The subtle placement, functional nature, and aesthetic appeal of wall sconces make them the hidden gem of home lighting. With a variety of designs and purposes, it’s no surprise these fixtures can be found in homes of all shapes and sizes, enhancing the interior décor and providing accent or task lighting.
If you’re on the hunt for the best wall sconces out there, Capitol Lighting is excited to provide you with insights into the most popular brands, latest and greatest styles, and assorted design varieties. Let’s jump right in!
Key Takeaways
- In living rooms, sconces work well beside fireplaces, built-ins, artwork, or seating areas.
- In bedrooms, sconces can replace bedside table lamps and free up nightstand space.
- In hallways and entryways, sconces help guide movement while adding visual rhythm to narrow or transitional spaces.
- In bathrooms, sconces are commonly used around mirrors and vanities, where placement affects both style and visibility.
- Most wall sconces are installed around 5 to 6 feet from the floor, but placement should adjust based on ceiling height, room type, mirror height, furniture, and how the light will be used.
Best Wall Sconces for Living Rooms
Living room wall sconces supply task lighting and illumination to other areas around the room. Their style can easily work with the surrounding furnishings. Even more, their decorative charm and distinct glow enhance the ambiance.
Broche Wall Sconce by Crystorama
@nichole_blough, photography by @catwilbornephotograph
The shimmering metallic wrought iron leaves of the Broche 24-inch Wall Sconce by Crystorama create a stunning presentation. Complete with florals crafted in antique gold and topped by a silk shade, the elegant sconce is perfect for this transitional living room.
Choosing the Best Wall Sconces for Bedrooms
If you’re working with limited space next to the bed or on a nightstand, bedroom wall sconces make an excellent choice for accent and task lighting, whether it’s for creating a cozier mood in the evenings or strategically placed for bedside reading. Bedroom sconces are also popular alongside vanities, next to points of visual interest, and even to illuminate walk-in closets.
Hinkley Lighting Arti Wall Sconce
The Hinkley Lighting Arti 18-inch Wall Sconce embodies minimalist flair with a streamlined modern design. This sleek, polished nickel sconce is fully adjustable, making it a practical as well as stylish addition to the bedside.
Best Wall Sconces for Hallways and Entryways
When it comes to illuminating your entryways, sconces can be a great option for both indoor and outdoor wall lighting. These pieces can be hung near the doorway independently or in pairs, allowing anyone entering or exiting the home to navigate safely. The same applies to strategically placing them around the home, where hallway wall sconces can be set between rooms on their own or in grouping to serve as an aesthetically pleasing and helpful guide.
| Space | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Long hallway | Space sconces evenly to create visual rhythm and consistent light |
| Narrow hallway | Choose slim or low-profile sconces that do not project too far from the wall |
| Entryway with mirror | Place sconces on either side of the mirror for balance |
| Front door or exterior entry | Use outdoor-rated sconces designed for exposure to moisture and changing conditions |
| Stair landing | Use sconces to improve visibility and highlight the transition between levels |
Savoy House Monroe 33 Inch Wall Sconce
The long body, white fabric shade, and classy, contemporary silhouette of the Savoy House Monroe 33-inch wall Sconce make it a sophisticated addition to this chic entryway. The versatile matte black finish allows the fixture to be paired with black hardware or mixed with hardware in other finishes.
Best Wall Sconces for Bathrooms
There’s no denying the popularity of using wall sconces in the bathroom, especially near the mirror. Because of their smaller size and soft glow, these fixtures provide the perfect illumination for anyone who’s freshening up, giving you the perfect radiance for self-care. They can add extra flair to bathroom style when installed above the bathtub.
Inwood Wall Sconce by Arteriors Home
@esslingerdesigncompany, photography by @pictureperfecthouse
In this beautiful modern bathroom, we have three of the Inwood Wall Sconces by Arteriors Home placed above the counter, flanking the two mirrors on either side. These sconces are belted by a bronze band that creates a subtle shape. The ivory microfiber shade allows light to emit atop and below the sconce. It’s also damp-rated, ensuring it’s safe to use in the bathroom and can withstand moisture.
| Room | Best Sconce Use | Placement Notes | Good Sconce Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Accent lighting, mood lighting, highlighting artwork or architectural details | Place beside fireplaces, built-ins, sofas, or artwork | Decorative sconces, shaded sconces, picture lights |
| Bedroom | Bedside reading, accent lighting, vanity lighting | Mount near the bed, beside mirrors, or near walk-in closets | Swing-arm sconces, adjustable sconces, shaded sconces |
| Hallway | Wayfinding, soft ambient light, visual rhythm | Space evenly along the wall, especially in longer corridors | Slim sconces, uplights, downlights |
| Entryway | Welcoming light, doorway visibility, decorative impact | Use alone or in pairs near the door, console, or mirror | Lantern-style sconces, statement sconces, outdoor-rated sconces |
| Bathroom | Vanity lighting, mirror lighting, soft ambient light | Place beside or near mirrors; choose damp-rated options where needed | Vanity sconces, vertical sconces, damp-rated sconces |
How to Choose the Right Size and Placement for Wall Sconces
To select the best wall sconces for a room, you’ll need to align the proportions of the fixture(s) and the size of the room. Once you decide whether these pieces will be primary or accent lighting, you can choose the appropriate size and height to mount them.
In most larger dining and living rooms or hallways, sconces typically sit about 5-6 feet from the ground. Bathrooms follow suit, sitting just a bit lower at approximately eye level. In bedrooms, the average placement is about 4 feet high and about 4-6 inches away from your headboard, giving you ample light without shining in your eyes.
Pro Tip: Before installing wall sconces, use painter’s tape to mark the fixture height and spacing on the wall. This makes it easier to check scale, sightlines, and balance before committing to electrical placement.
| Room or Use Case | General Placement Guideline |
|---|---|
| Living rooms and dining rooms | Around 5 to 6 feet from the floor, adjusted for ceiling height and furniture |
| Hallways | Around 5 to 6 feet from the floor, spaced evenly for consistent light |
| Bedrooms | Around 4 feet high near the bed, or 4 to 6 inches from the headboard depending on fixture style |
| Bathrooms | Around eye level near the mirror, adjusted for mirror height and vanity layout |
| Artwork or focal points | Around 6 inches from the subject, depending on fixture scale and light spread |
These measurements are starting points. The right placement may change based on the sconce size, wall height, furniture placement, mirror height, and the direction of the light.
How to Position Wall Sconces for Maximum Impact
To get the most out of your stylish wall sconces, try to space them strategically in even measurements of 6-8 feet. If you’re looking to showcase a specific focal point, the sconces should be mounted about 6 inches from the subject.
It’s also extremely effective when your fixtures work with your décor style because these pieces act as thoughtful design details that won’t go unnoticed by guests. If you choose to incorporate sconces with features like dimming or maneuverability, it adds an even more dynamic element, allowing you to control the mood.
Wall sconces can bring function, depth, and style to nearly every room in the home. The right choice depends on where the fixture will be used, how much light the space needs, and how the sconce works with nearby furniture, mirrors, artwork, and architectural details. For personalized guidance, consult our lighting specialists to compare options and find recommendations that align with your space, style, timeline, and budget.
FAQ: Choosing Wall Sconces
What rooms are best for wall sconces?
Wall sconces can work in almost any room, including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, entryways, dining rooms, and outdoor spaces. The best placement depends on whether the sconce is being used for task lighting, accent lighting, ambient lighting, or decorative impact.
How high should wall sconces be mounted?
Many wall sconces are mounted around 5 to 6 feet from the floor, but the ideal height depends on the room, ceiling height, furniture, mirror placement, and how the light will be used. Bedroom sconces and bathroom sconces may sit lower depending on the layout.
How far apart should wall sconces be spaced?
For hallways and larger rooms, sconces are often spaced about 6 to 8 feet apart. When sconces are used to highlight a focal point, such as artwork or a mirror, placement should be adjusted based on the size of the subject and the scale of the fixture.
Are wall sconces good for bathroom lighting?
Yes. Wall sconces are a popular choice for bathroom vanity lighting, especially when placed near or beside a mirror. For bathroom use, choose fixtures that are appropriate for moisture and the specific location where they will be installed.
Can wall sconces replace table lamps?
In some spaces, yes. Wall sconces can replace table lamps beside beds, sofas, or reading areas, especially when surface space is limited. Adjustable or swing-arm sconces are especially useful when the fixture needs to provide task lighting.
Should wall sconces point up or down?
It depends on the purpose of the light. Upward-facing sconces create softer ambient light, downward-facing sconces can provide more focused illumination, and up/down sconces add architectural light in both directions.