Recommended installation height for indoor wall sconces

The difference between nice and professional interior lighting design is getting the layers of light right. Wall sconces are critical to creating layered lighting that provides task, ambient, accent, and especially decorative light. With a wide variety of designs and functions, interior wall sconces can enhance each room while adding the finishing touch to the design.

There are many ways to incorporate wall sconces into a home lighting design. They usually play different roles in each space, which can also affect how high to hang the light in each space. If a wall sconce is too high, it will primarily illuminate the ceiling, and if it is too low, it will primarily illuminate the floor. In addition, it should not be mounted so low that the bulb is visible, nor so high that it does not illuminate the area as intended. Factors such as ceiling height, the intended use in the room, and even the room itself, can also have an impact on how high to hang it.

Here's a look at the many ways interior wall sconces can provide functional and aesthetic lighting, and the best height to install them in each room.

Create a focal point in the living room

There is almost nothing like wall sconces to make a living room feel warm and inviting. They're not bright enough to add extra illumination, but not so bright that they overwhelm the living space.

For living rooms, the best height for installing wall sconces is between 60 inches and 72 inches. Ultimately, neither the top of the wall sconce nor the bulb should be visible. Use a pair of decorative wall sconces on either side of the artwork to draw attention to the main focal point of the room. They also work well with bookshelves, adding flair and extra light when needed.

Add ambiance to a foyer or entryway

Entrances welcome people home and give guests a glimpse of what to expect when they step in. The lighting used in this space sets the tone and adds appropriate accent lighting when needed. But it is also an area that could benefit from strictly decorative wall sconces. In the foyer and entryway, the height of the wall sconces should follow the same guidelines as the living room. 66″-72″.

Create a relaxing place in the bedroom

When it comes to creating a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, wall sconces in the bedroom can give you the perfect ambiance. They can set the mood and showcase the bedroom's decor and any architectural features while adding functionality. They should be installed at shoulder height when sitting up in bed so that they can be easily turned on and off.

Add ambiance to the kitchen

Wall sconces above the kitchen sink put task lighting exactly where it's needed. And they do it well. Traditionally, wall sconces were used in pairs, but more and more people are now using them in groups of three to add charm and make the kitchen feel extra cozy when the size of the room allows. Turn off the ceiling lights and you'll get instant ambiance from the wall sconces.

Chasing away shadows in the bathroom

Vanity lighting is a key part of layering lighting in the bathroom. Adding wall sconces next to the mirror will reduce the shadows often cast by overhead lights. On either side of the mirror, the height of the wall sconce can be between 60 inches and 65 inches from the center of the junction box to the floor. The goal is to install the light source at about eye level for a better view in the mirror.

Recommended installation height for outdoor wall lights

Outdoor up-and-down wall sconces are a functional, space-saving option for illuminating outdoor entryways, patios and more. Not only do they improve curb appeal, but they also provide additional security and peace of mind. Downward lighting for outdoor wall sconces is best placed at shoulder height. This puts the downward light where it needs to be when looking for your keys.

Outdoor lighting is one of the most obvious ways to distinguish your style, from walkway and doorway lighting to deck and patio lighting. If you're not familiar with outdoor lighting, just follow some basic guidelines about size, placement and style to make sure your lights look great and work wherever you want to put them.

Types of outdoor lights for outdoor locations

Before you begin your light search, consider the outdoor areas you want to refresh with new lighting and the specific lighting needs of those areas. Here are some of the most common types of outdoor lighting you'll want to consider, from outdoor pendants and wall sconces to exterior ceiling lights and back lights.

-Sidewalk and landscape lighting: One of the most popular choices when lighting the perimeter of a sidewalk or patio is rear lighting. Rear lights illuminate sidewalks for safety as they approach your home at night. When using post lights in multiple strips, the spacing of the poles should be roughly 2.5 to 3 times the height of the pole. Stately fixtures in the traditional lamp post style, as well as more rustic and modern designs, also add to the curb appeal of your home!

-Front Porch Lights: Front porch light fixtures project onto porches, doorways and doorknobs, making them a great addition to any home. Outdoor wall sconces, chandeliers and ceiling lights also add a layer of elegance and style to your front porch and walkway. This lighting category features an array of looks and designs so you can customize your home to your liking.

-Covered deck lighting: Covered decks are great for getting fresh air and staying well lit after the sun goes down, and larger fixtures such as outdoor ceiling fans with lights and outdoor chandeliers can add the ideal ambiance. Depending on the size of your space, a mix of wall sconces and chandeliers may be your best option.

-Open patio lighting: For homes with open patios or deck seating areas, installing overhead fixtures may be problematic. In this case, outdoor table and floor lamps offer portable, adjustable lighting options that allow you to create the most comfortable patio experience.

-Seaside cottage and coastal lighting: If you're living your best life in a dreamy beach house with coastal views, then everyday outdoor lighting won't cut it. Salt spray and sea storms can create a harsh environment for outdoor lighting, so if you want your lights to stand the test of time, choose marine grade fixtures made from corrosion resistant materials.

Outdoor Lighting Placement Tips

The placement of outdoor lighting is not only an aesthetic choice, but a practical one. When choosing where to place your outdoor lights, you need to make sure the fixture fits the intended area.
The best bulb for the job
Power and bulb base requirements will vary from one outdoor lighting fixture to another, but for an energy-efficient and customizable experience, choose LED bulbs whenever possible. These bulbs save energy (and money!) , long-lasting and durable, and available in a variety of shades so you can choose the bulb that best suits your needs. Warm, dimmable bulbs are best for most outdoor environments because they illuminate the space without creating too strong a contrast between the illuminated area and the darkness in the distance.

Know your materials

The material your fixture is constructed of will affect where it can be placed. Fixtures that are in direct contact with harsh wet or icy weather conditions need to be made of strong, damage-resistant materials. Resin composites, brass and copper tend to be the most weather-resistant fixtures. Copper outdoor lights are designed to turn green gracefully over time, but in coastal areas, copper turns green more quickly and requires regular flushing and maintenance. If you don't like the signature copper green color of copper, then you may want to consider marine grade outdoor fixtures.

Wet Rating vs.

In order to be considered safe outdoors, lighting fixtures must have a wet or damp rating, but these ratings are not the same. Wet fixtures (which also tend to hang in bathrooms) are suitable for covered areas with minimal direct contact from rain, ice and snow. However, wet rated fixtures can be safely exposed to the elements without fear of damage or failure.

How big should my outdoor light be?

When you place a front porch light or wall sconce, it is important that the fixture be sized in relation to the front door. Outdoor lanterns should be approximately one-fifth the height and width of the doorway, including the trim. (For example, a 100-inch-high x 60-inch-wide entry requires a 20-inch-high x 12-inch-wide fixture.) Post lights should be as large or larger than the lights at the front door. Place your electrical box over the exterior lighting so that the top of the fixture is 20% lower than the top of the mold. Allow for side door molding as well.

Front Porch and Front Door Light Size Chart

Yeijin tip: Using wall sconces on each side of the door frame is an attractive option for symmetrical entrances. However, if space is tight, one light placed on the side of the door handle will work. Feel free to increase the size up to 1/3 the height of the door frame. if more light is needed, add an overhead light.

Outdoor Lighting Style Considerations

Exterior lights should be compatible with the look and lines of the house. Open bottom fixtures are better suited for lighting an area downward, while glass top lanterns are a better choice for highlighting architectural elements above and around the door. Outdoor lighting can provide stylish cohesiveness when the style of the light matches the style of your home. Rustic outdoor lights are the perfect finish to lodge-style homes and cabins, while sturdy industrial outdoor lights or sleek modern outdoor lights add a bold touch to modern and Craftsman-style designs. Dress up coastal cabins with nautical-friendly outdoor lights or turn to time-tested traditional outdoor lights for Victorian, Mediterranean, colonial, Georgian and other classic home styles. Once you've found a great fixture for your outdoor space, you may also want to consider coordinating your outdoor ceiling fans and outdoor furniture with the style of fixture you choose!

Explore Outdoor Lighting