more than happy to install them in a friendly, timely and affordable manner. Remember, with Mister Sparky you won’t have to put up with any malarky. Instead, you’ll work with competent professionals who will get the job done right the first time.
