Lights.com—Wall Lighting
Wall lighting can always make a room look interesting, no matter how good or bad the decorating is. Apart from ornate use of candles, good lighting can transform a room. It is helpful to know that lighting has an enormous effect on your house, yet is often limited to a single dangling lampshade and bulb.
You can appear to alter the shape of your room with clever use of light and shadow with good wall lighting. A high ceiling can appear lower by remaining shadowy, while wall lights appear to increase the space within the room. Lighting provides an all-over light which creates areas of light and shade that give more interest and warmth to a room.
Deciding on Wall Lighting
When it comes to wall lighting, decide where you want the light and determine its purpose in the room. Ordinary wall lights are normally fitted approximately 5 feet above floor level. This may be for reading, writing, or displaying a picture. Reading lights should be used in conjunction with another background light to lessen the overall glare. As for bedside lights, they are best fitted approximately 4 feet above floor level.
There are also other factors when it comes to wall lighting. Do you want the direction of light to come from one direction permanently, or do you want it to be flexible? If you decide on a flexible type, make sure you choose a type that is tough enough to stand the constant alteration of direction.
Finally, decide whether you want to add extra flexibility in controlling the artificial light by replacing the on/off switch with a dimmer switch. Dimmer switches are easy to install and the mood of the room can be transformed instantly. The best positions for switches are near a door or on the side of a bay or chimney breast.