What Is The Rule For Wall Sconces In The Living Room?

What if you just walk into a living room and noticed how beautiful the lighting was? You feel as though the room is filled with the kind of soft glow that makes you want to settle on the sofa and read a book. 

That living room probably has the wall sconces just right. 

The right wall sconces can completely change the aesthetics of your living space. But where to hang them, and what style to use? 

Read on! 

What Are The Uses of Wall Sconces in the Living Room? 

Picture this, you’re sitting down on the couch with your favourite television shows after a day. Wasn’t it nice if the light was pleasant, instead of shining from an overhead fixture? Here's where wall lights are in. 

Ceiling sconces can also bring in ambient, indirect lighting for a nice, comfortable mood in the living room. Sconces don’t shine in your face like overhead lights. They’re all down-light-facing, so they accentuate walls and architecture perfectly. If designed well in space, sconces can even accent furniture, decor, and art. 

Along with diffuse, comfortable illumination, sconces provide visual interest and aesthetic appeal to your living room décor. With options ranging from contemporary and sleek to classic and elaborate, you can choose the right sconce for your decor. Sconces are much better looking than the generic overhead lamps and it will make your design stand out. 

The Golden Rules for Hanging Wall Sconces

Now that you’re convinced to use wall sconces in the living room, how do you get started? Use these general guidelines to help decide where to install sconces: 

• Highlight architecture - Highlight trim, vaulted ceilings, or other architectural features by installing sconces on either side. Sconces on either side of the fireplace mantel, or at doors and windows look stunning. 
• Illuminate artwork - Put sconces over or beside paintings, mirrors, bookshelves and wall decorations to highlight them. The lights will lighten and beautify the effect. 
• Consider furniture placement Look at where the key seats and objects will be situated so sconces will add practical background lighting. Consider placing sconces by sofas, for instance, to quickly brighten up reading spaces. 
• Space evenly - The balance in the visual area feels natural. Spread them around the room in pairs or clusters of sconces. 
• Mix with other lighting - Use sconces as an accent to large overhead lights and lamps. Layered lighting keeps away the shadows and dark spots. 

Guide to Sconce Location for Living Rooms

Follow these layout suggestions when placing sconces in your living room: 

1. Left and right of couch - Position coordinating lamps about 5ft off the floor on either side of couches and loveseats. This arrangement gives good, well-balanced light for reading while watching TV. 
2. Overhanging fireplace - To get an asymmetrical look, place the sconces at equal height 5-7 feet above the floor, on either side of the fireplace. Make the sconces match the mantel size. 
3. Alternative overhead lighting - Avoid an overhead light by hanging sconces near the ceiling on either side of the room. Orient light toward the ceiling for ambient lighting from above. 
4. Accent walls- Give a boring wall some texture by spacing out sconces across a column at different heights. Play with odd numbers and visual gaps. 
5. Light art - Illuminate a pretty painting or gallery wall with sconces 5–7ft high on both sides. Place at or above eye level with the painting’s centre. 
6. Entryways - Give a warm welcome to visitors by accenting the foyer with matching lights. Tether roughly 5 feet from the floor. 
7. Stair banister - Cover a staircase with sconces for safe walking and comfort. 

Final Thoughts

A perfect lighting layout can make your living room look beautiful as well as be a relaxing environment for watching television, reading and entertaining. Hence, don’t be shy and give your space the proper light and turn your living room into a beacon!

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