Wall sconces are not only a source of light, but it is a symbol of one’s style. Wall sconces come in variety of styles, colors, textures and materials. It is important to select a wall sconce that will complement the colors and textures in a room. Wall sconces make a statement that general lighting is simply not enough and that you are expressing your style through your lighting.
It is crucial to know where you will be placing the wall scones and this will help determine the size. Remember that wall sconces are great options for both indoors and out. The positioning of a wall sconce is important, so it’s best to measure the length and height of the wall that you want to use for hang your scones. Wall sconces come with a variety of lamps (light bulbs) and our experts at Light Bulbs Etc can help you select the appropriate source. In darker areas, it is important to use higher wattage lamps and in areas where sconces are used more for decorative lighting than anything else, lower wattages will work.
The correct height for hanging wall sconces is not just a simple cut and dry answer! There are many variables that can change the height placement. A good rule of thumb when hanging a wall sconce is to have the middle of the fixture sit 60 inches above the floor. Every scenario is different and when hanging a wall scone, it is important to find a level that will allow the majority of the people in the particular space to enjoy the lighting from their normal positions, without suffering from the glare of an exposed bulb. If the room is used generally for sitting like a dining room, then it is best to place the sconce at a position whereby the majority of people sitting in that room cannot see the light source (bulbs) and suffer from glare.
As we recommend with a wide range of the fixtures that we sell at Light Bulbs Etc., before purchasing a fixture, cut a template of the fixture out of cardboard and place it on the wall. You can move this piece of cardboard around to ensure you have it in an appropriate position before you actually install the fixture. In the case of the wall sconces, once your piece of cardboard is up, place a flashlight in that position to see where the light will fall. If the light source is in a position that will not be exposed and not cause glare, then the sconce is in an appropriate position. As we always recommend, find a position that is appropriate by testing with a cardboard cutout of the fixture before you have an electrician start cutting holes and wiring.
We're not sure that there is a "correct" height for all wall sconces. It can depend on the style, the height of your ceilings and your height as well. You want to make sure that wherever the light bulb is, it is in a comfortable relation to your eye level.
The top of the sconce should be above eye level so the interior bulb is not visible. Generally, this would be a minimum of six feet from the floor. Therefore, the wall box for that sconce should be six feet less the distance from the top of the sconce to the center of the wall box. This dimension is found on each sconce page which has a link for "View Technical Drawing". This dimension is shown from the bottom of the sconce, so subtract that amount from the overall height of the sconce.