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With LED wall sconces, indoor environments can be drastically improved. However, lighting design mistakes are easy to make.
Wall lighting placement is a crucial element of interior lighting design, but it is not the only factor to consider. Getting placement, style and colour temperature right is key for a well-lit room.
In this article, we’ll offer a few tips for perfect lighting design with modern interior wall lights and how to avoid common mistakes to help you create an interior you’ll love.
Common Mistakes When Using Wall LightingÂ
The Wrong HeightÂ
By mounting your interior wall lights at the wrong height, you not only cast ineffective illumination, but you also create an unbalanced look in the space. Beyond that, you may also cause uncomfortable glare.
Avoid the mistake by: placing the LED wall lights indoor fixtures around eye level. This tends to be around 60 to 66 inches from the floor in most cases. It provides the optimum amount of light for the space while also making it more functional.
The Wrong Spacing
Spacing indoor wall lights too close or too far apart may negatively affect the lighting and cause it to be uneven. Aesthetically speaking, it may also cause a visual clash.
Avoid the mistake by: using precise measurements for your modern sconces indoors. Take care to actually note how far between one another the internal wall lights are, and make sure they are all even.
It is generally recommended to place them about six to eight feet apart from one another. Smaller rooms, however, may require smaller gaps between the interior LED lighting fixtures.
Neglecting the Architecture
Some homes have unique architectural elements built right in, making them perfect for creative lighting solutions. Ignoring the architectural features of a room may mean missed opportunities for decorative and accent lighting.
Avoid the mistake by: highlighting the architecture with your modern wall lights. Indoor nooks, alcoves, exposed brick, columns and other such features should have emphasis placed on them. Wall washing and uplighters indoor fixtures are especially good in locations such as these, as they enhance details and create more visual interest.
A Bad Angle
Poor angles from interior lighting can cast unsightly shadows and provide inadequate lighting.
Avoid the mistake by: testing the angles before application. Hold the light where you want to install it and be sure that the light is shining at a 30 to 45 degree angle for best results. This will minimise glare while also providing optimal illumination.
Improper Light DistributionÂ
By not distributing the indoor LED lighting properly, you may end up with a room that is too bright or too full of shadows. Even light distribution is a key element of lighting design.
Avoid the mistake by: planning out the design beforehand. Put together a lighting design plan by noting the layout and figuring out where wall sconces should be placed for the desired light level. When it comes to larger rooms, you may need more fixtures than you would in a smaller room.
Forgetting LED Bulbs
LED bulbs have many benefits that make them the preferred choice over traditional bulbs. Choosing traditional bulbs runs the risk of having the wrong colour temperature for your space. You will also need to replace the bulbs more often than with LEDs.
Avoid the mistake by: simply purchasing LED lights for your modern wall sconces from the start. These energy-efficient, eco-friendly lights will save you plenty of time, effort and money in the long run.
Inappropriate Size
A wall light that is too small or too large can negatively affect the room. Both functionality and aesthetics could suffer if your fixtures don’t suit the space.
Avoid the mistake by: understanding your room. Take measurements of the wall where you want to mount the fixtures. The height and width will play a role in how large or small the light should be. Ensure they are in proportion with the room size; smaller rooms need smaller lights, while larger rooms need larger lights.
Overcrowding
Having too many lights on a single wall can create a hotspot of illumination. It can also cause the space to look cluttered and unattractive.
Avoid the mistake by: getting a feel for the size of the room and discovering just how many lumens you’ll need to light it. Place lights strategically in such a way that they provide the illumination you need without adding too many unnecessary fixtures.
Faulty Installation
Besides the safety risks that poor wiring can cause, you also run the risk of lights that simply do not work the way they should.
Avoid the mistake by: having a qualified electrician do the installation for you. They will be familiar with lighting codes and regulations while also ensuring everything is installed correctly. Using professional services will also allow you to avoid issues such as short circuiting, improper voltage and circuit overload.
Poor Colour Temperature Choice
Colour temperature for wall lighting can drastically influence the look and feel of a room. The kind of atmosphere you want in a space should dictate the colour temperature you choose.
Avoid the mistake by: understanding colour temperature. It exists on a scale between 1,000 and 10,000 Kelvin. Warmer lights between 2700k and 3000k are best for a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Cooler colours in the 3500k to 4000k range are better for bright workspaces, like an office.
Low Quality Fixtures
To get the most out of your lights, you’ll need high quality fixtures to begin with. Lights cheap in appearance and cost would be a detriment to your design scheme.
Avoid the mistake by: selecting quality wall light fixtures. Look for durable materials, IP ratings and other signs of sturdy, quality fixtures before buying.
Lack of Layers
Layered lighting ensures well-balanced illumination throughout the room. Not layering interior wall lighting can leave dark spots, shadows or even hotspots that are too bright.
Avoid the mistake by: installing accent, ambient and task lighting alike. A combination of pendant lights, wall lights, lamps and other sources of illumination will do the trick.
Forgetting the Dimmer
Having a dimmer switch for your wall light will allow you to adjust its brightness levels throughout the day. This way, you can set different moods and tones in the room depending on your preferences or time of day.
Clashing Styles
Lights that do not match one another can upset the visual balance of a room.
Avoid the mistake by: choosing lights that not only match the decor scheme in a room, but also match one another. Figure out the aesthetic of your space, whether that be modern, transitional, urban industrial or traditional, and shop for lights accordingly.
Interior Wall Lighting IdeasÂ
Enhance your living space with the LWA427 3 Watt Wall Washer Interior Wall Light. With 300 lumens of 3000k warm white light shining on the wall behind it, these lights are great for architectural lighting. They are fashioned out of durable aluminium with an IP20 rating. These white or black indoor wall lights work well in rooms of any decor style and scheme. Each one measures 182 millimeters by 80 millimeters in size.
Provide stylish ambient light with the Leon 8 Watt 250mm Wide Brushed Silver LED Wall Light. This fixture features a wide 250-millimeter body that spreads light evenly across the wall. It generates 800 lumens of 3000k warm white light, which is diffused by the opal acrylic covers on the top and bottom. The light comes in a sleek brushed aluminium finish that matches any modern decor style.
Elevate your space with the sleek LWA228 4 Watt LED Round Interior Wall Light. The round, elegant light comes in your choice of black or white to suit any style. It shines 400 lumens of 3200k warm white light back onto the wall, diffused through the acrylic shade to create a halo effect. The fixture measures 162 millimeters in diameter and is rated IP20.
Give your space modern flair with the LWA438 12 Watt LED Interior Wall Uplighter Fitting. This fixture features a flat base that shines 1000 lumens of 3000k warm white light back onto the wall, generating plenty of ambient lighting. Measuring 230 millimeters by 130 millimeters in size, the light is durably crafted from high quality aluminium and comes in either black or white.
