Where should wall sconces be placed in living room?

Category: home and garden interior decorating
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Typically, a wall sconce should be hung between 66 to 77 inches from the floor. If the room has vaulted ceilings, or if you happen to have a tall family (above 6'), then you can adjust the height accordingly.



Then, where do you put wall sconces?

Sconce lighting is almost always installed in pairs, and they really shine when placed in areas that are naturally dim, such as hallways, entryways, stairwells, and alcove walls. Place sconces on either side of fireplaces, beds, and exterior doors.

Additionally, how far away from the mirror should I place sconces? A good rule of thumb is to hang sconces anywhere from 60” to 70”. Wall mount the sconces on both sides of the mirror. Ideally, they should be 36″ to 40″ apart to ensure even lighting on the face.

Furthermore, should wall sconces face up or down?

Ideally, in order to cast the most flattering light on your face when looking in the mirror, sconces should be mounted at eye level on either side of your mirror. The sconce should also emit ambient light outwards, not directional light up or down.

How far apart should wall sconces be?

approximately six feet

30 Related Question Answers Found

Are wall sconces outdated?

The answer is a resounding NO! They are not outdated. Maybe the term 'sconce' is considered old in some circles, but wall lighting as a home decor category is as big as ever.

Are wall sconces in style?

Everything you need to know about these gorgeous, wall-mounted light fixtures. Just as with table lamps and floor lamps, there are wall lights to suit every style. Most often used in bathrooms and hallways, wall sconces act as decorative accents while providing additional mood or ambient lighting.

How many sconces should you have in a room?

As a general rule of thumb, wall sconces are installed between 60”- 72” from the finished floor. Depending on the layout of your house, you can also install multiple fixtures down your hallway. When it comes to horizontal spacing, sconces are traditionally 6' apart.

How do you measure wall sconces?

Another guideline is to measure down 6 inches from the top of the window, and then use that as your mounting height for all the wall sconces in the room. For up-light sconces, keep in mind that you want at least 12 inches but not more than 36 inches between the sconce and the ceiling.

How do you organize sconces?


To get even more light on your picture, mount a shelf on the wall and lean the picture on the shelf at a slight angle. Place a small light above each picture in a row, or space out two or three slightly larger sconces at even intervals. If you have only one picture, use one light centered above it.

How do you install a wall sconce plug?

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  1. Decide on sconce placement. Ideal placement will depend on the function of your light and the room you're putting it in.
  2. Mark drill holes for the mounting plate.
  3. Drill into wall & screw in mounting plate.
  4. Attach light fixture to mounting plate.
  5. Plug it in!

Should bathroom lighting be up or down?

Bath Vanity Lighting Placement
Normally the light should be centered over the basin at about 66” above the floor, and always if possible on the wall not the ceiling. If two sinks are being used each should have its own light, do not attempt to share a light if possible.

How do you hang sconces next to a picture?

Sconces give out soft light in an area with no lamps, like a hallway.
  1. Plan for placement of the sconce so that it is centered beside the picture.
  2. Measure from the center outside edge of the picture at least 4 inches to the right or left of the picture to determine the best placement for the sconce.

Where should bathroom vanity lights be placed?

Install the light above the medicine cabinet or mirror at a height of about 75 to 80 inches from the floor. You can also use the vanity as a guide. Place the light about 40 inches above the top of your vanity. The bathroom mirror height can affect that measurement if it's oversized or hangs higher or lower than normal.

How do you light a living room with no overhead lighting?


  1. Floor Lamp Against a Mirror. The idea of using mirrors is one of the more creative and one of the most effective lighting solutions in a living room without overhead lighting.
  2. Freestanding Floor Lamps in a Living Room with No Overhead Lighting.
  3. Hanging Cable Lamps.
  4. Modern Corner Floor Lamps.
  5. Tall Floor Lamps.
  6. Wall Sconces.

How high should sconces be mounted?

Generally wall sconces are installed at a height of 66 inches to 72 inches (5.5 feet to 6 feet) above floor level (rooms with vaulted ceilings can take a higher placement).

What size should a bathroom mirror be?

Standard mirror sizes include 24 inches, 30 inches and 36 inches with a 30-inch mirror measuring 30 inches in height (width can vary depending on the shape of the mirror) and a 36-inch mirror measuring 36 inches in height. (Again, the width can vary depending on the shape of the mirror.)

What height should a bathroom mirror be?

There is no standard rule about the height to install a bathroom mirror. Instead, hang the mirror so the top of it sits a few inches higher than eye level for the tallest person in the home. A large horizontal mirror hanging over the vanity in a modern rustic bathroom.

How many watts is a small bathroom?

However, for half-baths or powder rooms, 45-60 watts is fine. Keep in mind that as you age, or if the users of the bathroom are seniors, staying around 100 watts will aid with vision and safety. If you want to have more bathroom lighting options in the wattage and brightness department, consider installing dimmers.

How do I know what size vanity light I need?


While you want to ensure you have plenty of light, be sure to choose one that is no wider than your vanity or cabinet width, which may be wider than your mirror. Most people choose vanity bar lights that are about 75 percent of the mirror's total width.

Are sconces in style?

15 Rooms with Sconce Lighting That Are Incredibly Stylish. Believe it or not, there are enough sconce styles to suit any type of decor. You can go minimalist with a sleek all-white look or classic with brass accents, eccentric with sculptural pieces or metallic for a futuristic feel.

What is the correct height for wall lights?

As a very general rule position your wall lights about 152cms or 60" above floor level. If you are putting wall lights in a long hallway or corridor a general rule of thumb is to position them about 250 to 300cms or between 8' to 10' apart.