Whether you’re attracted to the style’s sheer elegance or the convenience, a wall sconce is an excellent option for your home. These versatile devices can provide directional accent lighting, ambient lighting, and light for carrying out your day-to-day tasks.
No matter what you want to use your sconces for, it pays to choose the right option. By learning more about this type of decor, you can make the right choice for your family’s needs. If you are uncertain about which option makes the most sense for your space, our team of experienced electricians can help.
What Is a Wall Sconce?
Years ago, people would have to light candles or lanterns if they wanted to see in the twilight hours. As you can imagine, this made it challenging to perform needlepoint, writing, and other eye-intensive activities. To make seeing the room a bit easier, people would hang up lighting fixtures on the wall that could hold candles or torches.
Thankfully, today’s sconces don’t hold candles anymore. Instead, you can use modern lighting options to provide a similar type of decor.
How Is a Wall Sconce Different Than a Lamp?
When you install a sconce on your wall, it is essentially the same thing as a wall light or a wall lamp. According to the technical definition, a wall light contains a covered light source. Sconces do not. However, you’ll often see these products grouped together, and many people use the terms interchangeably. Ultimately, the name matters less than making the right choice for your family.
What Type of Wall Sconces Are Available?
Whether you want to maximize light or enjoy beautiful designs, there are a few types of sconces you can choose from.
- Flush-Mounted Sconces: These sconces are designed to rest snugly against the wall. They can shed ambient, soft light on a broad area, like a hallway. They have a moderate to high output, making them great for entryways, hallways, and living rooms.
- Armed Sconces: This option produces a high amount of light. The device is made with an arm that holds the light away from the wall, allowing it to shine farther out. Often, people use them when they need task lighting.
- Lantern Sconces: These sconces contain transparent or frosted glass panels. While they are traditionally used in outdoor situations, you can use them inside your home as well. They serve as a nice accent light that spreads evenly and produces a high output.
- Up-Lighting Sconces: While this option is better for mood lighting, it creates a lovely, luxurious ambiance in living rooms or bedrooms. It directs the light toward the ceiling, which creates a diffused glow.
- Spotlight Sconces: This option works well for highlighting objects or areas. Although it has a high output, the output is concentrated on a single feature. Because of this, spotlight sconces are better for accent lighting and decor purposes.
Ways To Maximize Your Light Output
To make the most of our lighting selection, start by reviewing the bulb, placement, shade design, and finish you use. Typically, LED bulbs will produce the highest amount of light. They also last longer and use less energy, making them an ideal selection.
To brighten your room, you should look for reflective finishes that increase light dispersion. Additionally, opting for transparent glass will ensure the maximum amount of light gets into your home.
Once you pick the right wall sconce, you should consider its placement. For maximum illumination, it should be installed at eye level. If you want to evenly light up your hallway, you should place sconces every 8 to 10 feet.
Which Wall Sconce Will Produce the Most Light?
If you want to brighten up your room as much as possible, you should choose a lantern sconce or an armed wall sconce. Any lantern material should be transparent so that the maximum amount of light can get through. In addition to installing an LED bulb, you should pick a reflective finish, such as chrome or bronze.
Get Professional Help Installing Your Wall Sconces
At Sarasota Mister Sparky, we’ve built our reputation on providing Florida residents with the best quality of electrical work and home lighting possible. We’ll carefully inspect your home to determine your existing electrical setup and any repairs you will need. Then, we’ll select the type of lighting that works with your system and overall goals.
From prompt electricians to flexible scheduling, we go out of our way to make the entire process as convenient as possible. Thanks to our licensed, insured electricians, your family can enjoy better peace of mind. Learn more about our wide range of services by giving us a call today. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky!
