Picking a kitchen sconce, whether it be a brass wall sconce or a simple candlelight sconce can be hard. Factor in thinking about the height of the actual kitchen sconce itself plus where to mount the sconce on the wall and you've got a lot to think about.
I'm sharing some tips on sizing for kitchen sconces as well as a good rule of thumb for helping you determine where to actually hang them on your wall.
Our kitchen renovation started back in 2014 but, at that time, the plan wasn't to renovate the kitchen completely. The plan was to give the kitchen a cosmetic facelift. As each new update or DIY project occurred in the space, we just kept dreaming about doing just a bit more because each project that we did was better than where the kitchen started.
If you are new here, our kitchen drastically changed from the start of the project to when I actually called it done in 2016. Check out the kitchen reveal if you want to see all the DIY projects and layout changes.
As this was my first renovation project, I had to learn what worked and didn't work by actually making decisions and living with them. Most pieces in the kitchen worked. Some I liked but didn't feel like they were the best option for our space. The kitchen wall sconces that I picked five years ago were two of those pieces... I liked them but they didn't feel exactly right.
As I've renovated other parts of my house, I've been able to curate my style so much better. I've been able to understand design and make better choices, largely around scale and sizing.
I've partnered with Hudson Valley Lighting Group to share some lighting inspiration, tips and advice to help make your spaces shine (fun pun, right?!). Ha. As always, you can read more on my privacy and disclosure page.
Before, I share some tips on choosing the right size for a modern wall sconce, let me show you the difference in my "itty bitty" before sconce and the "just right" sized sconce now.
Quite the change, right? The new sconces are the Metal No.2 sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting in Aged/Antiqued Distressed Bronze. They are that perfect mix of modern and classic that I look for.
When I get asked for my tips on how I've achieved the look I have in my house or what my favorite pieces to add to my house to create interest are, it's always the same answer... rugs and statement lighting. Both play such a big role in my aesthetic and I think they are some of the easiest pieces you can use to direct your style in the way that feels like you.
So, let me share more about statement lighting; specifically large wall sconces so you can really "feel" the lighting in your space.
Smaller spaces can accommodate smaller sconces. For ceilings under 7.5 foot and a smaller square footage, I think 9" sconces can work.
For us, we had the 9" sconces in our kitchen and they felt too small. Our kitchen is a medium-sized space with an 8 foot ceiling.
One thing to make a note of when looking at dimensions for sconces is to look at the dimension of the extension bar (how far the sconce comes out from the wall). I feel like not only the height of the sconce but also the extension both play a big role in how weighty the sconce looks.
You don't have to go a ton bigger in dimension to really see the difference visually! My new, brass wall sconces, for example, are 12".
I really like the rule of thumb that your wall sconce should be mounted ¾ of the height of your ceiling height. For example, our ceilings are 8' tall and our wall sconces are mounted at just above 6'. Visually, I think that it looks great. So, if you had a 9' high ceiling, measure for your wall sconce installation to be around 6.5'.
Of course, I'd always take in to account what the sconces are flanking and what looks good visually. Like I mentioned, ours are just a tad over 6' and that's because, visually, I felt like they looked better above the line of the range hood instead of in line with it.
Here's a great lighting height tip sheet to save for future reference.
I hope this was helpful! If you are still confused on kitchen sconce sizing, grab some painters tape and tape out the lighting size on your wall. This can really help those of us who really need a visual on the space!
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Wall sconces are one of the biggest trends, and adding one to your bathroom décor is a great way to show your style. They add an extra layer of lighting that makes your bathroom shine. Bathroom sconces are also a great alternative to vanity lighting that gives you stylish task lighting right where you need it.
There are so many wall sconces in so many shapes and styles that you’re sure to find one to enhance the décor of your bathroom. As you begin your journey to finding the perfect bathroom wall sconce, consider these commonly asked questions.
What style wall sconce is best for my bathroom? Choose a wall sconce that matches your style, suits your personal taste, and adds light to your space.
Will a sconce look good in my bathroom? The answer to this is most definitely yes. There are so many styles out there that you’re sure to find one that works for you. Whether you go for sleek and modern, classic, or transitional, you’ll find the perfect sconce for your space.
Will a wall sconce work over my vanity? Again, yes. Depending on the size of your bathroom and vanity, you’ll find single bulb or multiple bulb sconces that will give you the extra light you need.
Before choosing a wall sconce, consider where you will put it. Positioning the sconce is more about where you want the light than the size of the sconce. When considering bathroom sconce height, the lights within the sconce should be about 64 to 68 inches above the ground. The general rule ensures that the sconces are at the right height to illuminate your face when in front of the mirror.
However, keep in mind the height of the people using the bathroom. If they are taller or shorter, this placement may not work. Adjust the wall sconce’s height to accommodate their height. If you are adding only one sconce to the space, it should be placed about 6-8 inches above the mirror to provide light throughout the entire bathroom.
By focusing on the design of your fixtures, you can develop a cohesive, attractive look in your bathroom. The fixtures in your bathroom are usually made of metal with an outer finish in a variety of colors. Having matching fixtures is a great way to give your bathroom a pleasing design flow. Here are a couple of things to think about when matching bathroom lighting and fixtures.
Once you know how many sconces you need and where they will be placed, the fun begins. There are as many types of bathroom wall sconces as there are bathrooms, so shopping for one can be both exhilarating and challenging.
Placed on either side of the vanity mirror, these Bunker Hill 19 Inch 2 Light Bath Vanity Lights by Hubbardton Forge brighten the space with their polished chrome finish and opal glass shades. Not only does the polished chrome match the fixtures in the bathroom, it also complements the vanity top as the mirror reflects the gentle light throughout the room.
The subtle crystals on the Paxton 17 Inch Wall Sconce by Crystorama create an elegant look over this double-sink vanity. If a trio of sconces gives the space the lighting in needs. The antique gold finish on the sconces matches the finish on the vanity’s hardware. The white silk shade complements the soothing neutral color palette.
A wall sconce is the perfect way to create drama in a small bathroom or powder room. But since these spaces tend to be tight, making a statement with the Aerin Jacqueline 10 Inch Wall Sconce by Visual Comfort and Co. brings just the right about of flair. Mounted on the side, it illuminates the space in the most beautiful way.
In addition to matching finishes, matching shapes can create a sense of whimsy in your bathroom. Nostalgic and trendy, these Theater Row 10 Inch Wall Sconces by Quoizel are both fun and elegant. The exposed Edison bulbs are a nod to the past, while the perfect circle shape is truly fresh and modern.
Even more modern is the Olivia 18 Inch Wall Sconce by Mitzi, seen here in triplicate. The matte black finish on the sconces brings a fresh, fanciful look to the space that blends transitional charm with a distinctively contemporary vibe.
Whether you’re looking to create a glamorous bath of glass and crystal or going for a transitional feel, there’s a wall sconce out there that is perfect for your bathroom. Make your first stop the Capitol Lighting showroom near you, or schedule a virtual consultation where you can ask as many questions as you like and find the perfect wall sconces for your bathroom.