If there is ONE thing that can take a beautiful (and a not so beautiful) room to the next level, that "thing" is without question a statement light fixture. More and more I'm discovering how much lighting can dramatically alter a room, and just like with paint, switching just a few things up can actually make your home feel like a completely different space. When I meet with clients, the lighting is the first thing we tackle after paint and I can't even begin to tell you what a difference just switching out a few stock light fixtures can make in a room.
Right now, I have a mild (major) obsession with the swing arm sconce and I have become one of those people who believe that bigger is most definitely better. For me, it's a no brainer because it's truly an all in one. If you hang an oversized swing arm sconce next to your bed, or behind your sofa you basically don't need to do anything else. The light takes the place of art and honestly, the more simple you keep the rest of the room the better. The best part is that a statement sconce makes the room look so much more "designed" read: expensive, and it's such a unique touch, one that used to only be found in homes featured in Architectural Digest.
I used to be terrified of purchasing sconces because I figured one, it's terribly expensive and two, I would then have to have it hard-wired which would cost more money, and would also mean having to hire an electrician. Thankfully, most big box stores have jumped on the high end lighting train and they have made the look not only affordable, but now you can find so many plug in sconces that were traditionally only hard-wired and all you need for install is drill the base into the wall (which is only slightly more difficult than hanging a picture frame). I've only used plug in sconces in our own home and I have zero complaints. I've actually grown to love the cords and how they become part of the look. In our bedroom, I chose a light with a white cord because I love how it would pop against our dark walls and the reverse is true for black cords on white walls... in short, do not fear the cord!!!!
Below I've pulled some of my favorite rooms that truly make the case for statement swing arm sconces and rounded up a few of my favorites. These lights may not change your life but they will most definitely change your home and if that's not a start, I'm not sure what is!
I also have to give a little shout out to my favorite online shop for lighting (specifically swing arm sconces) One Forty Three. In our master bedroom and guest room I've used their St. Germain sconce (which funny enough really felt like a real statement at the time, but pales in comparison to lighting these days) and I can't say enough good things about their products. If you aren't in any rush (their lead time seems a little longer than others) I cannot recommend them enough! I plan on using a bunch of their lighting in the Costa house and I may even be embracing some of their colored goods. When it comes to lighting, it's all about the statement! Xx