Q: We just bought a short sale house and it came with a lovely hole in the wall with wires hanging out where we assume the old owners ripped out a wall sconce. We were originally just going to fill in the hole but since this room needs more light we started considering putting in a sconce of our own.

The problem is, it's in an awkward space between some big windows and an archway, and I can't seem to find a sconce style I like because they all seem to be super traditional. My style is somewhat eclectic, but I'm afraid a single light will look unbalanced.
Sent by Julie
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Nomade Express Slee...
congrats! depending on how eclectic you are...what about patching that hole up and hanging a light from up above instead? - like hanging one of those arabian lanterns: see this worldmarket one for cheap: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3702962
What about a swing arm sconce such as this one?
http://www.allmodernlighting.com/George-Kovacs-by-Minka-P611-077-GKV1949.html?cv=
You could adjust the light where needed and perhaps place a pair of chairs on opposite sides of the window.
Or you could install an art light and hang a nice piece of art below it.
http://www.allmodernlighting.com/Robert-Abbey-D412-rab2099.html
I like to match the installed features (hardwired lighting, flooring, etc) to the bones of the house. Even if that leads to a semi-traditional fixture, you can always go way more modern with anything else you add in (furnishings, rugs, art. etc.)
I like to make my style transition points the "semi installed features": drapery hardware, faucets, etc... so perhaps those items get a touch more modern, but still reference the installed metals already in the house.
In that spot, though, I'd find a great piece of art and use the existing wiring for a picture light.
And PS: one of my favorite spots for lighting: http://circalighting.com/
Anything from Schoolhouse Electric:
http://schoolhouseelectric.com/fixtures-type.asp?type=WallMounted
You can't go wrong.
I was also thinking of capping it off and closing it up, if the thought of one light there makes you question it. If you need a light there, you can look at a panel light that also functions as art.... something like this
http://www.muralwall.info/2011/03/modern-wall-panel-light-unique/
www.ylighting.com
www.allmodernlighting.com
www.lumens.com
you're bound to find something at one of those!!
Also--check out local lighting resources where you can see the fixtures in person. Maybe something vintage or throwback would be to your taste. Happy shopping!
What about a wide or double sconce so it doesnt look like it's supposed to be symmetrical?
http://www.lumens.com/Fabric-Wide-Wall-Sconce-by-George-Kovacs/uu169006/Product
I would look at something like this with an up and a down light. You can customize the shades and maybe find a down shade that matches the arch and and up shade that matches the square window. You can also customize color. Then put a small table under it.
http://www.rejuvenation.com/fixshowW570/templates/selection.phtml
I've bought some glasswork from a glass artist based in Oakland. He makes some beautiful wall sconces and other light fixtures -- all handmade, one by one. His prices are extremely reasonable and he is open to some custom design elements.
http://www.liquidfiredsign.com/Liquid_Fire_Design/Home.html
If you are keeping the iron fireplace set, you might tie into that.
Check out the P5131 Wall Sconce by George Kovacs (or the P5130 for more height) or the Vertigo Wall Sconce by Corbett Lighting.
If you choose to replace with another sconce, DO put a matching one on the other side of the doorway, evenly spaced. It will be really nice!
"Filling in the hole" without disconnecting the wiring at the switch is a violation of electrical code. You're supposed to keep the junction box in place and use a cover plate, regardless of how ugly it is.
If you do decide to disconnect the switch, you can't fill in the switch hole without disconnecting the wiring from its electrical source (a nearby outlet or possibly the breaker box).
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, talk to an electrician (for your safety and your neighbors').
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I think I'll wait until I have some furniture in the room to figure out what to do.
Joh - thanks for the comment, I am well aware of the code requirements.
"I can't seem to find a sconce style I like because they all seem to be super traditional."
Have you really looked?
Lamps Plus has over 1200 sconces that are considered "Transitional" out of 2100+ total - there's bound to be something there that will meet your budget and your style.
That said, you're right to decide to work on the rest of the room and decide on the lighting later - doing otherwise is like dressing for a party by deciding what jewelry to wear first.
I agree that if you go with something traditional, it may look a little odd (or incomplete). However, if you go with something whimsical or unique, it becomes the focal point, almost as though in and of itself, it's a piece of decor (that happens to function as lighting as well). I would suggest taking a look at the whimsical selection at Bellacor. An example is http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/582035.htm Hopefully you find something to put there. Good luck!
"Have you really looked?
Lamps Plus has over 1200 sconces that are considered "Transitional" out of 2100+ total - there's bound to be something there that will meet your budget and your style."
I have really looked, I appreciate your concern. I suppose saying "they all seem super traditional" borders on hyperbole, so I'll modify that statement to say that vast majority of sconces strike me as traditional - even the 1200+ "transitional" sconces on LampsPlus. I suppose I should have also mentioned that I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on a single light.
I don't know why every time I see the word sconce, I always read it as scones first...
I bought two of these Jonathan Adler sconces for our living room and I love them! I got them for cheaper than they go for on his website so if you like them, just look around. http://www.jonathanadler.com/Ventana-Wall-Sconce-4516/?cat=675&initial=4146
Lightbox!
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=lightbox
I disagree about flanking that doorway with sconces. Or scones, for that matter. :)
You said eclectic, http://vandm.com/Strong-Arm-Lighted-Wall-Sconce/3_239_37=1060_60=557_product=183415.aspx?field=37
@hanson
Hah! Though, she also said "not hundreds of $$$s", which I can totally sympathize with. Ppl should be up front with their budgets in these questions more often, considering it can be very important (even if the discussion is of value to ppl other than the question asker....)
If anyone is still reading this...I ended up going with a $30 outdoor fixture, after months of deliberation :-) http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXHUOOg0fo8/Tf6UwXh9VsI/AAAAAAAAGHA/2AgUi6UyQmE/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG
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