Sunday, October 13

Selecting Wall Sconces: A Compendium of Information

Because I’ve had a lot of questions regarding lighting for walls, we though I’d give a presentation on the subject today. This will be a brief overview of wall lights and a look through to see what types of possibilities are there. You can easily find the items you see here since each one has a link to their description underneath.

Let’s get right in here.

One area where the designer must put in a lot of thought is the wall lighting. With the variety of possibilities, realising an ideal outcome may be difficult without first giving serious thought to the bigger picture, which should encompass not just practical concerns but also aesthetic ones.

Lighting fixtures mounted on the wall are useful in rooms with low ceilings, as well as in other settings where either recessed ceiling lighting or hanging pendant lights would seem out of place.

Planning

Think carefully about how light will be used. Hence, some self-reflection and inquiry is in order. How brightly do you want the lights to shine in each of your rooms? (To continue the previous example, modern, subtle design is required for home theatres. Natural light and a touch of sophistication are two things that are lacking in the average living room. Choosing the led wall light is essential.

Do You Need Two Lamps To Get The Necessary Light Level?

Should there be a master switch for the wall lights, or can each light be controlled separately? The electricians should pay special attention to the final one.

Positioning

The most significant advantage of beginning with your furniture arrangement is that it will assist you establish the wall lighting needs. The expense of installing a wall light could be unnecessary if a table or floor lamp will do. This would save money on the lamp itself as well as the electrician’s labour. The placement of furniture and accessories should come before any consideration of lighting. There is always room for change and reorganisation after the fact.

What is the optimal height for a wall light?

This is decided by the ceiling height, but you should also think about who will be walking by them, who will be sitting below them, and where they will shed light. Hence, you don’t want a bright light to shine in someone’s eyes as they go towards it. Even if you’ll learn all this the hard way via trial and error, it’s still a good idea to think about these things before deciding where to place things.

Methods of Ordering, Processing Time, and Time of Arrival

A few potential stumbling blocks you may face in the outset. Make careful to order wall sconces well in advance to avoid any delays. You are accountable for making sure they arrive on time and undamaged. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time if the lights you ordered are coming from another nation. Have the lights ready to go in advance.

Conclusion

As soon as they arrive, you should check each one to make sure it’s in excellent shape, and then put it away safely until installation time. Goods need to be closely monitored on-site in case they disappear or are damaged by machinery or employees. You, and not the construction crew, are responsible for ensuring their safety.

RETURNS

Some lights are bespoke so are non-returnable.  Check this before purchasing and if you do want to return items, check the policy on:

  1. a) using,
  1. b) fitting,
  1. c) timing and
  1. d) return packaging

In the UK for example, we have statutory rights: something must be fit for purpose.  But be very careful how and if you have used a piece of lighting.  Some companies insist a light isn’t used if you want to return it.

As in, you can’t fit it, cut wires, take out links of chains or scuff it whilst fitting it.  You can’t just fit something, decide you don’t like it and expect a full refund on returning it.  Always check if you can fit it first.  Look on websites for return policies – every retailer or wholesaler should have it in black and white and some companies even get you to sign something saying you have read the terms and conditions which include don’t fit clauses’’.

For returns, some suppliers insist on all packaging being intact and will not give you a refund if you use your own packaging and not theirs.  Again, this should be in the returns policies, found online. Always get proof of postage and delivery confirmation!  I often order a courier if it is a large item so I know that it is going to get back safely.

One other important note – It’s best to order everything yourself and not expect or ask the client to do this.  One client ordered a light herself without telling me; but she didn’t check the return policy. She found the light not to her liking and had to package everything up and take it to a specialist collection centre 150 miles away!  So choose carefully where you buy things from or you may have to do the same.

DAMAGE

Electricity surges from your property are not the lighting companies fault.  Most good retailers have strict quality controls and will be able to tell if you’ve done something wrong through your fusebox, wiring or system.  If something is damaged in transit take photos of the item and of the packaging as this can make all the difference.

In short:

check buying conditions,

order early,

check on delivery,

keep all packaging until fitted and working and

don’t cut, trim or damage any wiring or pieces until you are totally satisfied for a couple of weeks.

Let’s look at the various types of lights..

TYPES OF WALL LIGHTS

Flush Lights

These sit close to the wall and do not generally have moving parts. they have traditionally been sconces.

Sconces were very popular wall lights that lit the lamp (or lightbulb) to create an almost diffused light look without drawing attention to itself.  Many of the sconces were painted the same colour as the walls, to blend them in further.

Today, these old sconces are dated and are not really used but more interesting flush wall lighting have taken their place.

lighting for walls

lighting for walls

More sculptural than subtle, these new sconces are out to impress.  I would put flush wall lights into commercial spaces such as offices, hallways and utility rooms.  Anywhere that needs practicality.

lighting for walls

Elegant Wall Lights

These are a must in the bedroom.  It is here you can really choose something beautiful as all bedrooms should be.

So Fluted Glass, silk shades and elegant metallic work  – they can all be used to create the most sophisticated and yet relaxing atmosphere to unwind and also wake up in.

lighting for walls

lighting for walls

fluted glass 3

Urban Lights

It is so ubiquitous these days it’s become the norm in restaurants.  Hotels have championed this so much that you will know it when you see it.  In fact, you may not even noticed them anymore. you know what I am talking about… exposed bulbs, caged metallics, antique bronze squirrel cage bulbs, single drop pendant in concrete – the list goes on.

lighting for walls

Chandelier Wall Lights

These are only for a traditional home unless you go for an ultramodern fitting.  Chandeliers are found in large, important houses and strangely in high-street shops such as hairdressers and beauty clinics. It’s all about the glamour you see.  So a feature wall and shabby chic rococo furniture is the order of the day!

It’s not original anymore unfortunately. So if you are going to use traditional style chandeliers, think carefully about what you are pairing them with and where you are putting them.  They should be used sparingly alongside simple modern furniture and clean lines to get the best out of both styles.