It’s All About The Lighting- Part Two
Now that we have discussed table and floor lamps, let’s turn our attention to wall lamps, sconces, and picture lights!
Wall lamps make a room more welcoming. For my farmhouse’s newly remodeled back entry, I chose a double-arm wall lamp with parchment shades. I centered it between some of my favorite botanical prints and a vintage-style plaque. This selection of wall lamp provides a warm light that greets you as you enter the room. Paired with the additional décor, the lamp added elegant simplicity and friendliness to an area that we use multiple times a day.
When beginning your new construction or remodeling project, it is best to choose your lighting placement thoughtfully. Wall lamps function best when they are connected directly to an easily accessible wall switch. An important tip: you will want to let your electricians know the diameter of the back-plate. Then the electric box they install will be small enough to be hidden. Many wall lamps have the option of a cord with a matching metal cord cover to plug into a wall outlet below, if hard wiring is not possible.
Even small candelabra bulbs can be glaring so I always recommend that wall lamps have shades. White fabric shades or parchment paper shades, like this Visual Comfort option above, will send soft light throughout the room. Black shades will direct the light downwards and upwards, which makes them perfect for background light.
Swing-arm wall lamps are perfect for over night tables in the bedroom. This lamp from Visual Comfort will extend up to 25″ over the bed which makes it a great option for late-night reading. This wall lamp also shows how sleek a cord cover can be for lamp choices that are not hard-wired to a switch.
When you’re looking for something that offers perfect background light, I love this lamp from Currey and Co. Small but dramatic, the black shade with golden accents will add some flair to a foyer doorway or flanking a mirror over a console.
Functional and Decorative Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Bathroom lighting, especially lighting focused around a vanity, should be both functional and decorative. Important tip: Choose vanity lights that don’t throw shadows on your face. There is a reason Hollywood vanity mirrors are lit all the way around! While that style of bathroom lighting is not always practical, I caution clients about having only overhead light fixtures. Doing so will cause shadowy and potentially unflattering lighting. Instead, side sconces will deliver a better amount and quality of light for applying makeup and personal care.
I love these three options from Visual Comfort:
This contemporary vertical sconce adds angular dimension to the bathroom without being too modern.
For a unique addition to your bathroom lighting, this transitional hanging sconce is perfect. The matte white shade will give a lovely diffused bright light.
And if you are looking for a touch of vintage glamour, this antique brass sconce with mirrored backplate is the perfect choice.
Pretty as a Picture
If you are going to invest in beautiful art for your home, make sure it is beautifully lit too! Thankfully, picture lights have grown in popularity lately. But for me, it has always been a must! They are easy enough to install at the same time as the painting. This way they can be controlled by a light switch, like this one from a recent project of mine. When choosing the finish of the picture light, try and coordinate with the color of the picture frame if possible.
Important tips: Picture lights are for paintings on canvas, linen or wood. A picture light for a painting or print that is framed under glass reflects light away from the art and can even make the art invisible. Similarly, avoid installing a picture light above a mirror as the light bulbs will reflect brightly back at you!
Now that we have tackled floors, tables, and walls…next up will be chandeliers and pendants!
Until next time,
