How to Pair Wall Sconces with Artwork

Wall sconces either side of a painting or print can turn an ordinary wall into a considered focal point, but the details matter. Placed too close, sconces crowd the frame. Too far away, they look disconnected. In this guide we explain how to pair wall sconces with artwork in UK homes, starting with the spacing and height that usually look most balanced. We cover matching the scale of the sconces to the piece, choosing a finish that complements the artwork and its frame, and controlling glare and reflection on glazed pictures. There is advice on colour temperature and colour rendering so paintings look true, and on protecting delicate works from light over time. We also look at how to approach large canvases, gallery walls, mirrors and three dimensional wall art, which rooms suit this kind of arrangement, and the common mistakes that upset the symmetry. A simple paper template test is included to help before you drill....