SconcesSconces are not only an incredibly practical form of lighting; they can also be highly attractive features in their own right. Mounted on a wall and using this as their only support, sconces can be used to provide general, accent and task lighting making them a really versatile lighting option. There are a huge variety of styles and sizes of sconces available, from those which are mounted flat against the wall to those which have arms and light shades there will be a sconce to suit every taste and budget.Sconces have been used to provide illumination for centuries, although in much less elaborate ways than today. Traditionally they consisted of wall supported metal brackets designed to hold candles or torches. Their use and popularity through the years is testament to their practicality as a source of lighting in the home. Although the functionality of sconces is largely dependent on their size; with larger sconces more practical for providing general lighting and smaller sconces for accent illumination, it is also highly dependent on the light source used. It is best to fit a sconce with a halogen bulb if it is intended to provide task light as halogen light sources provide the brightest and most daylight- like light. Fluorescent bulbs are best for use as general lighting as they provide good quality illumination whilst being energy efficient compared to regular incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs can also be used to provide accent lighting although a special, fluorescent compatible dimmer switch will be required. As they are fitted to walls, sconces are a really practical light source for use in bathrooms. Whether attached to the wall of a shower enclosure or placed either side of a bathroom mirror, they can provide excellent task lighting. As they provide illumination from the side rather than behind as would traditional ceiling fixtures they avoid casting shadows on the face. When choosing a scone, you not only need to consider the style and function required, but also where it is going to be placed. Plug-in sconces are very simple to install and have the added bonus of being moveable and any visible wires could be painted the same colour as the supporting wall so they are not visible. Sconces connected to the mains are also readily available, although their installment should usually be left to a qualified electrician especially in damp environments such as in shower enclosures. In rooms of a regular height sconces should be mounted approximately 6 foot above the floor, although if they are being placed above chairs or where people are likely to be walking close by them, they should be placed higher. When using sconces as the main source of light for a room or hallway you should ensure that they are placed approximately 8 foot apart so as to maximise light efficiency and also that a sconce on one wall sits between two sconces on the opposite wall. Sconces are also a practical and attractive lighting solution for the outdoors and when placed around patios or in porches make for an interesting and creative feature both during the day and in the evening when they are illuminated. Many exterior sconces are available with enclosed tops, this spreads the light downwards and to the sides and not only provides more focused outdoor light but also cuts down on the light pollution they provide. Sconces are a very space efficient, attractive and practical way to light a home. Whether they are used to provide general, task or accent lighting, or even a combination of all three, they are a beautiful and creative way to illuminate your home. |
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