Downward or upward sconces?

Painted Therapy
by Painted Therapy
We are finishing our basement and I am having the electrician hardwire in wall sconces because we have wood beams in the ceiling. So the only nighttime light I will have in the room is the sconces and any floor lamps I use. I do NOT want to highlight my ceiling (as it will be dark beams and lots of HVAC ductwork), but do the downward sconces provide enough light? Thanks!
  7 answers
  • Cori Warner Cori Warner on Mar 03, 2014
    I think they would, just be sure you get sconces that can use a higher wattage bulb (>60W), with shades that allow light through.
  • Ev Hobel Ev Hobel on Mar 03, 2014
    I'd have them downward. good luck
  • Z Z on Mar 04, 2014
    I'm with Cori, whatever you get make sure to check the size bulb it takes. Then before you purchase them head to the light bulb aisle before making the final decision. The wattage really tells you how much energy the bulb uses. Granted the higher the wattage the brighter the bulb, but the true brightness lies in the lumens. Check from brand to brand and you'll notice that the lumens vary on the same wattage bulb.
    • See 2 previous
    • Painted Therapy Painted Therapy on Mar 04, 2014
      @Z Me too!!! Great tip Becky!
  • CynK CynK on Mar 04, 2014
    Downward always lights up my rooms better.
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Mar 05, 2014
    I like uplights, but get more light from downward. In addition to making sure the lights take a high enough watt bulb, be sure of the type of bulb it takes. That makes a difference in bulb replacement costs.
  • Depending on how high or low the fixtures are mounted will determine the amount of light each one will provide when faced upwards or down. But assuming the fixtures are mounted slightly higher then standing eye height down should be just fine. Color of walls also have a lot to do with the reflective ability of the fixture lighting the room. Remember Sconce fixtures are really only used for spot or accent lighting and not for room light. For that you need to have something mounted on ceiling above.
    • Painted Therapy Painted Therapy on Mar 06, 2014
      @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Thanks so much for your help. We won't be doing any ceiling light, but we will probably have to do floor lamps.
  • Jacinth Barnett Jacinth Barnett on Mar 07, 2014
    I think that the downward will certainly give more light. In addition, if where you live, you have bugs at night, they would most certainly die in the upward sconce and give you extra cleaning work (plus its unattractive). Enjoy your lights whichever direction you choose.