Sconces Over The Sink - A Focal Point That Transforms Your Kitchen
The kitchen sink area is often one of the most functional spaces in the home, but with the right lighting it can also become a beautiful focal point. Installing sconces over the sink is an impactful yet simple way to elevate your kitchen's style while also improving the utility of the space. Sconces over the sink not only provide much-needed task lighting, but serve as a striking decorative element that brings warmth and character to the entire room.
From accentuating your design aesthetic to improving the ambiance, read on to learn why sconces over the sink should be an essential component of your kitchen lighting design.
Reasons to Add Sconces Over Your Sink
Let's look at some of the biggest benefits of incorporating sconces into your kitchen lighting plan.
Stylish Focal Point
One of the best aspects of sconces over the sink is their ability to provide a stylish focal point. Whereas plain walls or generic pendants can fade into the background, sconces attract attention and give your kitchen personality.
The variety of sconce styles - from sleek and modern to traditional wrought iron - means you can find an option tailored to your preferred motif. Sconces come in trendy finishes like black, brass, or nickel that pair perfectly with your faucet and hardware.
Hanging sconces in pairs provides balance and symmetry that accentuates your sink area. Your chosen sconces may even inspire you to incorporate complementary design elements throughout the rest of the kitchen!
Improved Functionality
Beyond just looking elegant, sconces over the sink offer superior lighting functionality.
The sink is where many kitchen tasks happen, from washing dishes to preparing food. Properly placed sconces provide task lighting right where you need it, reducing eye and neck strain.
For open floor plans, sconces give ambient lighting that sets the mood for a dining area or kitchen island. You don't have to worry about harsh overheads.
Sconces are hands-free, unlike undercabinet lighting which requires manually turning on each fixture. With sconces, you can concentrate on kitchen jobs without toggling lights.
Easy Installation
Installing sconces over your sink is surprisingly simple, whether you're replacing existing pendants or starting from scratch.
Hardwired sconces are easy upgrades - it's just a matter of redirecting wiring from a previous light fixture. Minimal holes or patching needed.
For a brand new lighting plan, plug-in sconces are incredibly straightforward. Just insert into a nearby outlet and mount to the wall!
With either option, sconces avoid the tricky wiring and placement concerns of potentially hanging new pendant lights over an island or sink.
Choosing the Right Sconces
Picking out the perfect sconces comes down to a few key considerations:
Size and Scale
First, consider the proportions of the sink area. Measure the distance from the countertop to the ceiling to determine appropriate sconce size.
Oversized fixtures may overwhelm a small sink space, while tiny sconces get dwarfed near a dramatic vent hood.
For spacious kitchens, make a statement with large decorative sconces over the island. Near windows, compact sconces keep views unobstructed.
Placement
Sconces should be thoughtfully situated to maximize lighting utility.
For a single bowl sink, a centered layout provides even illumination. Cluster multiple sconces together over a double sink for balance.
Avoid interfering with windows or blocking sight lines with sconces near lower cabinetry. Consider an offset arrangement instead.
Style
Select sconces that align with your kitchen's overall motif and finishes.
In modern spaces, square sconces with clean lines fit right in. For farmhouse vibes, a classic wrought iron sconce brings coziness.
Sconce shapes like circles or rectangles determine the look. Then, choose complementary metals and colors.
Tie it all together - if your faucet is chrome, opt for matching chrome sconces. Stick to a theme!
Lighting Features
Factor in practical lighting considerations too:
- Bulb brightness for adequate task lighting
- Warm or cool color temperature for desired ambiance
- Dimmable functionality to control mood lighting
- Conveniently placed switches to turn sconces on and off
Your lighting needs should inform these options for custom-tailored sconces over the sink.
Installation Process
Ready to install your transformative sconces? Here's an overview of the process:
Preparation
Always turn off power at the breaker before wiring. Have all your materials assembled - the sconce itself, electrical wires, and junction box if needed.
Shut off the water supply valves too in case the installation requires altering supply lines.
Wiring
For hardwired sconces, wiring from your old light fixture gets transferred over to a new junction box mounted on the wall.
Hire an electrician if the kitchen requires entirely new in-wall wiring from the breaker to sconce location.
Plug-in sconces simply get plugged into a nearby outlet, no rewiring necessary.
Mounting
Securely anchor the junction box to wall studs if adding an additional box.
Attach the sconce base directly to the wall, threading wires through the base's opening first.
Make final connections - neutral to white, hot to black, ground to green - with the included wire nuts.
Finishing Touches
Once wiring is complete, restore power and test the sconce. Add any lamp shades or decorative covers.
Caulk around the base and touch up with paint. Now, admire your stunning new focal point!
Style Ideas and Inspiration
Need a spark of inspiration before choosing your sconces? Here are some chic sconce styles over sinks:
- Modern farmhouse kitchen with black iron orb sconces over the deep stainless sink, matching the matte black faucet.
- Transitional open concept with 3 golden circle sconces clustered over the marble prep island coordinating with brass hardware.
- Contemporary luxury kitchen featuring linear rectangular sconces mounted vertically on either side of a rectangular undermount sink, complementing the high-end modern look.
More tips for a pulled together look:
- Select sconce finishes that match faucets and handles.
- Incorporate similar shapes into cabinet hardware.
- Echo wall sconce styles with statement island pendants.
Take cues from your cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances to guide harmonious sconce choices. The impact can be dazzling.
The addition of sconces over your kitchen sink completely elevates both form and function. With improved task lighting, new focal points and an enhanced ambiance, sconces are a worthwhile investment.
Strategically select your sconces based on size, placement, style, and lighting specs. Simplify installation by plugging in or utilizing existing electrical.
Sconces over the sink provide a dose of character while facilitating food prep and clean up. For a kitchen transformation that combines beauty and utility, sconces are an essential and dramatic upgrade.