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The Wall Sconce: The Perfect and Most Versatile Light

When general lighting just isn't enough for your hallway, foyer or bathroom, wall sconces are an excellent way to provide additional light. These versatile wall-mounted fixtures provide general, task or accent lighting with equal effect.

Many wall sconces can also complement main lighting sources, like chandeliers and ceiling fixtures, and a good number of them are also reversible and can be mounted for up or down lighting.

There are few places wall sconces cannot be mounted. We could reasonably put these versatile little gems into three different categories:

• Indoors conventional: Bathroom and hallway fixtures provide a small amount of light for accenting already existing fixtures. Foyer fixtures offer an exemplary complement to ceiling fixtures, like chandeliers or pendants.
• Indoors unconventional: The American Lighting Association suggests placing sconces on each side of the fireplace to draw attention to that area and provide general lighting. In addition, beauty wraps are an amazing way to wash light throughout your bathroom.
• Outdoors: While beautifying your property, outdoor wall sconces placed at the front and back porch or by the garage will also make your home's exterior safer and more secure. In addition, basking in the glow of outdoor wall sconces allows you to enjoy the times you spend outdoors.

Whether you're planning to install wall sconces along a hallway or in a bathroom or foyer, they should be hung roughly 60 inches from the floor, and spaced no less than six feet apart from each other.

One way in which wall sconces are unique from all other lighting fixtures is in their architectural styles. Corner sconces provide accent light and can showcase a cherished piece of furniture or art. Lighted shelf fixtures offer a small ledge to accommodate a knick-knack, picture frame or any other decorative touch.

Swing arm fixtures are great since the light source itself can be moved to cast light anywhere the swing arm will reach. Wall washers flood a specific area with a soothing array of light, perfect for complementing other fixtures in the room.

Wallchiere sconces are in a class by themselves. Modeled after torchiere lamps, they feature distinctively long bases that give way to a mellow glow on top. More decorative than task oriented, these classic-inspired fixtures are a perfect accent piece and double as functional art.

And when it comes to energy conservation, don't worry: A number of lighting manufacturers are doing their part to increase their product lines with improved technologies and ENERGY STAR-rated wall sconces.

You don't have to stumble around in an area that lacks the proper amount of lighting. When you're ready to fill your living space with the right amount of light, consider a wall sconce.

Until next time, Happy Home Improving!

 

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