Chandeliers & Wall Sconces

Chandelier or sconce: which goes where?

A chandelier supplies the general light of a room and belongs in the middle of the ceiling. A sconce works on the wall and does not replace that general light — it completes it. The right scheme uses both: overhead light from the ceiling, atmosphere on the wall.

How many sconces do you need?

Go by wall width. Up to three metres, one sconce is enough; between three and five metres a symmetrical pair; on wider walls an evenly spaced run of three. Leave at least 1.5 m between fittings, depending on the model height. For the 21 cm compact model that gap drops to 60–80 cm.

At what height?

The general rule is 160–180 cm from the floor — just above the eye level of a standing person, so the bulb never glares and up-and-down models spread light evenly. Beside a bed, 120–140 cm works better; in a stairwell, follow the line of the steps.

How do I choose the metal finish?

The safest method is to match the metal already in the room: door handles, furniture legs, pulls, mirror frames. In warm palettes (cream, timber, beige) gold and rose; in cool ones (grey, white, marble) silver; in dark and industrial schemes black; with classic and period furniture antique.