Accessorize Your Kitchen Sink Area With Beautiful Sconces Above It
The kitchen sink area is often the heart of the home, serving as a gathering place for food prep, clean up, and casual conversations. An elegant pair of sconces mounted above the kitchen sink can beautifully accent this busy space while providing much-needed task lighting. Sconces above the kitchen sink add style and illuminate the exact area where bright light is most useful for washing dishes, chopping ingredients, or reading recipes. With the wide range of aesthetic options available, from modern chic to farmhouse rustic, sconces breathe new life into plain kitchen walls and highlight sinks as functional works of art.
You'll discover design considerations to select the perfect sconces, from materials and shapes to the quality of light. We'll also cover practical factors like installation and placement for optimal use. To spark inspiration, you'll find an image gallery of breathtaking kitchens with beautiful sconces mounted above stylish sinks. Read on to learn how to add the ideal finishing touch of light and style above your kitchen basin.
Style Considerations for Sconces Above the Kitchen Sink
With the wide range of sconce styles available today, it's easy to find options that align with your kitchen's interior design aesthetic. Consider the following style factors when choosing sconces to mount above your sink.
Aesthetic Styles
Sconces come in styles spanning from sleekly modern to classically ornate. Choose sconces that match or complement your kitchen's overall aesthetic and decor. For contemporary spaces with a minimalist look, rectangular metal sconces in matte black or polished chrome fit right in. Farmhouse kitchens can benefit from vintage rubbed bronze sconces with curled metal detailing. Those desiring an industrial vibe might opt for simple black metal lights with exposed bulbs.
Materials
The material of your sconces directly impacts the look and durability. Metals like brass, nickel, and iron suit traditional to modern spaces. Wrought iron sconces with scrolled shapes provide an ornate vintage appearance. Stainless steel has a sleek, reflective surface great for contemporary styles. Bronze sconces introduce a classic, aged beauty. Glass sconces add elegant transparency, while ceramic and natural wood selections provide organic textures.
Size and Shape
The scale and silhouette of your sconces should fit the kitchen layout. Small sconces keep visual weight minimal in compact galley kitchens. For larger kitchens, oversized sconces make a dramatic style statement. Rectangular sconces nicely frame vertical spaces above sinks. Curved circular sconces complement and accentuate rounded apron fronts. Conical glass pendants illuminate sinks in an artistic manner.
Finishes
Sconce finishes range from stark and industrial to ornately embellished. Polished metal finishes like chrome, nickel, and brass add shine that contrasts with countertops. Aged patinas in bronze, copper, pewter, or iron have an antique, weathered appearance. Oil-rubbed finishes bring depth, with dark accents in crevices. Glossy lacquered sconces pair well with sleek cabinets and fixtures. The options are endless for customizing your sconces' finish.
Functionality of Sconces Above Kitchen Sinks
In addition to providing eye-catching style, sconces above kitchen sinks serve important lighting functions. Thoughtfully designed sconces direct illumination precisely where you need it most.
Task Lighting
The primary purpose of sconces above a kitchen sink is to provide targeted task lighting. Positioned on either side of the sink, sconces cast light directly on the area below. This assists in washing dishes, rinsing produce, meal prep, and other kitchen tasks that require excellent visibility. Sconces eliminate shadows and supplements the ambient light from overhead fixtures.
Accent Lighting
Sconces also serve as accent lighting, drawing attention to the sink area as a focal point. Decorative sink styles like apron-front and hammered copper vessel sinks look especially stunning under sconces' glow. Light reflects off the metallic sink surface, highlighting its texture. Sconces also accentuate the faucet's features. Their focused beam adds dramatic contrast between light and shadow.
Layered Lighting
For well-rounded illumination, sconces work best alongside other lighting sources. Island pendants hanging over a prep or dining area provide ambient lighting to fill the whole kitchen. Recessed cans in the ceiling offer overall illumination. Together, these light sources combine with sconces to eliminate shadows and dark spots. Sconces deliver targeted task lighting, while other fixtures create a cohesive, multi-layered lighting plan.
Tips for Selecting and Installing Sconces Above the Kitchen Sink
Achieving the perfect sconce placement requires some planning. Follow these tips when choosing and installing sconces above your kitchen sink.
Lighting Needs
Consider the tasks performed at your sink and the light required. Do you mainly wash dishes, or also chop ingredients and cook at your sink? Bright, focused light benefits food prep work. Ambient lighting adds a relaxed vibe for casual rinsing. In general, sconces with directed task lighting provide the most function.
Placement
Mount sconces approximately 30-36 inches above the counter on either side of the sink. Make sure they don't block windows and lighting can reach below without glare. Angle them slightly to direct illumination onto the basin. Place the bottom of the sconce 7-10 inches above surrounding counter height for best ergonomics.
Sink Type Compatibility
Ensure your sconces complement or accentuate your sink type. Simple sheet metal sconces suit stainless undermount sinks. Ornate glass sconces beautifully frame apron front sinks. Circular sconces mirror and illuminate round vessel basins. Consider scale and shape when pairing sinks and sconces.
Wiring and Installation
Hardwired sconces guarantee durable, hassle-free operation, but require professional installation. Plug-in sconces offer flexibility but limit placement to within reach of outlets. For safety, it's best to have sconces installed by a kitchen lighting professional regardless of wiring type.
Beautiful Sconce Styles for Above Kitchen Sinks
The options are virtually unlimited when selecting aesthetically pleasing sconces to mount above kitchen sinks. Here are some stunning styles to inspire your design process.
Rustic Wood Sconces
Handcrafted wood sconces bring organic warmth to traditional kitchens. Distressed finishes in charcoal or whitewash feel timeworn and welcoming. Wrought iron accents provide contrasting texture. Wood sconce frames artfully complement stone or brick backsplashes. Opt for a classic barn shape or contemporary crossed-frame design.
Polished Metal Sconces
For modern kitchens, sleek rectangular sconces in matte black, polished brass, chrome, or nickel exude contemporary sophistication. Metallic finishes pair perfectly with stone countertops and tile backsplashes. Minimalist shapes keep the focus on clean lines and practical luxury.
Caged Glass Sconces
Vintage-style wire sconces encapsulating curved glass shades have an industrial edge. Filament bulbs are on display within metal cagings. The glass adds a lightweight elegance while the metal frame anchors the sconces with boldness. Positioned above sinks, these lights become striking focal points.
Overlapping Geometric Sconces
For drama, choose layered-shape sconces blending overlapping metal rectangles, circles, or triangles. The dimensional silhouette appears contemporary and sculptural, like a modern art piece. Sophisticated brushed gold finishes complement the graphic, mathematical appeal of the geometric forms.
The area above the kitchen sink is prime real estate for accentuating this busy zone with beautiful, functional light fixtures. Sconces provide directed task lighting that aids food prep and cleanup, while also underscoring sinks as design details. With an array of shape, size, material and finish options, it's simple to select sconces that enhance your kitchen decor theme. Take care to install sconces at an optimal height and angle. Thoughtfully illuminated sinks not only look stunning, but also improve visibility for kitchen work. Embrace the latest options like energy-efficient and motion-sensing sconces to keep your kitchen both beautiful and smart. Follow this guide to artfully accessorize your sink area with sconces that blend captivating style with helpful illumination.