One of the quickest ways to update the look of your bath - without suffering through a complete bathroom remodeling project - is to change the fixtures. Of these, lighting is perhaps the most important, for it sets the mood of the room. While there are many bathroom lighting fixtures, the sconce is a popular option for many. Following are some reasons why.
Before we delve into why sconces are so popular as bathroom lighting fixtures, let’s clearly define what they are.
What is a Sconce?
In its simplest form, sconce lighting consists of fixtures that hold only one shade and one light bulb. They can be thought of as mounted wall lamps and are a perfect complement to any other type of lighting you may have in the bathroom.
Comfortable Lighting: Sconces provide comfortable lighting in the bathroom because they direct the light upward. The light source in sconces is also protected with some type of covering. This provides lower-intensity and is easier on the eyes when compared to, for example, harsh “make-up mirror” lighting.
Mood Lighting: Sconces provide ideal mood lighting for the bathroom. Again, because it’s not harsh lighting, it’s easy to relax and enjoy a soothing bubble bath or a long, hot shower.
Sconce Designs: Like lamps, sconces come in many different types of designs and materials: eg, Victorian, contemporary, rustic, brass, crystal, wrought iron; etc.
Following are a few tips on how to install this bathroom lighting fixture.
- Install your sconce approximately three-quarters of the way up the wall. For example, if you have 10-foot ceilings, you’d install your sconce approximately 7.5 feet from the floor.
- If you have other lighting in the bathroom, eg, recessed lighting, be sure to place your sconces where you will get the most use from them. For example, if you need more lighting in the tub or shower area, place it there instead of beside the sink, where you probably already have sufficient lighting.
- If you place more than one sconce in the bathroom, make sure they are evenly spaced for maximum lighting.
Bathroom lighting can be tricky. Sconces provide an excellent, elegant option to balance the lighting in this, perhaps the most used room, in a home.
