Wall Sconces

Light at eye level, which shapes the wall instead of flattening it.

Wall sconces light at eye level: they create a softer light than the ceiling and give walls depth. Our selection of indoor wall sconces and wall lights brings together Art Deco marble and brass, a frosted opal glass globe, gold brass-look and glass, a vintage amber glass tulip, industrial black metal, woven rattan and Scandinavian wood. On the practical side, the rechargeable reading light with a 360° magnetic spotlight lights a headboard, the cordless rechargeable sconces install without an electrician, and the 16 or 24 in (40 or 60 cm) black LED light mounts above a bathroom mirror. For the outside of the house, see our outdoor wall lights. For the bedroom, compare with our bedside lamps.

Wall sconces, styled in a room
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How high to mount wall sconces

The height depends on the use. An ambient wall sconce is placed so the light source stays above eye level and does not glare. A reading light comes down to book level. In a hallway, space sconces 6.5 to 10 ft (2 to 3 m) apart to avoid dark patches, and keep at least 3 ft (1 m) between the last sconce and the corner of the wall.

Location Height of the sconce's center Guide
Living room, dining room 63 to 71 in (160 to 180 cm) from the floor Above the eyes of a standing person
Hallway, stairs 67 to 75 in (170 to 190 cm) from the floor Every 6.5 to 10 ft (2 to 3 m)
Headboard 43 to 51 in (110 to 130 cm) from the floor About 24 to 31 in (60 to 80 cm) above the mattress
Above a mirror 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) above the frame Centered on the mirror
On either side of a mirror 63 to 67 in (160 to 170 cm) from the floor 28 to 35 in (70 to 90 cm) between the two

The wall sconce, room by room

Bedroom. A bedroom wall lamp frees up the nightstand. The reading light with a 360° adjustable spotlight aims the beam at the book without lighting the person next to you. Mount one sconce on each side of the bed, at the same height, for symmetrical reading.

Living room. A pair of sconces on either side of a sofa or fireplace structures the wall. Opal glass models give an even light; rattan draws patterns on the wall.

Hallway and stairs. A hallway sconce should stay flat so it does not get in the way: the opal glass globe or the 5 in (13 cm) round LED sconce, which throws light up and down, visually lengthen the space.

Kitchen. Above the sink or a counter without upper cabinets, an industrial black metal or brass-look sconce gives direct task light.

Bathroom. The black LED light mounts above the mirror to light the face from the front, without shadows. Respect the safety zones around the tub and shower, and if in doubt, call an electrician.

Material and light diffusion

A sconce's material matters as much as its shape, because it shapes the light. Milky opal glass diffuses without glare: the softest material for a living room or bedroom. Gold brass reflects light with a warm gleam and dresses a dark wall. Opaque marble throws light back as a halo on the wall, and amber glass tints it like honey. Woven rattan filters and projects its patterns, for a boho mood. Finally, Scandinavian wood brings warmth to a room with simple lines.

Cordless or hardwired: choosing well

A hardwired sconce connects to a wall junction box, often controlled by a switch. It is the cleanest solution, ideally planned during renovation work. Without a junction box, a USB-rechargeable cordless sconce mounts in minutes with two screws: its touch control and battery life are enough for ambient light or occasional reading. Just remember to recharge it regularly. A plug-in sconce with a visible cord is a third option, with a cord cover painted the color of the wall.

Bulb, color temperature and installation

For an ambient sconce, 200 to 400 lumens is enough, at 2700 K for a warm light. A reading light needs a more focused beam. Check the bulb base, maximum wattage and dimmer compatibility on the product page if you want a dimmable sconce. Before any wiring, switch off the power at the breaker and check that the wall box can hold the sconce's weight.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Sizes, hanging heights, light, shipping: answers to the questions we hear most.

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01How high should wall sconces be mounted?
In a living or dining room, place the center of the sconce 63 to 71 in (160 to 180 cm) from the floor, above eye level. In a hallway, aim for 67 to 75 in (170 to 190 cm). For a headboard reading light, go down to about 43 to 51 in (110 to 130 cm).
02Can I install a wall sconce without wiring in the wall?
Yes, with a USB-rechargeable cordless sconce: it mounts with two screws and turns on with a simple touch. It suits ambient light or occasional reading. Remember to recharge it regularly depending on use.
03Which wall light is right for a bathroom?
Choose a light with a suitable protection rating, at least IP44 in areas exposed to splashes, and respect the safety zones around the tub and shower. Above the mirror, it lights the face without shadows. If in doubt, consult an electrician.
04How many sconces does a hallway need?
Plan one sconce every 6.5 to 10 ft (2 to 3 m), keeping about 3 ft (1 m) between the last sconce and the corner of the wall. For a narrow hallway, choose a shallow model that does not get in the way.
05Which wall sconce is best for reading in bed?
An adjustable reading light, mounted 24 to 31 in (60 to 80 cm) above the mattress, aims the light at the book without disturbing the person next to you. A 2700 K light stays comfortable in the evening.

From the JournalRead further

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  2. 02 Resilver Mirror or Replace It? Tarnished and Scratched Mirrors Explained Care5 min
  3. 03 Living Room Lighting Trends: Trendy Chandeliers, Lamps and Materials Style5 min