The personality of a space is founded on lighting—a room’s ambiance and mood is often fashioned from the look and feel of its instinctive focal points. Wired accent lighting, like a chandelier or a pair of sconces, can do this better than other elements, establishing a sense of atmosphere while drawing attention to unnoticed details.
Wired fixtures generally look and feel more tailored to a space, more solid, like they were always there. Whether strung from the ceiling or attached to the wall, these pieces can be as elaborate or as simple as you’d like, making them an ideal stylistic centerpiece. By thoughtfully layering this type of accent lighting with existing natural light, and smaller elements like lamps, you can add contrast and dimension to your home’s overall design.
To note: Other lighting categories include task and ambient. Task lighting, like a table or floor lamp, offers a smaller amount of light to a specific area. Whereas, ambient lighting comes from natural sources, like sunlight through a window, as well as recessed or flush-mounted fixtures. You’ll want to keep these elements in mind when layering in additional pieces.
Where to Place Wired Lighting
Whereas most task lighting (like table and floor lamps) simply plugs into an electrical outlet, hardwired accent lighting is integrated directly with your electrical system. This allows for the use of light switches and dimmers to give more control over the ambiance in large or multipurpose areas.
However, hardwired fixtures do require additional planning and electrical safety knowledge to install, from wiring to connecting to mounting. Since this process is inherently hazardous, we strongly recommend consulting a professional. If you choose to do the installation yourself, research and follow proper safety protocols and consider getting a home electrical safety inspection.
Because of its added complexity, traditional wired lighting isn’t feasible in every space. Still, there are several similar, less permanent lighting options that follow the same design principles, like plug-in wall sconces and corded overhead lights. No matter the space you’re illuminating, here’s some inspiration for working with wired accent lighting in your home.
IN THE ENTRYWAY
Lighting is key in a warm welcome—the first glimmer of hospitality, the first embrace of home. Adding a pendant or a set of sconces to your entryway can be an intentional way to enhance its existing design, inviting personality and a sense of comfort to take root.
IN THE KITCHEN
A well-designed kitchen is often a well-lit kitchen. Usually one of the busiest rooms in the home, hardwired lighting is a practical choice in this space, leaving valuable counter space free for other tools while providing enough light to carry out daily tasks. The most popular approach is to hang pendants or a chandelier over a kitchen island, but you could also try incorporating a set of sconces above open shelving or in a large pantry.
IN THE DINING ROOM
From dinner parties to craft nights and everything in between, the dining room is the focal point for good company of all kinds. Larger pieces like chandeliers and pendants offer more light from overhead, perfect for piecing together puzzles or enjoying a meal together. Wall-mounted sconces and other less direct light fixtures invite a more relaxing atmosphere, ideal for snacks and good ol’ fashioned table talk.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
Whether a statement chandelier hung high above a coffee table, a pendant tucked near a favorite reading chair, or a set of sconces above a mantel, a thoughtfully lit living room sets the tone for both entertaining and winding down. Add a little (or not so little) light to accentuate the details that define your space, like artwork and other decor.
IN THE BEDROOM
The right accent lighting refines the atmosphere of the bedroom into that of a personal retreat. Incorporate a set of sconces or pendants flanking the bed for softer, easy-access, individual pockets of light, or add a larger fixture, like a chandelier, as a personality-packed statement to center the room.
ADDITIONAL ACCENTS
An unexpected accent light can serve other design elements you love. Maybe that’s a pair of sconces flanking a bathroom mirror, the guiding light of a pendant in a hallway or stairwell, or the glow of a sconce amidst a wall of art. There’s room for light, everywhere.
The final step in styling hardwired lighting is to select the type, brightness, and color temperature of the lightbulbs you’ll be using. For tips on choosing the right bulb for your fixture, and more expert lighting advice, explore our Guide to Lamps.
Ready to find a new focal point? Shop the hardwired lighting styled above and more favorites from the collection.
SHOP CEILING AND WALL LIGHTING
