Kitchen Sconces Over Sink - An Easy Guide

Preparing meals and washing dishes are essential daily tasks in any home's kitchen. Proper lighting over the sink makes these chores easier and more enjoyable. Installing kitchen sconces above the sink is a simple upgrade that provides both beauty and function.

Kitchen sconces cast targeted light right where you need it most--over the sink basin and countertops. They illuminate dark corners that ceiling lights miss, creating a bright workspace for food prep and cleanup. The concentrated light prevents eye strain and shadows while cutting up ingredients or scrubbing pans. Sconces complement recessed and overhead lights to reduce glare from windows over your sink.

Benefits of Kitchen Sconces Above the Sink

Kitchen sconces offer several advantages over relying solely on ceiling fixtures for sink lighting:

• Provides task lighting and illuminates dark corners and under cabinets
• Adds style and personality to your kitchen's decor
• Complements other elements like your faucet, backsplash, and countertops
• Makes washing dishes, preparing food, and other cleanup easier
• Prevents shadows and glare from windows over the sink
• Creates an attractive focal point and accent lighting

The right sconces lend beautiful and functional accent lighting exactly where you need it most. They focus light directly on the sink's workspace, reducing eye strain. Stylish fixtures also complement your faucets, cabinet hardware, and other decor. Kitchen sconces help make cooking and cleaning safer and more comfortable.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Sconces for Your Sink Area

Selecting suitable sconces starts with determining the right size, style, and placement for your space. Consider the following factors:

Size of the Sconces

Proportion matters when choosing fixtures. Oversized sconces overwhelm a small sink and kitchen. But sconces too small get lost over a large basin or busy backsplash. Measure your sink size and choose appropriately scaled sconces about 2/3 the width of your sink for ideal balance.

Styles of Kitchen Sconces

Match your sconce style to your kitchen's overall decor and finishes. For traditional spaces, go for metal curlicue sconces or fabric lampshades. Modern kitchens suit rectangular glass and metal designs. Rustic and farmhouse styles look great with wrought iron, wood, or visible Edison bulbs. Go bold with colorful ceramic or funky shapes for an eclectic kitchen.

Placement of the Sconces

Most often, sconces flank both sides of the sink. This provides even lighting from two fixtures. For a single sink, center one wider sconce right above the faucet. Double sinks suit two matching sconces spaced evenly apart. Place them about 32-36 inches above the counter for best ergonomics.

Hardwired vs Plug-In

Hardwired sconces need professional installation but look seamless. Plug-in models are quick and easy for DIYers, but hide cords carefully. Consider your existing outlets and wiring to determine which option suits your skill level and kitchen layout best.

Popular Styles of Kitchen Sconces for Sinks

From classic to modern, the right sconce style complements your kitchen's overall look and decor elements. Popular design styles include:

Minimalist

Clean lines and simple shapes embody minimalism. Glass, metal, and polished finishes in white, black, or silver create contemporary elegance. People with modern kitchens should consider rectangular sconces, orb-shaped polished fixtures, or futuristic curved lights.

Rustic

Rustic farmhouse decor embraces wrought iron, galvanized metal, and natural unfinished wood. Edison bulb sconces exposed visible bulbs and unfinished fixtures suit this cozy style. Handcrafted ceramic and hammered metal sconces also complement the rustic look well.

Transitional

Transitional design fuses modern and traditional elements. Look for soft bulbs, fabric lampshades, and elegant metalwork. Aged brass finishes and vintage-inspired shapes work beautifully. These versatile sconces suit many evolving kitchen styles.

Contemporary

Contemporary spaces deserve fixtures as bold as their designs. Sculptural curved shapes, colorful mosaic glass, and acrylic or Lucite materials make a statement. Go ultra-modern with sconces featuring LED strips or futuristic orb shapes.

Traditional

Embrace classic elegance with crystal chandeliers turned into sconces and metalwork in polished nickel or bronze. Fabric lampshades provide soft, warm light. Ornate shapes like candle arms or scrolled metalwork heighten traditional charm.

Lighting Tips for Kitchen Sconces Over Sink

Kitchen sconces work best when paired with other light sources, like recessed ceiling lights or under cabinet fixtures. Follow these guidelines for the most functional sink illumination:

Layer Ambient and Task Lighting

Overhead lighting provides overall ambient brightness in a kitchen. But task lighting like sconces illuminates a specific workspace. Combine both for safe, comfortable food preparation and cleanup. Don't rely solely on recessed lights which cast shadows over your sink.

Incorporate Multiple Light Sources

Balance sconces with recessed lighting and under cabinet fixtures for even, glare-free illumination. Varying light sources prevent harsh shadows and bright spots.

Include Dimmer Switches

Dimmers allow you to control sconce brightness for different tasks. Brighten as needed for food prep or cleaning. Then dim for a cozy ambient glow over dishes and conversation. Dimmers prevent eye strain and glare while saving energy.

Best Materials for Kitchen Sink Sconces

Durability and easy cleaning are top priorities for kitchen fixtures. Choose sconce materials that withstand moisture, grease, and everyday wear and tear. Excellent options include:

Metal

Sleek stainless steel, rustic wrought iron, polished brass, and other metals withstand kitchen conditions. Powder-coated finishes prevent corrosion and tarnishing on sconces. Sturdy metals last decades with proper care and cleaning.

Glass

Glass sconce shades allow maximum light transmittance while trapping grease and moisture. Look for heat-resistant tempered glass. Frosted, etched, or patterned glass diffuses light elegantly. Clear glass shades showcase the bulb or lamp.

Wood

Protected with marine varnish, wooden sconces bring warmth to a kitchen. Use carved, sustainably-sourced hardwoods like maple or walnut. Keep wood sconces away from direct sink splashes to prevent warping.

Fabric

Natural linen, cotton, hemp, or polyester lampshades soften lighting. Washable fabrics like polyester and acrylic suit humid kitchens best. Avoid delicate silks or beaded shades too close to your sink.

Ideal Placement of Kitchen Sconces Around Sink

Proper sconce placement maximizes visibility and light quality over your sinks, faucets, and counters. Most kitchens suit one of these two ideal layouts best:

On Side Walls Flanking the Sink

Place matching sconces on each sidewall about 32-36 inches above counter level. Allow 3 feet side-to-side space between pendant lights. Position them slightly in front of the sink basin. This layout casts even light across the entire workspace.