Quick Answer: Wall sconces are wall-mounted light fixtures that are used for ambient, task, accent and safety lighting. They wash hallways and living rooms in soft general light, provide directional lighting at beds, mirrors, and desks, highlight artwork and architectural features, and lead movement through dark hallways and entries. Because they attach to the wall, sconces also free up space on the floor and table that a lamp would occupy.
What Is a Wall Sconce?
A wall sconce is a light fixture that is attached directly to a wall, rather than to the ceiling, a table, or the floor. Unlike a table or floor lamp, it doesn’t need a surface to sit on, and unlike a pendant or chandelier, it doesn’t hang from above. Most sconces are hardwired, but you can also find plug-in sconces for renters or those who want to skip the electrical work.
There are a few common types of sconces. Upward-facing sconces reflect light off the ceiling for a soft wash. Downward-facing ones direct light toward the floor for a more focused effect. Up-and-down sconces do both simultaneously. Swing-arm sconces extend, pivot, and are handy for reading. Picture lights are a narrow, elongated sconce style created solely to light framed art.
The 4 Main Uses of Wall Sconces
Ambient Lighting
Wall sconces are one of the simplest ways to bring a soft, even wash of light to a room. They line the wall of a hallway or staircase and light the path without the harsh contrast of a single overhead bulb. In a living room, a pair of sconces flanking a sofa or a media wall fill in the shadows that ceiling lights tend to leave behind, making the whole space feel more balanced.
Task Lighting
A sconce, placed at the right height, becomes a dedicated light source for a particular activity. It replaces a bedside table lamp, leaving space on the table for a book or a glass of water. Provides even, shadow-free illumination for shaving or makeup application by a bathroom mirror. A swing-arm or adjustable sconce over a desk or reading chair places light where the eyes need it.
Accent Lighting
Sconces are also used to highlight what is important in a room. An uplight sconce on a textured wall or exposed brick will add depth using light and shadow. Track lighting or recessed cans will not be necessary. A pair of sconces on either side of a fireplace or a piece of artwork will frame it like a spotlight.
Safety and Wayfinding
A sconce in halls, stairs, and entries is a safety measure. It illuminates the path sufficiently to avoid missed steps or bumped corners, particularly in homes where overhead lighting is sparse.
Where Wall Sconces Work Best
- Bedroom: Beside the bed as a reading light that saves nightstand space
- Bathroom: Flanking the mirror for even, flattering light during daily routines
- Living room: Framing a media wall, fireplace, or seating area
- Hallway: Spaced evenly to light a long stretch of wall
- Entryway: Beside the front door to welcome guests and light the approach
- Dining room: Adding warmth without competing with a chandelier overhead
- Outdoor: Beside garage doors, side entrances, and covered patios, provided the fixture is damp or wet-rated
How to Choose the Right Wall Sconce
Light Direction and Purpose
Choose a style before you decide what you want the sconce to do. Ambient light needs a wide distribution of light, either in an up or up-and-down design. Task lighting requires an adjustable arm or a downlight to concentrate light on one spot.
Bulb, Brightness, and Dimming
Check the maximum wattage and bulb base before you buy. Sconces can come with standard E26 medium bases or smaller E12 candelabra bases. If mood lighting is a priority, choose a sconce that is labeled dimmable and use a compatible dimmer switch.
Style and Finish
Sconces come in finishes including satin nickel, matte black, vintage brass and gold, all of which complement a variety of interiors. A finish that coordinates with existing hardware, like door handles or faucets, typically looks more deliberate than one chosen in isolation.
Hardwired vs. Plug-In, and Location Rating
Most sconces are hard-wired and require a junction box, so you’ll typically need to hire an electrician for new installations. For bathrooms, covered patios, or anywhere that is exposed to moisture, make sure the fixture is rated for damp or wet locations. A sconce rated for dry locations only should stay indoors, away from moisture.
Wall Sconces vs. Other Types of Lighting
| Lighting Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Wall Sconces | Ambient, task, and accent lighting without using floor or table space |
| Table Lamps | Localized task and ambient lighting on a surface |
| Floor Lamps | Flexible ambient or task lighting that can be moved |
| Pendant Lights | Focused overhead lighting above a table or island |
| Chandeliers | Decorative, general illumination for a room's focal point |
| Recessed Lights | Clean, even general illumination with no visible fixture |
Top 6 Wall Sconces at Modern Lights
Durham Wall Sconce, Satin Nickel, 4.38"
Finished in satin nickel with an etched white glass shade, this one runs on a single E26 medium base bulb rated up to 100W. Rated for dry locations, it fits naturally in a hallway, entry, or beside a bed.
Shop Durham Sconce
Azara Wall Sconce, Vintage Brass, 5"
A candlestick-style sconce in vintage brass, built on an E12 candelabra base and rated up to 40W. It's dimmable on a compatible control and damp-location rated, so it works indoors or on a covered porch.
Shop Azara Sconce
Coretta Wall Sconce, Modern Gold, 6"
This one pairs a modern gold finish with a frosted fluted glass shade for a softer glow. Dimmable, damp-rated, and well suited to a bathroom or kitchen wall.
Shop Coretta Sconce
Natalie Wall Sconce, Satin Nickel, 5"
A clear seeded glass shade over a satin nickel base, running on an E26 medium bulb up to 100W. Damp-location rated, making it flexible for both indoor and covered outdoor spots.
Shop Natalie Sconce
Rylee Wall Sconce, Matte Black, 12.8"
The largest of the group at 18.8 inches tall, with a linen shade and down-light direction. A statement piece for a hallway, living room, or bedroom wall that can carry a bigger fixture.
Shop Rylee Sconce
Anita 2-Light Wall Sconce, Gold Leaf
A compact, sculptural sconce with a gold leaf finish and two G9 bulbs, built for bedrooms, entryways, or powder rooms that want a bit of glam without taking up much wall space.
Shop Anita SconceBuy Wall Sconces from Modern Lights
Modern Lights carries a wide range of wall sconces across finishes, styles, and price points, from simple satin nickel fixtures to statement pieces in matte black and gold leaf. Every listing includes the real spec sheet and installation details, and orders ship free on $99 or more.
Shop All Wall SconcesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of a wall sconce?
Depending on placement and design, wall sconces can be used for task, accent, ambient, and safety lighting. Often a single sconce style can do more than one of these jobs at a time.
Are wall sconces good for reading?
Yes, especially swing-arm or adjustable sconces next to a bed or chair. They project a narrow beam of light without taking up space on a nightstand or table.
Where should wall sconces be placed?
Popular locations are hallways, stairwells, entryways, by bathroom mirrors, by beds and flanking fireplaces or artwork. If the fixture is damp or wet rated, outdoor placement will work just as well.
Can wall sconces replace ceiling lights?
A series of sconces in a small room or hallway can provide adequate general illumination on their own. They are usually best in large spaces working with ceiling or floor lighting as a component of a layered lighting plan.
Do wall sconces need to be hardwired?
Most are. Usually means licensed electrician for new installs. Plug-in sconces are also available for those spaces where hardwiring is not practical.
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