The house’s lighting can either make or break the whole interior design. Many homeowners don’t look at the lighting fixtures as a light source anymore, but rather as a way to complement and upgrade the rest of the space. Wall lights are the perfect way to do this. They’re very versatile, come in so many shapes, sizes and designs and are easy to install. If you’re looking to make a change around the house, wall lights are the way to go.
Why Have Wall Lighting?
As soon as people hear “wall lights” they think about a decorative sconce that doesn’t really provide much lighting. Nothing more than an accent light. While being decorative is one of their functions, wall lights are more than that. They are great as reading lights, for general safety around the house and work as proper task lighting. They can have many functions inside and outside your home. These fixtures are great if you want to create layered lighting. They add a touch of both beauty and practicality.
Where to Use Wall Lights?
Wall lights are something you can incorporate in any room inside the house and even outdoors. A beautiful and unique indoor wall light can create an atmospheric effect if you combine it with the right ceiling light. The vanity lights in your bathroom paired with some wall lights can give you a fully illuminated face. You won’t have to struggle to get your makeup on or shave off your beard.
If you have a home office or a crafts room, they can be a great replacement for a desk lamp that takes up space in your working space. If you’re a fan of artwork you can accentuate it with wall light. Also, if you have sculptures and niches, they’ll look more detailed under the spotlight. Placing them on the porch can make them great safety features and the area will look much better.
They can be a nice addition even in a well-lightened room with enough ceiling light. Wall fixtures can create a soothing, shadowy effect and bring a calm atmosphere to the space. Adding them in a dark corner can help you navigate better. Many homeowners connect these lights with dimmer switches. This gives them more control and they can set the mood in the room.
How Many Lights According to the Size of the Room?
One of the most important things to consider when installing wall lights is their placement. The ideal height would be around eye level (1.6-1.8m). Although the height of the ceiling and the fixture’s size are also important in this case. Experts advise staying away from eye-to-eye contact with an exposed lightbulb (always have a scone around it).
When you’re installing them in a hallway keep a distance of around 2.5-3m between them. Otherwise, the hall will look like a bright runway. This distance also depends on the size of the room and the lumen output. You can either line them up throughout the room or stagger them along the wall. The second option is more artistic and sometimes more flattering to the space.
Types of Wall Lights
Lantern
Lanterns have a long history with humanity and for a long time, they’ve been a light source for everyone. They’re made from glass and metal and have a light source inside. Manufacturers paid tribute to the old-school lanterns by creating wall lanterns. They’re a great decorative piece you can use in any room in the house, bedroom, bathroom, hallway and living room. They usually use LED bulbs which make them heat-free and safe to use.
Flush-mount
This is a great choice if you want to add some light to a dark space. They don’t offer a lot of distance between the wall and the fixture itself. You can find them in many shapes, sizes and designs, but the most popular ones are circular shapes. They also come in square, rectangular, oval and irregular shapes. You can use them in your bedroom, lounge room or the kitchen.
Up and Down
These lights are actually lamps that have a bulb at the top and the bottom while being mounted to the wall. They look very unusual and unique. The name comes from their ability to cast light up and down the space which creates a great ambiance. If you place it higher, it’ll illuminate more space and vice versa. They’re a great option for the outdoors but also for your bedroom, dining room, kitchen and living room.
Swing Arm
If you have a small area to illuminate this is the perfect indoor wall light to install. Its biggest advantage is adjustability. The arm that holds the light can move and you can adjust it to where you want to have more light at that time. This is a great wall fixture for rooms where you read, do arts and crafts and other tasks. You can position it above a desk, a headboard or a reading chair.
Picture Lights
Just as the name suggests these lights are perfect to showcase any artwork and paintings. You can also use them for displaying some rare collections as well. They’ll perfectly illuminate the object without being in the way. Depending on the item you want to illuminate and the finish they have, there are plenty of choices for the light’s finish as well. Some of the most common are nickel, brass, chrome, matte, distressed, oil-rubbed, polished and many more.
Candle Sconces
Candle sconces look very rustic, elegant and romantic. They usually come in pairs and they are meant to hold a candle. You can use them side by side or on each side of the door for example. They add a very calming feel to the home and can be great accent lights. People usually install them in the bedroom or a lounge room. You can mix and match different sconces to make them a focal point of the room.
Tips & Tricks to Fit Wall Lights in the Interior Properly
To make the wall-mounted lights fit perfectly into your interior design there are several things you should keep an eye on. First, make sure they match or complement your décor. This means matching the colours, details or materials. Second, they should match the ceiling (or other types of central lighting). If you have a minimalist room, glass wall lights with a splash of colour can be a great addition.
If you want to accentuate a specific item or part of the room, you can use unusually-positioned lights to do it. This means installing them lower or higher than usual or at a different angle that’s not so common and expected. This positioning can create a dramatic effect and make a statement that won’t go unnoticed. Create your own solutions, and make your interior suitable for you and your needs even if it’s not conventional and widely accepted.
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