To me, one of the most classic and eye-catching features a room can have is a fully loaded bookshelf. There’s something about rows and rows of colorful spines and typography that puts me at ease. So when I moved into my current apartment, I knew I needed two ladder bookshelves to 1) hold all my books 2) fill the empty wall space beside my TV.
Now that the shelves are lined with all my favorite novels, I have a secondary task: to add some mood lighting to my living room. When I thought about my love for bookshelves and mood lighting at the same time, I came to a sudden realization—I could combine the two into one feature.
Here’s what I mean: I’ve been searching for renter-friendly accent lighting ever since I moved in. I’m particularly fond of Poplight because of their modern design and bold color options. Instead of sticking a Poplight next to my TV or behind my couch, I knew there was a perfect—and unexpected—place to install this rechargeable wall sconce.
The spot in question? On the bookshelf.
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The only thing that can really bolster the coziness of books is, of course, a bit of soft lighting. That’s why adding a wall sconce to the wall either directly beside or under a blank spot in a shelf is the perfect solution for upping ambiance. Design experts tend to agree.
“I love using wireless wall sconces on either side of a mirror in an entryway, or on the solid dividers between built-in bookcases, to add a little extra sparkle to a room,” says Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal of architecture and interior design firm AD:ROIT. “They are also fantastic additions to the sides of built-in bookcases at window seats for an extra cozy reading light. “
Task lighting is not a new concept, of course, but vibey wall sconces for reading do feel like a revelation. With rechargeable ones, though, you need find an ideal spot for a few reasons.
“The biggest challenge of wireless wall sconces is they have to be located conveniently enough to regularly access for charging,” Mayer adds. “But at the same time, you don't want to rely on them as an all-day everyday light source because you would be charging them constantly, so the sweet spot is an accessible accent.”
As I figure out the perfect place on my bookshelf to put my accessible accent, I’ve also made a list of all the places you may not think to install a wall sconce.
Unexpected places to install rechargeable wall sconces
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On or beside a bookshelf
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On either side of a mirror in an entryway
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Above a bathroom cabinet for a vanity light
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Beside a window seat for reading
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Above the kitchen counter for extra task lighting
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Beside your entryway drop-point so have a light to welcome you home
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Inside a closet or pantry
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Beside a hutch or china cabinet
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Above a bedroom dresser
Have you installed a Poplight somewhere unique? Show us on Instagram.
