SCONCES FOR LIVING ROOM LIGHTING

Selecting wall sconces for your living room is about finding the perfect blend of style, function, and scale. Begin by defining the purpose of your sconces.

Are you aiming for soft, ambient lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere? Or do you need task lighting for reading or other activities?

You may want to use sconces as accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural details.

Source: Hymela

Next, consider the size and scale of your living room, as well as the sconces themselves. A large living room with high ceilings can accommodate larger, more elaborate sconces, while a smaller space might benefit from more compact, understated designs.

Finally, match the style of your sconces to your existing decor. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look, a traditional, elegant aesthetic, or something in between? Your wall sconces should complement your furniture, color palette, and overall design style.

Defining the purpose of your living room wall sconces (ambient, task, accent)

Understanding the primary function of your wall sconces is crucial. Ambient lighting creates a general glow, setting the overall mood of the room.

Task lighting provides focused illumination for specific activities, such as reading. Accent lighting draws attention to particular features, such as artwork, a fireplace, or architectural details.

Source: Mix & Match Design

Determining the Right Size and Scale for Your Living Room

The size of your sconces should be proportionate to the size of your living room and the wall space where they'll be mounted. A large sconce on a small wall can look overpowering, while a tiny sconce in a large room can get lost.

Matching Sconce Style to Your Living Room Decor (Modern, Traditional, Transitional, etc.)

Your wall sconces should be an integral part of your overall living room design. A modern living room might feature sconces with clean lines and metallic finishes.

Source: Homes and Gardens

A traditional living room might call for sconces with more ornate details and fabric shades. A transitional living room can blend elements of both.

Where to place wall sconces in a living room

Strategic placement is key to maximizing the impact of your living room wall sconces.

Flanking a fireplace or focal point with wall sconces

One of the most popular and effective placements is flanking a fireplace or another focal point, such as a large piece of artwork or a mirror.

Source: Capitol Lighting

This creates a balanced and visually appealing arrangement, drawing attention to the central feature of the room.

Using wall sconces to highlight artwork or architectural features

Wall sconces can be used to illuminate artwork, sculptures, or architectural details, creating a gallery-like effect. Position the sconces to direct light onto the feature you want to highlight.

Wall sconce placement for general ambient lighting

For general ambient lighting, sconces can be placed strategically around the room to provide a soft, even glow. Consider the size and layout of the room, and aim for a balanced distribution of light.

Source: Thehouselights

Wall Sconce for a small space. For a small space, consider using a slender sconce to maximize space.

Types of wall sconces for living rooms

The variety of wall sconces available is vast, offering options to suit every style and need.

Material type for sconces ( metal, glass....)

Consider materials such as metal, glass, or ceramic, or mix them together.

Source: HTM Lighting

Dimmable vs. Non-dimmable living room wall sconces

Dimmable sconces offer greater flexibility, enabling you to adjust the light level to suit various activities and moods. This is particularly useful in a living room, where you might want bright light for entertaining and softer light for relaxing.

Source: Hymela

Wall sconces with shades vs. Exposed bulb sconces

Sconces with shades, often made of fabric, glass, or metal, tend to diffuse the light, creating a softer, more ambient glow.

Exposed bulb sconces provide a more direct and often brighter light, making them a stylish choice for a modern or industrial aesthetic.

Source: Rowabi

Single-light vs. Multi-light living room sconces

Single-light sconces are a classic and versatile option. Multi-light sconces can provide a wider spread of light and also serve as a more decorative element.

Source: Rowabi

Matching living room wall sconces with other lighting

Creating a cohesive and layered lighting scheme is essential for a well-designed living room. Your wall sconces should complement, not compete with, your other lighting fixtures.

How to use sconces for each type of light ( ambient, task, accent )

• For Ambient lighting: Using light color with bright light to create a general glow.
• For Task light: provide focused illumination for specific activities like reading.
• For accent lighting: draws attention to particular features, such as artwork or a fireplace.

Coordinating sconce finish with ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps

Consider the finish of your other lighting fixtures, such as ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps. A consistent finish, such as brushed nickel or antique brass, can create a unified look.

Source: HGTV

Creating a layered lighting scheme

A layered lighting scheme combines various types of lighting, including ambient, task, and accent, to create a versatile and visually appealing space.

Wall sconces are a crucial component of this layering, offering both functional and decorative lighting.

Benefits of using wall sconces in the living room

Wall sconces add style, ambiance, and functionality to your living room. They can highlight architectural features, provide task lighting for reading, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

They also free up floor space compared to floor lamps and table space compared to table lamps.

Source: Real Homes

Top wall sconce brand

Some of the best wall sconce brands include Rowabi, Mitzi, Hudson Valley, Eurofase, and Kuzco Lighting.

These brands offer a diverse range of styles, from modern to traditional, and are renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Faqs

Can wall sconces be used as the primary light source in a living room?

• While wall sconces can contribute significantly to the overall lighting, they are typically best used in conjunction with other light sources, such as ceiling lights or floor lamps, to create a layered lighting scheme.

How do I choose the correct bulb for my wall sconce?

• Consider the type of sconce (shaded or exposed bulb), the desired light level, and the color temperature of the bulb. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and offer a range of color temperatures, from warm white to cool white.

What style of wall sconce is best for a small living room?

• For a small living room, opt for sconces that are proportionate to the space. Slim, vertical sconces or those with a minimal profile can work well, as can sconces with clear glass shades that don't visually clutter the wall.

How can I use wall sconces to make my living room feel larger?

• Using mirrors to reflect light, using vertical sconces and light-colored walls.

How do I safely install wall sconces?

• If you're not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it's best to hire a qualified electrician to install your wall sconces.

Conclusion

Wall sconces are a versatile and stylish lighting choice that can transform your living room. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights!

Explore Rowabi's collection of handcrafted lighting to find the perfect pieces for your home. Feel free to share your living room lighting ideas and questions in the comments below!