Light fixtures don’t just belong on the ceilings.
“You can use [wall-mounted] sconces anywhere and everywhere,” says Adrienne Faulkner, president and CEO of Faulkner Design Group, a Dallas-based firm that specializes in interior design for multifamily properties. Faulkner says sconces are often bypassed because they require developers to electrical wire the walls instead of the ceilings, which doesn’t cost any extra money but does require more upfront planning and attention to detail. However, she contends that sconces can offer a distinct design style that cannot be achieved by using ceiling fixtures alone.
Because sconces are available in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes, they can be incorporated into many different areas within a multifamily community. In particular, Faulkner likes to use sconces for corridors and common areas. In Dallas, she installed sconces throughout The Heights at Park Lane, a 325-unit mixed-use project (shown above).
“I like to use the same sconces in different rooms to repeat the design element,” Faulkner explains. “It ties the rooms together, and you can achieve economies of scale by orderingseveral pieces.”
Simple Design: From American Fluorescent Corp.’s Helios series, these tall and contemporary wall-mounted sconces feature a polished chrome finish and hand-blown white swirl accented glass. The open top provides for easy light bulb changes. For more information, call 800-873-2326 or visit www.americanfluorescent.com.
Bronze Beauty: The one-light Lacey wall sconce from Kichler Lighting melds the charm of old-world style with clean, modern-day materials. The fixture features new Mission Bronze finish and bold, unadorned rounded-arm styling. It finishes with avant-garde double shades made of decorative mesh screens and Opal inner glass. For more information, call Kichler at 866-558-5706 or visit www.kichler.com.
Long & Lovely: This long metal wall sconce from Minka Lavery Lighting can be used to frame large elements within a room, from elevators to doors and windows. With its sleek design, antique nickel finish, and French cream glass globe, the sconce brings contemporary style to any décor. For more information, call Minka Lavery Lighting at 951-735-9220 or visit www.minkagroup.net.
Custom Color: Regardless of your color scheme, you can customize these paintable sconces from Sea Gull Lighting. Made of ceramic, the sconces come in three different styles and can be painted to blend in with the décor or to add a bold splash of color. They are appropriate for both interior and exterior use. For more information, call Sea Gull Lighting at 800-347-5483 or visit www.seagulllighting.com.
Dimmable Feature: Ivalo Lighting’s 21-inch Aliante fluorescent dimmable demi-sconce has been named an Energy Star product by the Environmental Protection Agency. With its elegant, nautically-inspired minimalist form that harmonizes with most architectural styles, the Aliante fixture is the first Ivalo product to receive this designation. For more information, call Ivalo Lighting at 610-282-7472 or visit www.ivalolighting.com.
Asymmetrical Addition: From LAMPS PLUS Professionals, this two-light wall sconce is part of the new Possini Euro line. It features geometric shapes and rectangular opal glass shades that are asymmetrically positioned at varying heights. Constructed of metal with a bronze finish, the sconce is 15 1 inches high, 14 inches wide, and extends 4 inches from the wall. For more information, call LAMPS PLUS Professionals at 800-304-8120 or visit www.LampsPlus.com/Pros.
