Lights on Wall to Brighten Any Living Room
Wall lights serve myriad purposes in living rooms. They provide functional lighting , set the right ambience , and accentuate architectural elements and artwork. The proper wall lights can transform any living space into a warm, inviting oasis for relaxing and entertaining.
We'll share lighting design tips, popular fixture styles, placement recommendations, and bulb suggestions for creating a well-lit, atmospheric space.
Help Set the Mood in Any Living Room
Wall lights enable homeowners to craft custom lighting scenes to match any activity or occasion. Dim switches and smart bulbs allow easy adjustments to ambiance. The right fixtures can highlight prized possessions and architectural elements. Let's look at mood-enhancing strategies for living room wall lights .
Create Warm, Inviting Ambiance
The living room should feel welcoming and cozy. Wall lights produce a softer glow than overhead fixtures, relaxing occupants with ambient lighting . Position fixtures to avoid glare and shadows. Use dimmers for further control over brightness and warmth.
Set Lighting Scenes for Different Occasions
With dimmable wall lights or smart bulbs, tailor the ambiance to any occasion. Bright, crisp white light keeps occupants alert for tasks or games. Cozy amber hues set the mood for casual gatherings or movie nights. Romantic mood lighting utilizes lower brightness and warmer palettes.
Highlight Decor and Architectural Details
Strategically placed wall lights spotlight prized art, collections, architectural facets, and furnishings. Wall sconces flanking a fireplace draw attention while providing task illumination. Picture lights showcase artwork. Step lights guide occupants on stairways and pathways.
Types of Wall Lights for Living Rooms
From ornate fixtures to minimalist forms, wall lights come in varied shapes and sizes. Consider room dimensions, seating placement, activities, and aesthetic when selecting living room fixtures.
Sconces
Wall-mounted sconces suit many decors. Typically affixed to walls or pillars, these smaller-scale fixtures project ambient or task lighting . Swing-arm sconces adjust to direct light where needed. Plug-in styles offer flexible placement.
Accent Lighting
Accent lights create directed beams to highlight art, shelves, and architectural or design details. Picture lights mount above artwork. Step lights and downlights spotlight stairs and pathways in stylish, functional fashion.
Linear Lights
For contemporary living rooms, linear lighting delivers smooth, uniform ambient illumination. Slim LED strips or bars mount above seating areas or behind televisions. Extrusions blend into drywall for invisible effects.
Where to Install Wall Lights in Living Rooms
Mindful positioning of wall fixtures amplifies aesthetics and function of any living space. Evaluate layout, furnishings, seating areas, and traffic routes when planning placement.
Flank Fireplace
Drawing attention to the hearth, sconces on each side provide soft glows. Swing-arm styles adjust to reduce glare. Wall lights here offer ambient lighting for tasks or reading.
Above Seating Areas
Mounted slightly above eye level, wall lights illuminate sitting areas effectively. Hang miniature pendants or sconces over chairs and sofas for highly localized glows.
Behind Sofas
Shining toward walls behind seating, sconces create indirect, glare-free uplighting. The light reflects off walls, producing calming ambient brightness overhead.
Near Entryways
Welcome guests with lighting flanking doorways or illuminating hallways and foyers. Wall lanterns and sconces aid navigation while making great first impressions.
On Stairway Walls
Linear fixtures and step lights embedded in risers provide pathway illumination and contribute unique design flair. Their directed beams prevent tumbling hazards in style.
How to Choose the Right Wall Lights
Selecting living room wall lights requires evaluating lighting needs, dimensions, aesthetics, controls, and installation formats. This guide covers key considerations.
Consider Light Color and Brightness
Wall lights should provide sufficient illumination for tasks while avoiding harshness. Look for warm white or soft white lamps from 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin. Dimming enables further customization for the right ambience.
Match Style to Room Decor
Choose fixture shapes, materials, and finishes that coordinate with the room's motif. For farmhouse spaces, black wrought iron sconces suit. Contemporary decors may incorporate rectangular LED bars. Match metals throughout for congruity.
Hardwired vs Plug-In Options
Hardwired fixtures afford sleek built-in aesthetics yet require professional installation. Plug-in sconces and pendants offer flexibility but may show visible cords. Evaluate options based on room layout and preference.
Smart Controls and Dimming
Today's wall lights integrate with home automation systems for voice or app-based control. Dimmer switches afford easy ambience adjustments. Some fixtures work with smart plugs or bulbs for tunable brightness.
Best Practices for Installing Wall Lights
Proper wall lighting installation abides by building codes while positioning fixtures carefully. Here are top techniques and safety tips.
Follow Local Electrical Codes
Review regional/city ordinances related to lighting and electrical work prior to installing fixtures. Permit and inspection requirements vary. Following code keeps homes safe.
Ensure Proper Wiring and Voltage
Wall lights must connect securely to junction boxes with wiring appropriately sized per fixture wattages. Hire an electrician when in doubt here.
Use Sturdy Anchors for Mounting
Prevent sagging and accidents with metal toggle bolts and anchors in wall drywall. Anchor openings should align precisely with junction boxes.
Consider Light Beam Angle
Check manufacturer specs to ensure the beam angle suits each wall light's placement. Narrow beams for highlighting art. Wider projections for ambient glows.
Safety Tips for Living Room Wall Lighting
While enhancing aesthetics and function, living room wall lights bring along some safety considerations. Follow these tips for peace of mind.
Use Bulbs Suitable for Enclosed Fixtures
Look for bulbs rated for fully or partially enclosed fixtures. These contain safety features preventing overheating or cracking.
Check for Certification Marks
Reputable lighting brands carry UL, ETL, or CSA marks indicating electrical safety testing. Certifications verify quality and reliability.
Don't Overload Circuits
Be mindful of total wattages across multiple fixtures to avoid tripping breakers. Hire an electrician to assess available capacity.
Keep Fabrics/Cords Away from Bulbs
Prevent fire hazards by positioning lamps to avoid contact with fabrics and curtains. Never run electrical cords above or touching hot bulbs.
Creative Ways to Use Wall Lighting Fixtures
Beyond traditional placements, creative applications of wall lights unlock captivating possibilities. Here are some inspiring ideas to illuminate.
Over Doorways and Windows
Linear bars or pendant lights spanning openings add modern flair while delivering useful illumination along thresholds.
To Highlight Displayed Collectibles
Shine spotlights onto prized shelves of ceramics, sports memorabilia, or family photos. Go for dramatic uplighting or subtle aura effects.
Group Multiple Small Fixtures
Cluster stylish mini-pendants or sconces across larger expanses of wall for artistic appeal. Mix pieces complementing the room's motif.
Living room wall lights unlock captivating makeover potential through improved ambiance, feature highlighting, and stylish forms factor. After exploring fixture varieties, mood-enhancing strategies, layout recommendations, and creative applications here, you have all the knowledge needed to design an atmospheric, artistic lighting scheme elevating any living space.
With some smart planning upfront considering dimensions, seating zones, colors and materials, the right wall lights become transformative elements. They not only provide safe, effective illumination, but also help craft an inviting oasis for amusement and rejuvenation with family and friends.