Want to upgrade your home’s interior lighting plan? Adding wall lights is a brilliant solution. It can help to accentuate your home’s interior décor and highlight the different textures.
However, the diverse range of wall lighting products available in today’s market can make your search for the perfect fixture overwhelming. If you’ve been wondering about how to get your wall light selection right, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide highlights factors you should consider when shopping for wall lights.
Types of Wall Lighting
Wall lighting is an art that you should master. It provides a beautiful effect that helps to improve your home’s ambiance. It’s especially ideal for homes with upscale and modern interiors. If chosen correctly, your wall lighting can leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Here are the different types of wall lighting designs you can install in your home:
Interior Wall Lighting
You can add a creative flair to your home by adding some artistic wall lights. It doesn’t always have to be the standard wall sconces installed at your bedside.
While the lights have to be functional, they can still be stylish. They can enhance a room’s visual appeal and be used to create strong focal points. In typical fashion, interior wall lights are installed inside the home.
Exterior Wall Lighting
Wall lights aren’t a preserve of your interior alone. You can incorporate outdoor wall lighting in your home. And, they don’t have to be boring or subtle.
They’re the perfect fixture to use when you want to highlight your beautiful landscape. A good example is this waterproof outdoor moon wall light.
Wall lighting can be further subdivided into these categories:
- Uplights: Also referred to as washers, these light fixtures provide a beam of light that’s directed up a wall. Used primarily to layer and accentuate ambient lighting.
- Downlights: Lights up the floors. Mainly used to enhance safety and highlight furniture.
- Spotlights: Used to draw attention to artwork, décor pieces, and pictures.
- Recessed: Typically positioned inside the wall and covered with a translucent shield. Perfect for hallways and stairways.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wall Lights
Wall lights are very versatile and can be used to serve different purposes and rooms in a home. You can even add them to your kitchen. However, to achieve optimal efficiency and promote functionality, you need to choose your fixtures wisely. Knowing the wall light modes can also help you in your selection.
Here are factors you should consider:
Purpose of the Room
Determine the purpose of the room where you want to install your wall lights? What kind of ambiance would you like to create? These are things you’ll need to consider when selecting your wall lights.
The style of the fixture you select should blend with the interior décor for uniformity and balance. Form follows function is a key design principle that you should follow when designing your wall lighting plan.
Functionality
Before you select your wall lights, you must first identify their intended purpose. Do you want to use it as a primary source of light in the space or looking to accentuate some interior décor using the fixture? The answer to this will help you make the right selection.
If you’re not a fan of ceiling lights, wall lighting can do the trick. You can also use them to create interesting focal points. Just ensure that the style you choose meets the intended role.
Quality
Wall lights with superior build guarantee durability and safety. Ensure you carefully access fixture quality before purchase. It could mean the difference between excellent performance and irrecoverable losses.
Design
Do you want a hard-wired or plug-in fixture? If you intend to DIY your wall lighting project, it’s best to buy the plug-and-switch option for old homes with limited wiring . However, if this isn’t an issue, the hard-wired option is ideal. Be aware you’ll need to hire an electrician for the task.
Tips to Help You Buy the Perfect Wall Lights
Wall lights are a charming design element that’s perfect for elevating your home décor. But, you must choose the fixtures wisely.
Here are tips to help you get your wall light selection right:
Choose Proper Fixture Placement
Wall lights are typically placed at least six feet above the floor. It’s recommended that the fixtures be strategically placed at or above the eye level to avoid glare. Exposed bulbs can be too bright and may cause eye strain.
When placing wall lights, it is important to consider both the height and positioning to ensure optimal lighting and minimize glare. Here are some guidelines for proper fixture placement:
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General Height Recommendations:
- Wall lights should typically be placed at least six feet above the floor. This height ensures that the top of the sconce is above eye level, preventing the interior bulb from being visible and reducing glare.
- A common rule of thumb is to have the middle of the fixture sit around 60 inches from the floor, which is generally comfortable for most people.
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Room-Specific Guidelines:
- Living Rooms and Hallways: Install sconces between 60 to 72 inches from the floor to the center of the junction box. Ensure they are slightly above eye level to provide even lighting without focusing too much on the ceiling or floor.
- Kitchens: If placing lights above countertops, maintain a minimum distance of 24 inches from the counter surface to the base of the fixture. This helps avoid head clashes and keeps the light at a safe distance from water sources.
- Bathrooms: For vanity lighting, install sconces between 60 to 65 inches from the floor, ideally at eye level, to minimize harsh glares. This placement helps eliminate shadows that overhead lights might cast.
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Spacing and Alignment:
- Maintain at least six inches of space between the edge of the fixture's canopy and door or window frames to avoid visual clutter.
- When using multiple sconces in a room, ensure there is at least six feet of space between them. In larger rooms, consider spacing them eight to ten feet apart for balanced lighting.
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Additional Considerations:
- Always consider the style and design of the fixture, as well as the height of ceilings, when deciding on placement. The goal is to achieve a comfortable relation between the light bulb and eye level.
- Use a cardboard cutout of the fixture to visualize its placement on the wall before installation. This can help determine the best position to avoid glare and ensure even light distribution.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively place wall lights in a way that enhances the room's aesthetics while providing functional and comfortable lighting.
Ensure Correct Layout and Spacing
Interior design experts recommend that you account for at least six feet of spacing between each wall for your exterior lighting. However, if you’re adding the fixtures to your foyer or stairway, placing them three feet apart is ideal.
This arrangement ensures that there’s even illumination throughout the space. The perfect recipe for a cozy and inviting ambiance.
Match Fixture Style to the Interior Decor
You should ensure that your fixture style matches your home’s interior and exterior design. A clash of these home décor elements can break the ambiance. The material used to craft the wall lights should blend with the color tones in the home for uniformity.
Pick Practical Designs
If you intend to use the fixture to create ambiance, opt for those with exposed bulbs. However, if they’re primarily for task lighting, select wall lights with concealed bulbs. This ensures that you can read and work comfortably without the glare that’s often associated with exposed bulbs.
Two Makes Perfect
Pairing your wall lights provides a beautiful effect and can be used to create strong focal points. However, you’ve got to get the selection right. Some designs only work well as single units.
Select Glass Wall Lights for Minimalist Interiors
Installing wall lights with glass shades is a smart way to introduce a pop of color to your space. They’re an ideal choice for minimalist interiors. The beautiful design helps cast a stunning light effect onto the space.
Match Your Wall Lighting to Other Fixtures in the Home
Keep your interior lighting design cohesive for a vibrant look and feel. Matching lights help you maintain a uniform décor scheme throughout the room. It’s a practical way to elevate your home’s visual appeal.
Elevate Your Home’s Interior Décor Using Wall Lighting
You can do all the interior design work needed to make your home look beautiful. But, if the lighting is poor, your guests won’t see and admire all the stunning details you’ve added to your space.
Wall lighting enriches your space by improving its depth and dimension. It’s the perfect way to make a statement, especially when hosting.
Ready to embark on your wall lighting project? Visit Seus Lighting and explore our diverse wall lights collection. Your dream fixture is just a click away!
