Replies

1. 
   Phat | Oct 01, 2003 09:15pm | #1

   This isn't gonna be a definitive answer, but... where it looks good. I mounted mine with the top of the glass shade at my eye level (‘bout 5’-9”). Now, where mine are located no one can run into ‘em.

    

   I’m also not married, but if I were, I’d let this one go…

   Liberal Arts Graduate

   Will Think for Food

   
2. 
   CloudHidden | Oct 01, 2003 09:22pm | #2

   We used 6' after discussing this with our electrician and everyone in earshot. Happy with the choice.

3. 
   JohnSprung | Oct 01, 2003 10:14pm | #3

   I have lots of sconces and love them.  I'd say you have it about right, you want them a little above eye level, but within easy reach for changing bulbs.  If you're absolutely sure that there'll always be a piece of furniture against the wall under the sconces, you might put them lower, say for over a bed as reading lights, or over a small table in a telephone nook.

   -- J.S.

1. 
   brucepirger | Oct 01, 2003 10:25pm | #5

   At 6'2", if there were at 5', I'd never turn them on...assuming I'd see the bulb, just like you are describing.

   I put my about 7'8" on my 10' ceilings...I like how they look.

   My thoughts for them are background lighting...not reading.  But like John said, if they are over a known reading position...

4. 
   Mongo | Oct 01, 2003 10:22pm | #4

   I think 5' too low.

   Agree with other re: eye-level and bulbs.

   6'-ish is more typical. Ours range from 6' to 6'5", they look fine to both me (6'4") and my wife (5'1").

5. 
   woodguy99 | Oct 01, 2003 10:55pm | #6

   I usually put them at 6' unless there's a good reason not to. For example, when you need a light over a vanity in a narrow space, you may have to go above the mirror.

   There is an electical code issue with sconces near tubs; the fixture can't be reachable from the tub. I forget the specifics.

6. 
   Piffin | Oct 02, 2003 03:19am | #7

   For safety, the bulb should always be at least 18" down from the ceiling.

   They are more for ambience lighting than for area lighting, as a generall rule.

   I aim for about 70" to 74" from floor to center of the mounting box. This is based on the advice of a lighting expert that was hired to direct my ways and enlighten my thoughts on a job once. I've been doing it since and never heard a complaint

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   greggo | Oct 02, 2003 04:05am | #8

   Ok I got to add my two cents worth because the timing is right.(I'm building a new house)I had the same question on monday and heres what I learned. I called several lighting companies and manufactures,some on line ,some in the yellow pages.1st call 72",2nd call (a manufacture) no friggin clue, 3rd call 5'6",4th call 62-64",5th call 5'6",and 6th call 5'7"or at eye level. I then took some cardboard  and cut it the rough size of the wall sconce just to see what it would look like on the wall With that info I went with the 5'6" mark I also used the cardboard trick(made a 52"cardboard circle) when I was installing a lot of recessed cans and two ceiling fans It was a pain measuring around where the fan blades would come in contact with the light trying to avoid a strobe light affect it.The cardboard  might look a little silly but it worked for me. good luck Greg

7. 
   Poolman | Oct 02, 2003 05:00am | #9

   wherever she wants it...

   untill the circumstances change, my answer will remain the same...
1. 
   HeavyDuty | Oct 02, 2003 05:48am | #10

   ...end of the story, discussion, argument. That's the best and logical answer.

   Tom

2. 
   johnnyd | Oct 02, 2003 07:07pm | #11

   Just be sure you document what she says the first time. ;<)

1. 
   robbird | Oct 03, 2003 09:52pm | #12

   Thanks to all,

   I suppose I can let my wife read these, then just do it the way she wants. It's nice to know when you're on the right track even if you can't say it out loud.

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 04, 2003 03:55am | #13

   you're on the right track

   Oh, now you've changed to track lighting, what are you, a woman?

   ;).

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   HeavyDuty | Oct 04, 2003 04:21am | #14

   Wonder how high you mount the track... arrrrrrrr, just let her decide.