In today’s society, lighting fixtures are a must-have in every home. Additionally to illuminating your home in various ways, lights can help you make your ideal aesthetic a reality so they have a say in the décor too. Both wall and ceiling lights are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, giving you plenty of options to choose from to achieve this. But are sconces preferable to ceiling pendants and which one works better for your stylish home? The following guidelines will help you find out!

Important Factors to Consider

When looking for options to establish the ideal lighting your home so desperately needs, opt for stylish wall sconces to illuminate your space and make it aesthetically pleasing! This type of functional wall lighting is very useful when dealing with small areas, as it saves space, unlike the ceiling pendants which are more situational.

Moreover, sconces are more affordable than their counterparts which are more expensive since they cover a larger area. Therefore, there are several crucial factors to think about when deciding between the two. To make things simpler, we have narrowed down the differences in placement, installation and style to make you choose wiser.

Placement

The greatest wall sconces typically look and function best when they are just high enough to avoid being accidentally knocked. Approximately 6 to 6 1/2 feet above the ground. It’s okay if you want yours lower than that close to your bed or over your breakfast nook. Just keep them up high enough to be protected.

Avoid putting them so high that people must strain their necks to see them as they are both ornamental and functional. They should not be placed higher than 6-1/2 feet, or 78 inches, above the floor because they are intended to be seen as well as used for illumination.

When it comes to ceiling pendant placement, we recommend having it minimum of 7 feet of clearance between the floor and the base of the ceiling light. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

When over the dining table, a ceiling pendant can be hung at any appropriate height since it won’t be stepped on. Installing a dimmer switch here will allow you to set the mood and avoid any glare, which is a top lighting tip.

On the other hand, when installing long drop lights that cascade over two stories, aim to have the light fixture finish at or slightly below the first floor.

Installation

If you’re installing a wall sconce with its built-in switch, simply cut the opening in the wall for an old-work switch or fixture box—the same box you would mount in the ceiling to add a new flush or pendant fixture. Run the circuit wiring there from above the ceiling or below the floor, or from a nearby receptacle box.

You must route the circuit wiring to the switch box first before routing it to the box where the sconce will be located if you want it to be controlled by a wall switch or dimmer. When installing your new ceiling pendant use an appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws retaining the light’s housing. When removing the final screws, keep an eye on the fixture to make sure it doesn’t fall.

The ground wire, the neutral wire, and the hot wire are the three wires to which the fixture should be connected. Separate the hot and neutral wires first. Disassemble the ground wires last. There should be a mounting plate, strap, or bracket on your new fixture.

Utilize the provided screws to secure this to the junction box. Use the provided screws to fasten the cover to the junction box after all the wires have been securely connected. Restart the power, if necessary, and test the light before attaching the shade cover.

Style

Classy, casual, flamboyant or rustic – the sconce lights can be anything you want them to be. You can choose from ones for any décor, from classic revival to medieval, Victorian or Arts and Crafts to contemporary, because they have been around for such a long time. They might be the oldest lighting fixture ever made, not merely the oldest variety still in use.

The widely used and quite popular ceiling pendants can vary from timeless classics to cutting-edge contemporary straw designs to bring the summer coastal style into your home and anything in between! When you are installing them, you can get the ideal hanging height by adjusting the chain, cable, or rod suspension that usually comes with them.

When to Use Wall Sconces

The sconces can add light and interest to the hallway without obstructing traffic. They can illuminate the table in the foyer where we put our mail and keys. You may create stunning lighting in the bathroom by combining wall sconces with the mirror, which reduces shadows throughout the entire space. This evenly lit environment is also appropriate for activities like morning shaving and cosmetics application.

When planning a kitchen, sconces are not typically the first option, but they can be used in specific locations where there is an excessive need for light. Areas where food is prepared close to the sink are some locations that fit this criterion. Even placing two thin sconces next to the stove is a fantastic arrangement. They can also provide additional light when placed over a breakfast nook or in a reading corner or complement and illuminate a sideboard or serving table.

Have dark corners to deal with in each room? No problem! Sconces can easily illuminate those irritating dark spots and make your room appear larger. Moreover, in a room with a chandelier, coordinating wall sconces can add light to the sides and soften the chandelier’s light, which might otherwise appear harsh.

They are an excellent option if space is limited in your bedroom because they give attractive lighting and free up space that can be used for other items like bookshelves or dressers. They can serve as bedside lights in a bedroom, freeing up the nightstand, as well as be used in places where a table next to the bed is not possible.

When to Use Ceiling Pendants

Having ceiling pendants in a foyer or corridor may provide a lot of drama and elegance while also throwing shadows. A traditional appearance can be achieved by hanging a line of similar fixtures down the length of a hall, while a stairwell’s hanging fixtures can add a sculptural element and necessary lighting at the same time.

Going classic means placing a contemporary chandelier in the middle of the living room. However, if you’re going for a more modern look, adding LED lights will brighten the space and offer a splash of colour. A flush mount lamp is also the best option for reduced ceilings because it saves space while still having a chic appearance. If there is a piece of furniture below it, such as a coffee table, pendants can be hung lower in the middle of a room and elevate its appearance.

The dining room is another popular area for ceiling pendants. To optimize the quantity of light in the space and ensure that all your gatherings are properly illuminated, the hanging light fixture is positioned above the table. Again, there are a wide variety of designs available, whether it’s a classic crystal chandelier or pendant lighting.