What would have become of man without lighting? Wall lighting illuminated the night and profoundly changed human existence. Wall lighting creates a comfortable living space whether it’s for decoration or ambiance. It helps create magic and fantasy, for otherwise there would just be a dark shadowed space.

It has been rumored that in BC people would take a rock and cover the rock with moss. They would then soak the rock with animal fat and ignite. For control, wicks were later introduced…

From history we are aware that in the 1700’s most homes or plantations used either candle fixtures or candelabras. They also carried candle sticks and candle lanterns. Then in the early 1800’s oil lanterns were used. Most of these fixtures were made from tin, iron or wood. These lanterns were all hand made and some looked like the lighting fixtures we have today. Around 1860 kerosene oil and gas lighted many of these fixtures.

Then in 1879 the greatest invention of all came to be. This was the year that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. This helped mold cultures for the Art Deco Era. Gas/electric combination lighting was used. Electric lighting was less expensive and less dangerous then gas. These fixtures were abundant in people’s homes and were usually hung by a chain.

Electricity kept dropping in price until 1960. The equipment that generated the electricity began to climb and rise. This pushed up the utility bills and the average person started to struggle. People started to turn off their lights, they installed dimmers, timers, and sensors.

More and more people are starting to change to compact florescent lights. The downside is the color has less intense quality and a slower start up time. The latest is the LED. It is quick to start and the quality is exceptional.

Interior lighting refers to all lights within a building that is not exposed to the elements. Exterior lighting is the reverse. This lighting is outdoors and is exposed to the elements.

There are traditional, modern, and decorative style wall lights. You can have lighting fixtures from your wall, floor, table and ceiling.

There are also many different kinds of wall fixtures. There are adjustable, hanging, lanterns, torch, lamp, vanity lights, and wall sconces.

Wall mounted lighting fixtures extend from the wall between 4 and 10 inches. An adjustable fixture has an up light or down light with a swing arm The body of a hanging fixture hangs from a stem that is extended outwards from a wall. A wall lamp is any fixture that has a shade and is a similar style to a table lamp. The lights around or above a mirror are known as vanity lights. The wall sconce is a wall mounted fixture that only has one light.

You can find all these styles and types to fit any budget. There are many places to find all the unique and different varieties. Please make certain whatever you choose reflects your personality and the overall theme of your home.

By: Barbara Tobiasz