Moroccan Modern Wall Sconces
Wall Sconces Explore
Moroccan Wall Sconces
When looking for a particular cultural look for the home, consider Moroccan style. Moroccan décor takes inspiration from France, Portugal and Spain as well as Mediterranean and Islamic countries. The Moroccan style is particularly marked by uneven, rough-hewn looks, intricate carvings and mother-of-pearl or mosaic tile inlays. Intricate textures and lush fabrics with busy patterns are commonplace. A Moroccan sconce contains some or all these characteristics, with intricate patterns being the most common. Moroccan wall lights seem the same as a typical modern light fixture, but on closer inspection reveals a more detailed pattern. This pattern can be over the entirety of the piece or only parts of it, creating a standout, expressive look or an accented look waiting to be discovered.
Wall sconces are typically used to add further layers of light to an existing room while also taking up little space on the wall. They are best placed outside the front or back door, in a foyer or down a hallway, although Moroccan wall sconces can be placed in several other places depending on the interior.
Other Considerations
Wall sconces need to be measured to ensure the dimensions work properly with the room. Any fixture too big or too small can clash with existing fixtures or create too much empty wall space. When mounting the sconce to the outside of the home, check the location rating, either wet or dry, to see if it can be exposed directly to water or be in the vicinity. For both indoor and outdoor applications, consider a shadow casting wall light that provides an appealing display. The shadow and light dynamic is particularly worthwhile with Moroccan fixtures, as the intricate patterns on the shade of the fixture can create a dazzling effect on the nearby walls and ceiling.
If the Moroccan style is effective in the home, consider adding to the style with Moroccan pendant lights. These pendant lights further the intricate and eclectic style, bringing a new layer of light and design to the entire space. Able to be placed as single units or in groups, pendant lights help light the room in a full manner while sconces may provide only an accent layer.
Wall SconcesFrequently Asked Questions
What is a wall sconce?
A wall sconce is a light fixture that mounts directly to a wall, providing ambient, task, or accent illumination without occupying floor or table space.
Expert tip: Because sconces sit at eye level, they have an outsized impact on a room's aesthetic; treat them as decorative objects, not just light sources.
What is the ideal mounting height for wall sconces?
The standard mounting height is 60 to 66 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture.
Expert tip: For stairway sconces, maintain a consistent height relative to each stair tread rather than the floor below.
What is the difference between hardwired and plug-in wall sconces?
Hardwired sconces connect to your home's electrical wiring inside the wall, resulting in a clean look with no visible cord. Plug-in sconces use a cord that plugs into a standard outlet.
Expert tip: If you love a hardwired design but lack a junction box, an electrician can typically add one for a modest cost.
How do I choose the right size wall sconce?
Scale the fixture to the wall and the elements around it. For bedside sconces, the shade bottom should sit roughly at shoulder height when seated in bed.
Expert tip: When in doubt, err slightly smaller; an understated sconce reads as intentional.
Are LED wall sconces better than traditional bulb sconces?
LED sconces offer longer lifespan, lower energy consumption, and consistent color rendering.
Expert tip: Check the fixture's CRI (Color Rendering Index); a CRI of 90 or above ensures colors appear accurate and vibrant.
What wall sconces are best for small spaces?
Look for slim-profile sconces that project minimally from the wall. Flush designs, vertical orientations, and wall sconces with switches that eliminate the need for a separate wall switch all help conserve space.
Expert tip: A sconce with uplight distribution can make a low ceiling feel taller.
Do wall sconces need to match my other light fixtures?
Matching is not required; a mix of finishes and forms often creates a more layered, considered interior.
Expert tip: Repeating a single finish (such as brass) across different fixture types creates continuity without rigidity.
What are ADA-compliant wall sconces?
ADA-compliant wall sconces project no more than 4 inches from the wall when mounted between 27 and 80 inches above the floor.
Expert tip: ADA-compliant sconces tend to have sleek, low-profile silhouettes that work well in modern interiors, making compliance a design advantage rather than a constraint.
