Lighting is everything in a room. The perfect decor—including high-end furniture, beautiful artwork, and stunning wall color—will lack luster and interest if the lights are misplaced or the wrong style. Lighting can be one of the most difficult decisions; however, it should never be the last thing to consider when designing a room. If you want a unique lighting solution and to add interest and beauty to your spaces, follow along as we look at how to decorate your home with wall sconces.
The History of Wall Sconces
Dating back to ancient Greece, wall sconces first held oil lamps before electricity, and they are one of the oldest forms of lighting fixtures. The early designs of sconces were simple wood or metal and later became more elaborate as churches and large homes began using them as decorations.
Today, sconces are still in use. Many homeowners choose them to enhance areas in a home for decorative purposes and to enjoy them as a useful light source.
The Benefits of Wall Sconces
Wall sconces come in many varieties, such as Bicycle Glass’s 763 Lunar wall sconce or contemporary 763 Spun design, making them a flexible and fun addition to any room. Besides the great variety, wall sconces have several other benefits, including the following:
- Efficient design that optimizes space
- Unique illumination possibilities
- Aesthetic presentation
- Catering to artistic design and expression
- Cozy or romantic vibe
Furthermore, one of the many benefits unique to Bicycle Glass wall sconces is that they are made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable lighting option.
Where To Place Wall Sconces
Wall sconces can go in any room where you want to improve the ambiance, decor, or lighting. Let’s look at some of the most popular ways to use wall sconces in your home.
Around Artwork
If you have a piece of artwork hanging on a wall that you enjoy, framing it with wall sconces is a great way to make it stand out. Place a wall sconce on either side of the piece, and watch the light brighten the art, especially in the evenings.
At Your Bedside
It’s hard to find reading lights that look attractive. Instead, consider a wall sconce, such as the 601 Spun wall sconce from Bicycle Glass in Eco Clear. This style will emanate a bright yet cozy light that is perfect for reading in bed or just for a soft glow when you need it. Plus, a wall sconce on both sides of the bed is instant romance, giving any bedroom a feeling of history and charm.
On a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are a fun way to decorate and a great way to express your style. Still, they can look flat or lack interest if everything is too similar. One way to fix that is to add wall sconces in the gallery area. Not only do they create texture with their unique shapes, but they will also shed light on the pieces you hang on the gallery wall, as we discussed above.
Behind the Sofa
Placing wall sconces behind a sofa draws attention to your lovely couch and gives you the perfect, subtle reading light to enjoy a book in the evenings. Consider our 601 Lunar style for a classic vibe in your living room.
Framing a Mirror
A mirror hanging on a wall in an entryway or another wall in the home can look lost. A wall sconce on either side of the mirror will frame it and complete the look. Plus, the additional light is helpful as you check your hair before walking out the door.
Surrounding the Fireplace
If you thought your fireplace couldn’t get any cozier, think again. As the fire crackles, turn on the soft glow of wall sconces on both sides of the fireplace above the mantel. Your room will be so warm and inviting that you’ll never want to leave it.
In the Hallway
Sometimes, hallways feel small and dark since they are narrow. You can help your hallways and make them look beautiful with wall sconces. Hang as many as you like, depending on the length of the hallway. For the best look, keep at least 6 feet of space between each sconce, and hang them about 66 to 72 inches from the floor.
Above the Bathroom Vanity
Purposeful lighting is essential in a bathroom. You want to keep a warm and cozy atmosphere without creating a restroom that is too dark. Wall sconces are a great solution, especially when you hang them on either side of the bathroom vanity. Place them beside the mirror or mirrors for pretty lighting that serves a purpose.
On Your Home’s Exterior
Exterior wall sconces, such as Bicycle Glass’s 515 Lunar variety, can bring a fresh look to your front porch and front door. Lighting can make a big impact on guests, and the right exterior wall sconce on the front of your home is the perfect addition to make a lasting first impression.
As Art in and of Itself
Many wall sconces are beautiful works of art. Although they always serve a purpose as a light fixture, some wall sconces are worth displaying solely for their beauty. Hang one or several unusual and stylish wall sconces on a bare wall to show off the fixtures’ uniqueness.
Lighting in your home is important for function and style. When decorating your home with wall sconces, decide if the light will serve as functional lighting, as decor, or as both for each room. From there, you can choose the right style to get the aesthetic you are seeking.
At Bicycle Glass, we carry rare, hand-blown glass wall sconces to suit any area of your home. Choose your favorites to light up the evenings as you unwind, brighten the bathroom as you get ready for the day, or provide simple yet elegant beauty. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Bicycle Glass with any questions about hand-blown glass lighting and any lighting needs you have. We’re always here and happy to help!
