Decorative Sconces

/ November 10, 2010
While technically lamps are not sconces, I could not resist showing them. This is an unusual treatment of light in the bath and works when you have the space. In this case, it makes a very low ceiling seem taller.

While technically lamps are not sconces, I could not resist showing them. This is an unusual treatment of light in the bath and works when you have the space. In this case, it makes a very low ceiling seem taller.Slideshow

The lovely Clover sconce with pillar candle facsimilie can be both casual and formal. It will look good in a bath or a foyer. The back plate of the Fairfax is purposefully simple so that the glass shade with an overly of metal decoration can shine. The navigator, one of the new sconces in the Waterworks colllection, was inspired by the lights used at the navigation station on boats. It looks great mounted either horizontially or vertically. Vintage sconces are fun to source and add lots of personality to a space. I love this double Opus light installed vertically. However, you can see that the light creates a "hot spot" on the wall. The bath looks a little more balanced when the light is spread evenly over the wall. The simplicity of the metal framed medicine cabinet allows the sconces to be the stars. I like the double arms and silk shades. They add a bit of formality to the bath.
This vanity/makeup space is so feminine and decorative. The application of sconces on a wall to wall mirror makes the room sparkle. It is attractive to install the lights on the side walls particularly when the slab is installed between two walls. The simple and delicate sconces add a bit of mood lighting over the tub. They do not compete with the highly decorative crystal chandelier. When using a double washstand, the mass seems more managable with the use of two medicine cabinets and three sconces. It creates good balance to break up the space in this manner.

Light in any part of the house is essential, of course. But in the bath, where you need light for close up activities like applying makeup and shaving, lovely mood lighting will be pretty but ineffective as the only light source. There are many different types of lights to consider as you plan your bath; “high hats” or recessed lights, surface mounted ceiling lights, lamps, chandeliers, pendants and finally sconces. In the world of the bath, several of these types of lights can be used simultaneously even in small spaces. But, after the ambient choices have been decided, it is the decorative lighting that adds style and design to the bath.

It is important in the first stage of a plan to assess the amount of natural light that flows into the space. When that analysis is complete and you know the shading from morning until night, you can then engineer a lighting plan with the correct amount of wattage. The best advice I was ever given about bathroom lighting was not to skimp. A dimmer or different bulb option can always be installed but there are only expensive remedies for inadequate lighting.

Sconces are most often installed on either side of a mirror, or at least in the vicinity of the sink. Their purpose is not to light the room, but to add soft illumination to the space. Their design can add an element of elegance or surprise to the bath. They can have tiny lampshades or clear glass cylinders, or hanging crystals and elegant flourishes for period charm. They can be new or old (properly rewired of course) and in countless finishes. Also, your choice of sconces should not be considered in isolation from decorative choices of color and texture.

So, it is okay to choose a light because you love the way it looks, but make sure it does the job effectively. Style statements are fine, but do your homework on the many new bulbs that are available and on the other sources of light in your room so your choices will improve your mood and sense of well being in your bath.

And, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room!

Barbara

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