Bathroom sconces: varieties, tips for choosing

A few years ago, it was believed that sconces in the bathroom were inappropriate. It was believed that a central lamp was sufficient for lighting. Today, sconces are returning their positions in the design of the interior of the bathroom. In this article we will consider their advantages and disadvantages, types, dwell on the nuances of choosing the best model.

Bathroom lighting fixtures must obey a number of requirements... Since they will be in a humid room, they must be waterproof... In comparison with conventional counterparts, they are equipped with additional elements that protect the cartridge, terminals, and the electronic unit from moisture. Luminaires must have a certain index of protection, which indicates the degree of protection against the ingress of liquids and dust particles.

The higher the specified number, the better the protection, for example:

• 0 speaks of the lack of protection;
• 1 - protection against vertically falling drops;
• 2 - protection against drops falling at an angle of 15 degrees;
• 3 - protection against drops falling at an angle of 60 degrees;
• 4 - the device is protected from splashes;
• 5 - the model is not afraid of a water jet;
• 6 - the product is most reliably protected from water jets.

They are subject to increased requirements for safety, durability and efficiency. They must not be hung inside showers or directly above the bathroom.

Sconces are designed for use in "dry" areas of the sanitary unit. If they are bought in small bathrooms, make sure that they are not in a place where they can get water jets, splashes, steam. Lighting fixtures are purchased to be installed at the "correct" height. They should illuminate a specific functional area and make it easier to shave or apply makeup.

Waterproof bathroom sconces have a number of advantages, for example, they:

• protrude above the surface of the wall, due to which they can be used as the main lighting in small rooms;
• compact and functional, they do not take up much space, therefore they can be used in a bathroom of any size;
• allow organizing local illumination of a specific functional area;
• differ in design variability and may hint at belonging to a particular style of interior;
• do not depend on the height of the walls, suitable for installation in rooms with low and high ceilings;
• decorate the interior composition, give it completeness, participate in interior zoning;
• depending on the model, they are able to illuminate a large amount of space, which is not the case with spot lighting;
• differ in a wide range of shapes and sizes, suitable for large and small bathrooms;
• are not limited in color solutions, which simplifies the choice for a specific background interior design;
• differ in different price categories - in the assortment of stores there are products that can satisfy customers with different budget options.

Along with the advantages, the bathroom sconce has several disadvantages:

• they need hidden wiring, which complicates their installation;
• varieties with a high moisture resistance index are not always aesthetically attractive;
• can not always be installed where the design requires it.

It is possible to classify waterproof sconces on the bathroom wall in two ways. According to the type of plafond, there are three types of models.

• With diffused light (general lighting options), having a luminous flux angle of 360 degrees.
• With directional light (products for lighting local areas of the bathroom), differing in the shape of the lampshade, which sets the direction of the flow of light.
• Swivel type (with a system for adjusting the direction of light flux). These are modifications for those who are not satisfied with the stationary type sconces.

According to the type of arrangement, the sconces are horizontal and vertical. Variants of the first type are installed above or below some object for local lighting. Modifications of the second type are the same wall lamps.

In the production of sconces, different raw materials are used. Depending on the style of the interior, products can be made made of wood, metal, crystal. Sometimes in production they use ceramics, colored and transparent glass, as well as semi-precious stones.

Most often, the material of manufacture is durable plastic... It is inert to moisture, dampness, does not decompose and does not deform under the influence of temperature drops. Moreover, plastic can perfectly imitate any texture (wood, stone, glass, marble, metal).

The design of sconces purchased for bathroom furnishings can be very diverse. Traditional models are paired products with the same design. In addition, on sale you can find products with several shades mounted on one bracket. The type of shades can be different (for example, in the form of a ball, bell, cylinder, floor lamp).

Let's consider different design options.

• Models for implementation classic style resemble palace lamps... They are decorated with gilding, their plafonds are floor lamps or candlesticks, the fittings are made to resemble openwork forging.

• Antique style gives off its specificity. These sconces are laconic and massive, but not devoid of their zest. Depending on the design, they can be decorated with floral prints, ceramic elements.

• Baroque sconces look sophisticated and graceful. They abound in a number of decorative elements, are made in light colors, and often surprise with the shape and design of shades.

• Modern with seeming simplicity, it is distinguished by elegance. The lampshades of the sconces are made of plastic, they are distinguished by the presence of a chrome finish and a light color of the lampshades. They can be horizontal and vertical.

• Country and Provence They are characterized by a craving for rustic simplicity along with design sophistication. The priority is matte textures and textiles, you can buy sconces with floor lamps decorated with a medium-sized print.

• Pop Art stands out for its brightness and originality of design. These are unusual shapes of plafonds, the use of pure colors, stylization in the shape of animals or people.

The color palette of bathroom sconces is quite extensive. It will not be difficult to buy models in a related color to one of the accessories of a particular interior. You can find products on store shelves with white, light, transparent, bright and even dark shades. Finishing can be gilded, bronze, copper, silver, chrome.

The location of the sconce in the bathroom depends on various factors: features of the layout, space for lighting, type of lighting (local or general). In addition, the type of directionality of the light flux matters.

The sconces should be positioned in such a way that the light does not hit the eyes. Most often wall lamps mount on either side of the mirror. At the same time, paired lamps are used in the design to create a symmetrical composition. The disadvantage of this placement is the impossibility of installing one lighting device: shadows appear with it, which interfere with shaving or applying makeup.

The installation of sconces is gaining popularity over the mirror. In this case, options for horizontal lamps with directional light are used to illuminate the working area. Such a luminous flux does not hit the eyes; from the point of view of user convenience, it is considered the best.

Sconces can be hung on the wall opposite the mirror. However, from the point of view of lighting the working area, this is impractical. In addition to reflecting glare in the mirror, the user can block the incoming light. The advantage of this placement is the ability to make the room visually spacious.

Depending on the complexity of the perspective, sometimes wall lights positioned outside the box. For example, they can illuminate not only 1 but also 2 mirrors. Moreover, their number can vary from 2 to 4. Sometimes in spacious bathrooms, sconces illuminate the space near the bathtub. Separate projects provide for the placement of sconces on two adjacent walls.

Also, the light can accentuate an existing protrusion... Paired models on ledges on both sides of the room can be elements of bathroom zoning, indicating the entrance to a separate functional area (for example, delimiting the washing area and mirrors).

When buying a sconce for a particular bathroom, you need to pay attention to a number of factors. The key ones will be the class of dust and moisture resistance, as well as the material of manufacture. Models with textile shades look beautiful in the pictures of designers, but in practice they are not suitable for purchase.You need to take those products that will not rot, decompose and deteriorate from contact with moisture and fumes characteristic of plumbing units.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the central lamp. The sconces should form a single lighting ensemble with it. This should be evident in shapes, colors and finishes. As for the size, it all depends on the area of ​​a particular bathroom. The smaller it is, the simpler and smaller the sconces themselves should be.

We offer several examples of a harmonious choice of bathroom sconces.

Sconce with directional light in the form of lanterns - stylish accent of the mirror area.

Illumination of the washbasin area with wall lamps of a vertical type with a strict design.

The choice of horizontal sconces for symmetrical illumination of small mirrors.

Symmetrical arrangement of sconces with elements of openwork forging on two opposite walls.

Luminaire with three shades on one arm, illuminating the mirror from above.

Old style interior with ball-shaped wall lamps.

Local illumination of the mirror area by means of sconces with a vertical arrangement.

Original options for mirror illumination.

Create an epoch-specific ambiance with retro-designed indoor luminaires.

The following video will tell you what you need to know when choosing a sconce or lamp for the bathroom.