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Lighting plays a very important role in creating a comfortable environment. To create a soft subdued light, wall lamps are used. But at what height to hang a sconce to be comfortable, beautiful and safe? This will be discussed further.
Sconce in the bedroom
Most often, wall lamps are hung in the bedroom above the bed. They make it possible to organize soft light, read in normal light and turn it off without getting out of bed. The standard height for placing a sconce over the headboard is 1,20 m – 1,6 m. The takeoff is large, for good reason.
To understand exactly at what height to hang a sconce above the bed, several factors must be taken into account:
- Headboard height. It is desirable to hang the lighting device 20-30 cm above the back. It can be less and more – look according to the circumstances and other criteria. But there are models of beds with high backs. So high that they cover even the maximum height from the floor – 160 cm. In this case, there are two exits. The first is to hang them above the edge of the back, but most likely you will need models “with laces” so that you can turn them on / off without getting up. The second is to install a sconce on the back of the bed. This is also possible and may even be more convenient.
- Height. When choosing the height of the sconce above the bed, you can be guided by the height of the person – you need to hang it so that you can easily reach the switch while lying in bed.
- Lamp type. If the ceiling and the flow of light is directed upwards, you will have to install the lamp a little lower on the wall; if the light is directed downwards, you can install it higher. But at the same time, do not forget that you need to reach the switch without getting up. The presence of a hanging lace or chain that activates the switch will facilitate the task.
If the bedroom has a dressing table, then local lighting will not hurt here either. In this case, hang the sconce at the level of the upper third of the mirror. Then both standing and sitting lighting will be normal. Or, as an option, install several sconces with round lampshades on each side (pictured left).
And the last thing to consider (not least) is the appearance of the room and how all the planned light sources will fit into the environment. After all, properly selected lighting can emphasize the dignity of the room and hide the flaws.
At what height to place in the nursery
In the children’s room, sconces are usually also hung above the bed. In many cases, this is a night light. If the child is small, the criteria for determining the height are different. First of all, you need to make sure that the child cannot get the lamp. Therefore, you need to hang a sconce over a crib at a height that is 15-20 cm higher than the height of your child, taking into account the outstretched arm and the fact that he stood on his toes.
If the child is older, you need to find a position for the sconce so that the lamp is not touched during games. Usually this is the head of the bed. At what height to hang a sconce in this case? Somewhere 60-80 cm above the level of the mattress. Here again, it is desirable to make it so that you can reach out while lying down and turn the lamp on / off.
Location in the living room
In living rooms, sconces are hung in order to highlight the recreation area, creating for it its own cozy corner. Most often, wall lamps are placed above the sofa and / or armchair.
At what height to hang the sconce in this case, it depends more on the height of the seat. It is easier to determine practically. Sit in a chair or on a sofa, stretch your arm up. Approximately at the height where the palm is located and it is worth hanging the lamp. With this arrangement, it will be convenient to read and use, although it is no longer so important to reach out while sitting, because it is quite possible to stand up.
Consider one point: if the armchairs and the sofa are nearby, and the sconces hang above them, it is advisable to hang them at the same height. It looks more harmonious.
Sconces in the corridor and on the stairs
How high and at what distance from each other to hang sconces in the corridor depends on what function they perform. If this is a mirror illumination, it is worth placing them just above the top edge. If the lamps are placed along the walls, the optimal height is 180-190 cm. This is if there are no those in the family who are 2 meters tall and above. In this case, it is necessary to lift it so that the shades are at least at the level of the head, but not the shoulders.
Often in the corridor or hallway, sconces are hung as a backlight for paintings. In this case, these are wall lamps to illuminate paintings and are hung above the frames – a little higher. On average, this is obtained at a height of 220-230 cm, but it strongly depends on the height of the ceilings.
If the house has a staircase to the second floor, it is also often illuminated by wall lamps. They should be positioned so that the illumination is sufficient, but at the same time they do not interfere with movement. If the ceiling height allows, they should be above the level of the head, if not, then at least above the level of the shoulders.
The number of fixtures is chosen so that all steps are well lit. So that at night the light is not too bright, when planning wiring, you can connect the sconce to two switches – through one. Enough light, but not too bright.
In the kitchen
They try to divide even the smallest kitchen into two zones – a dining room and a cooking zone. You can emphasize this separation with lighting, and one way is to hang a couple of wall lamps next to the dining table. They are known to create a more private atmosphere.
The installation height of the sconce in this case is 70-80 cm above the countertop. This is optimal, but again, you need to look at the circumstances and the interior.
In the bathroom
Wall lamps in the bathroom are installed to illuminate the mirror. There are several options for location – above the mirror and from the sides. In the first case, the installation height of the sconce is determined by how the mirror is hung, in the second – by the number of fixtures.
If there are two lamps, they can be installed starting from the middle of the mirror and above. Depends on the level at which the mirror hangs. You can focus on growth – in this case, it is better if the lamps are approximately at eye level, and so that they do not blind, they put matte shades.
There is another option – several small shades – three to five pieces on each side. With this arrangement, they are placed evenly along the height of the mirror.
That, perhaps, is all, we talked about all the options for installing a sconce. Once again, we repeat that all the numbers mentioned are recommendations and you can adjust them in any direction. The main thing is to ensure safety and convenience, but you should not forget about design.