Wall Sconce Size
Wall sconces come in a range of sizes and shapes, making them great lighting options for tight spaces. When selecting a wall sconce, consider its depth, height and width. Choose shallow sconces in areas with heavy foot traffic, like a hallway. Wall sconces with greater extension depth work well above countertops.
Types of Wall Sconces
Wall sconces mounted with their shades pointed upward provide ambient and accent lighting, while those with their shades pointed down provide task lighting. Utilize both mounting options throughout your home for a mix of different lighting types. Check out our article How to Choose the Right Lights for more information on lighting your home.
Wall Sconces With Glass Shades
Wall sconces with glass shades, either clear or frosted, are popular. Depending on how you mount them, they can provide ambient, accent or task lighting. Take care to install glass wall sconces in a location where they’re unlikely to be accidentally bumped.
Wall Sconces With Fabric Shades
Wall sconces with fabric shades provide diffused light and work well in living rooms and bedrooms to provide ambient or accent lighting.
Wall Sconces With Cylindrical Shades
Wall sconces with cylindrical shades can be mounted vertically or horizontally. These work well in narrow spaces, such as between bathroom mirrors or on either side of a doorway.
Wall Sconces With Curved Shades
Wall sconces with curved shades hug the wall and often have decorative or themed shades. Frame the mantel with these to create a focal point in the living room and provide accent lighting.
Directional Wall Sconces
Directional wall sconces have a hinged shade, allowing them to move up and down. Mount these to the wall in front of a desk or next to the bed for targeted task lighting.
Before purchasing a wall sconce, pay attention to the location of its switch. Make sure you’ll be able to reach the switch from bed if you plan to install a wall sconce above a nightstand.
Swing-Arm Wall Sconces
Swing-arm wall sconces have a hinged arm that lets the light extend out, back, left or right. These offer the flexibility of positioning the light flush against the wall or extending it out across a desk or end table. Many industrial wall sconces are swing-arm sconces.
Candle Wall Sconces
Candle wall sconces are designed to look like candles and come with one, two or three light fixtures. Pair these with a matching chandelier in the dining room or mount in the hallway for an old-world feel.
A dimmer switch allows you to change the mood of the room. Check the packaging to see if the wall sconce is dimmable.
Wall Sconce Styles and Finishes
Shades
Modern wall sconces come with a variety of shade types to match your décor. Popular modern wall sconce shades include:
- Frosted glass
- Clear glass
- Tiffany-style glass
- Linen
- Steel
Industrial wall sconces also come with a wide selection of shade types. Popular industrial wall sconce shades include:
- Black
- Nickel
- Bronze
- Modern/contemporary
Finishes
Similarly, wall sconces are available in all types of finishes. Take a cue from the existing finishes in your home to choose sconces that complement your décor. If your door handles and cabinet hardware are brushed nickel, choose lighting fixtures in a complementary finish. Popular wall sconce finishes include:
- Brushed nickel
- Satin nickel
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Antique bronze
- Chrome
Power Sources
Wall sconces can receive power from different sources, including battery-operated wall sconces. Some types of sconces include:
- Hard wired
- Plug in
- Battery operated
Lighting Collections
If you find a wall sconce you like and need other lighting fixtures, check to see if it’s part of a collection. Lighting collections offer fixtures in the same style and finish for many areas of the home.
Installation
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for step-by-step directions, safety information and warnings. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician. Our page Lighting and Ceiling Fan Installation can steer you in the right direction.
Light Bulbs
Don’t forget light bulbs. Features like color temperature, lumens and wattage all influence your room’s quality of light. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescents (CFLs) help lower energy costs. Both have a lower wattage but provide the same light output as higher-wattage incandescent bulbs. LEDs are also cool to the touch. In general, look for a warm white color temperature for living room and bedroom wall sconces and a bright white color temperature for kitchen and workspace wall sconces. For more information on light bulbs, check out our guide Choosing Light Bulb Types.
Never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your light fixture.