Guide to Buying Wall Lights
Wall lights are much more than simply light fixtures. They can work as statement pieces that decorate your walls instead of art. This is why, when choosing your next wall lights, it is important to keep in mind the following:
What is the main purpose of the wall light
- Is it intended for ambient, task, or accent lighting?
- Will it be used to highlight a particular feature in the room?
Where exactly will it be placed
- Does the positioning affect the style of the wall light?
- Will it draw too much attention away from the rest of your decor?
How does it complement the rest of the lighting fixtures
- Does the style of the wall light align with the overall theme of your other fixtures?
- Do color temperature and brightness help maintain a cohesive lighting scheme?
Our wall sconce lights can create more drama in your space, as each is uniquely crafted to serve a specific purpose. Answer the questions above to lay the foundation for your purchase.
Hardwired vs Plug-in Sconces
Hardwired sconces look more elegant and sturdy but they are harder to install.
Consider hardwired sconces if you are renovating your space or are building it from scratch. As they are connected to your main power supply, they are usually easier to switch on and off with more versatility regarding dimming options.
Plug-in wall lights on the other hand are very easy to install and reposition but might be less aesthetically pleasing.
Consider plug-in wall sconces if you are renting or like to change your decor a lot.
Also, use a cord cover to hide those unsightly cords. Choose the same color cord cover as the wall for extra camouflage!
Wall Lights for Bedroom
Wall lights for the bedroom are typically softer, more playful, and can act both as task lighting (e.g., to read a book) and as focal points.
For wall lights in the bedroom, consider swing-arm sconces for practicality, as these can be adjusted to exactly the spot you want them. It makes performing tasks in the bedroom so much easier!
Also, choose a low color temperature, which helps with sleep, and install dimmers so that you can control the brightness during the day and night.
Wall Lights for Living Room
Wall lights for the living room act more as accent lights because the main ambient light is usually provided by a chandelier or recessed can lights. For task lighting, floor lights and table lights are preferred.
Consider using sharp LED wall lights in neutral color temperatures and always use the same type of sconce - do not mix and match as it can end up looking tacky!
Wall Lights for Kitchen
Wall sconces in the kitchen can look great next to a window or over the kitchen sink.
Allow some space around the sconce to not make the area feel too cramped.
Also, consider using clear or frosted glass shades as they provide plenty of light and are easy to clean. Frosted glass diffuses light which reduces glare and creates a softer atmosphere.
Metal shades can direct light downward or upward, depending on the design, making them ideal for task lighting or highlighting specific areas.
Avoid fabric shades in the kitchen as they are harder to clean.
Wall Lights for Bathroom
Wall lights in the bathroom should generally only be used in the vanity area.
Go for a neutral color temperature (2800-3500 K) to achieve good color accuracy without making the bathroom feel too sterile.
If you place wall sconces on each side of the mirror, allow at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the mirror for the electrical components and to achieve balanced lighting on your face.
Outdoor Wall Lights
Our modern outdoor wall lights can accentuate the architectural features of your patio or outdoor walls while providing ample light for good visibility at night.
For outdoor wall sconces, consider weather-resistant sconces made from durable materials. You can find information about durability under each of our products.
Our outdoor wall sconces are specifically designed to withstand a range of temperatures and natural events without taking away from their design and style.
Lamp Shades
Lamp shades truly have the potential to transform your wall sconces into something more interesting and powerful. And they are a budget-friendly option to do so!
- Choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain, especially in high-traffic areas.
- The shape of the shade affects the direction and quality of the light. Consider where you want to have the light pointing (upwards, downwards, 360).
- The color of the shade can affect the ambiance of the room. Choose a color that fits your overall architecture.
- Opt for shades that can be easily swapped out to update the look of your space without needing to replace the entire fixture.
- Ensure that the shade is not too big or too small for your bulb.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I determine the right size for a wall light?
Consider the scale of the room and the specific area where the light will be placed. The height of the wall light should be at max equal to 1/4 of the ceiling height. Unless of course, you specifically choose long sconces designed to cover most of the wall.
2. Can wall lights be used as the main light source in a room?
In general, no. Wall lights are typically not sufficient as the main light source, except for maybe smaller rooms like the bathroom. Combine them with other lighting types, such as ceiling lights or floor lights, for balanced lighting. It is always best to use three layers of light: ambient, task, and accent.
3. What are the best wall lights for reading?
For reading, consider adjustable swing-arm sconces or wall lights with a focused beam. Look for lights that offer flexibility in directing light and have a warm color temperature to reduce eye strain.
4. How do I install a hardwired wall light?
Installing a hardwired wall light typically requires some electrical work. We recommend you hire a professional electrician to ensure safety and proper installation, especially if you are not experienced with electrical wiring. However, some brief instructions are as follows:
- Turn off the power at the breaker
- Install a junction box if needed
- Mount the light base securely
- Connect ground, neutral, and hot wires using wire nuts
- Test connections with a circuit tester
- Secure the wires, attach the light, and test its functionality
- Turn the power back on and secure the fixture completely
5. What is the difference between a sconce and a wall light?
Although the terms are usually used interchangeably, wall lights are all types of fixtures that can be mounted on the wall, including picture lights or wall washers. Sconces are a subcategory of wall lights that have distinct decorative elements and typically direct light either upwards or downwards.