I hope that everyone has enjoyed their weekend so far. It is a rainy day here in Houston and I am enjoying the opportunity to sit back and relax. Christopher is napping peacefully and Geoff and I are doing nothing of real importance. Don’t you just love lazy days?

This overcast day has me thinking of lighting. There are three main types of lighting that should be in any well designed space. Ambient lighting (also can be called overhead lighting), Task lighting (Such as a table lamp for reading), and accent lighting (to highlight artwork or architectural features).

Today I want to focus on a type of accent lighting, sconces, to be exact. These beautiful fixtures can be the perfect accent to really rev up a space.

Sconces are a great way to accent a fireplace.

They are stunning when used in a dining room to flank artwork…

Or when used to showcase an architectural element in the room such as a doorway or window.

Sconces can also serve double duty as task lighting in some applications.

Bathroom vanities and mirrors are one great example.

Another example would be hanging them over bedside tables to serve as reading lights.

Here are some of my favorite designer sconces

From left to right: Wood & Iron Barrel Sconce, Library Sconce, Abbot Single-Arm Sconce, Willshire Double Sconce, Huntingdon Crystal Double Sconce, Beaded Basket Sconce, Painted Iron Circles Wall Sconce, Industrial Filament Sconce

If you can’t afford a designer sconce like the ones above, that’s ok. A beautiful fixture could be just around to corner at your local Lowe’s. Here are some great fixtures that look like designer pieces, but won’t break the bank:

From left to right: 2-Light Bronze Wall Sconce, Bel-Air 3-Light Brushed Nickel Wall Sconce, Westmore Lighting 2-Light Antique Brass Arm Wall Light, Sea Gull Lighting 2-Light Brass Arm Sconce, Portfolio Pewter Arm Wall Sconce, Westmore Lighting 2-Light Nickel Arm Wall Sconce

Have you used any sconces in your home?