Adding wall sconces is one of the best ways to provide both task and decorative lighting in your home. Wall sconces free up table and floor space, allowing you to accentuate hallways, entryways, seating areas, artwork and more with beautiful lighting.
When shopping for the best wall sconces, you’ll want to consider your home’s style, the amount of lighting desired, energy efficiency features, smart technology options, materials and more. The good news is there are all different styles of plug-in and hardwired sconces ranging from budget-friendly to high-end designer.
Factors to Consider When Buying Wall Sconces
Before we reveal the best wall sconces for your home, here are some key factors to guide your buying decision:
Lighting Needs
First, assess your lighting needs for the space. Do you simply need a pop of accent lighting, or are you trying to brightly light a larger area? For accent lighting, a single-light sconce will suffice, but you may desire a multi-arm or extendable arm sconce for providing task lighting.
Also, consider lighting direction. Upward lighting works well to illuminate artwork while downward casting light is better for reading nooks.
Finally, determine if you need the wall sconce to emit ambient, general lighting or a more focused beam of light.
Style
One of the most exciting aspects of choosing sconces is selecting a style that aligns with your home’s design aesthetic. There are traditional, modern, transitional, coastal, industrial and so many other unique styles of sconces to explore.
You can also use wall sconces to introduce an eye-catching material like crystal, shells, or metalwork. Be sure to evaluate the room’s current style to determine what sconce styles will complement or nicely contrast with it.
Wired vs Plug-In
Next, decide if you want a hardwired, permanently installed sconce or a plug-in style. Hardwired sconces involve professional installation and wiring but allow you to place them anywhere since you don’t need an electrical outlet. Plug-in sconces offer convenience and portability. Some even come with switch-controlled outlets to make operating table lamps easy.
Material
Wall sconces come in a vast array of materials including metal, wood, glass, crystal, fabric, shells and more. Consider material based on your home’s style but also durability and easy cleaning if the sconce will be installed in a high-traffic area.
Energy Efficiency
Today’s sconce options also aim for energy efficiency with LED or fluorescent light bulbs over traditional incandescent lighting. LED lasts the longest and remains cool to the touch. Some sconces have dimming abilities, sensors and timers to further control light usage.
Smart Features
You can now buy smart sconces offering contemporary conveniences like voice assistant compatibility, scheduling and remote access via smartphone. Smart features are especially convenient for hard-to-reach sconces.
The 15 Best Wall Sconces for Homes
With the buying considerations in mind, below are 15 top-rated wall sconces that check the box for style, functionality, lighting quality and more.
1. Amora Lighting Tiffany Style Stained Glass Light
This colorful Tiffany-style sconce casts vibrant rainbow light effects at an affordable price point. The plug-in sconce measures 7-inches tall making it ideal for flanking beds, bathroom mirrors, seating nooks and narrow hallways.
Reviewers love displaying the lighthearted, whimsical art glass against dark walls for radiant pops of color. The durable metal frame comes in four finishes like oil-rubbed bronze allowing the rainbow glass to take center stage regardless of your room’s color palette. For bold accent lighting on a budget, this 100-watt sconce shines.
2. Globe Electric Xavier Plug-in Wall Sconce
The modern industrial Xavier sconce pleases with beautiful barn wood and 10-inch black metal shades emitting perfect downlighting. Two pull chain switches allow you to control the two vintage Edison-style bulbs independently for flexibility. Use one bulb for subtle accent lighting or power up both for abundant illumination.
Besides admiring the mango wood and black metal materials, reviewers applaud the easy installation of this plug-in sconce. The 6-foot cord accommodates various placement options. Position it beside artwork to add striking dimension or install flanking a bed, sofa, or fireplace to highlight these focal points with cozy downlighting.
3. Hudson Valley Dunmore Bath Light
For a statement bath light, few options impress like the Dunmore sconce from Hudson Valley. The intricate cast aluminum frame entwines with thin bands of metal to form a showstopping tree branch and leaf design. The beautiful frame then cradles an oval, acid-etched opal glass shade producing useful diffused illumination.
While expensive, this single light sconce earned Editor’s Choice from HomeLights for excellence in quality and aesthetics. Use it to make an ordinary bath feel grand. The dimmable light controls allow you to set just the right ambience from bright task lighting while bathing to a soft night light glow. Treat yourself to this striking work of art for the bathroom.
4. Gardner 6-Light Plug-In Crystal Bath Bar
Sparkle up your bathroom or boudoir with this shining crystal bath bar from Gardner. The best-selling sconce receives praise for the easy plug-in design, adjustable swing arms and brilliant crystal elements. The six mini chandelier-like shades diffuse light from 60W candelabra bulbs for a radiant but soft glow.
Position the central fixture above a bathroom mirror then angle the arms outward to illuminate your reflection. Or accent your dressing table or bed with sparkling light from every direction. For serious bling without complicated installation, this crystal sconce glistens.
5. Jennelle 8-Light Plug-in Sconce
Take color and shine up another notch with Jennelle – an eight bulb sconce bedecked with teardrop crystals in your choice of rainbow, amber, or clear. The staggered lights and crystals let you saturate an area with shimmering accents. Use in a bathroom, little girl’s room, dressing area, or bedroom seating nook.
The flexible wire design allows adjusting bulb direction to focus light anywhere you desire. Reviewers are wowed by how the 36-watt LED lights and crystals enhance their décor. Add showstopping sparkle in mere minutes by plugging this sconce into any standard outlet.
6. Sunco Lighting Vintage Edison Bulb Wall Sconce
Americana style shines through with Sunco’s industrial wall sconce made from rustic galvanized metal. The single-light fixture angles an exposed filament LED bulb to cast ambient downlight. The adjustable arm allows directing that light anywhere you need it with vintage warehouse style.
Use Sunco’s sconce to illuminate hallways, accent rustic and farmhouse rooms, brighten artwork, or layer living room lighting. With a weatherproof design, you can even install it outdoors under a porch or patio cover. Wherever you need a nostalgic lighting focal point, this metal swing arm sconce with Edison bulb delivers.
7. Litake Crystal Wall Sconces
Why settle for one dainty crystal sconce when you can have two? This affordable set from Litake brings you a pair of crystal and metal sconces for less than $50. Each double sconce contains elaborate metalwork, dangling crystals and fabric drum shades providing softened, ambient downward lighting.
The plug-in style and short 14-inch height deem these petite sconces ideal for bedside tables, dressing tables, mantels, console tables and more. Group them in a seating area to bathe the space in alluring ambient light. Reviewers love adding the touch of sparkle and elegance.
8. Homelda Wall Reading Sconce with Fabric Shade
Direct task lighting comes from this adjustable single-arm brass sconce by Homelda. Tailor the extendable 14.5-inch arm to cast focused light ideal for bedtime reading. An ivory fabric drum shade softens and diffuses the brightness from the included LED bulb. Use the convenient inline switch to turn it on and off.
The compact, weighted base suits placement even on small nightstands. Experience customizable direct light for reading, sewing, crafting and more with this plug-in brass swing arm light. The neutral metal and fabric complement almost all decors from farmhouse to mid-century modern.
9. Lombardo Crystal Wall Sconce
Where luxury meets practicality is Lombardo’s exquisite plug-in crystal and metal sconce. The Italianate style sconce features a double light design with dangling crystals. An elegant fabric shade rests atop each light to produce useful downward illumination to accent seating areas, bathroom counters, artwork and shelves.
Despite the upscale aesthetic, this sconce comes at an affordable price and installs in minutes without wiring. Use it to infuse a touch of ornate sophistication into any living space. This crystal and metal sconce adds ambiance and brilliance befitting palazzos and villas.
10. Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Sconces
Smart technology gives you command of these LED-lit wooden sconces from Brilliant Evolution. Hardwired installation provides striking up or downlight anywhere indoors or outdoors. Then the WiFi and Bluetooth compatibility puts control at your fingertips via smartphone, tablet, voice assistant, motion sensor and more.
Schedule automated lighting adjustments or manually brighten, dim and change the color temperature from warm to cool. Built-in speakers even let you stream music. Whether desiring voice-activated lighting, customizing hues for parties or relaxation, or setting vacation modes, these technologically advanced sconces deliver.
11. Maxim Lighting Empire Collection Single Sconce
The elegance of a French candlestick radiates from this EmpireCollection sconce by Maxim Lighting. The single light fixturebased on 18th century antique designs suits formal decors. The fabric drum shade caps ornate metalwork. Hang beside a luxurious canopy bed or accent a stately entry. The hardwired fixture makes a striking style statement.
12. Hinkley Congress Collection Triple Sconce
For hallway or bathroom illumination, this Congress sconce by Hinkley generates abundant light. The double curved arm metal frame in rubbed bronze or other finishes holds three bell-shaped glass shades. The single backplate makes installation easy. Put it near a mirror or front door to brightly light faces and spaces.
13. Sea Gull Lighting Laurel Leaf Triple Sconce
Organic appeal shines in the Laurel Leaf sconce with its nature-inspired metalwork wrapping around cylindrical glass shades. The rich oil-rubbed bronze finish enhances any casual to formal decor. Use three lights to amply illuminate sinks or mirrors. Or flank an entryway, bed or artwork with natural wonder.
14. Crystorama Broche Linear LED Sconce
Modern glam glows from the Broche linear LED sconce by Crystorama. The minimalist fixture hosts a trail of clear crystals forming a chic geometrical frame around the acrylic diffuser concealing the lightstrip. Use its brilliance to accent a contemporary spaceor add hint of bling to a neutral room.
15. Tech Lighting Naos Single Sconce
Crisp glass squares stacked in an offset pattern adds dimension to the Naos single sconce. The white glass backed by a reflective panel amplifies the LED light. Let it introduce artistic edge and ample illumination to a kitchen, bathroom, hallway or staircase.
Style Ideas for Wall Sconces by Room
Now that you know the top-rated wall sconces, explore how to effectively style them around your home:
Entryway Sconces
Welcome guests with light! Use twin sconces flanking the front door to brightly light the entry and accent wonderful architectural details. Iron, rustic, industrial and vintage sconces all complement popular exterior styles.
Living Room Sconces
In living spaces, try sconces around a focal point like above the fireplace mantel or beside an entertainment center to illuminate displays. Hang swing arm sconces near seating to provide personalized task lighting.
Bedroom Sconces
Reading sconces keep nightstands clutter-free by attaching right to the wall. Or place portable bedside sconces on side tables to create a cozy sleeping sanctuary. Using dimmable lights allows easy lighting adjustments.
Bathroom Sconces
Bathroom sconces minimize visual clutter while delivering task lighting at the mirror. Water-resistant hardwired sconces open placement opportunities around sinks or tubs.
Dining Room Sconces
Build ambiance in the dining room with striking sconces on the wall or hang a low-hanging fixture directly over the table. Using dining sconces alone or layered with a statement chandelier invites conversations and connections.
Kitchen Sconces
Line walkways and countertops with practical sconces to aid food preparation. Swing arm sconces above islands make meal prep a delight.
Outdoor Sconces
Extend living space outside by installing weather-resistant sconces under patio covers and above garage doors. Use smart sconces to schedulethem them to turn on and off automatically at dawn and dusk.
FAQs
Some popular locations to install wall sconces include entryways, hallways, above the bed, beside bathroom mirrors, flanking fireplaces, in reading nooks and accenting artwork. Sconces work well on either side of a focal feature.
The recommended height is 60-66 inches from the bottom of the sconce up to the floor. The standard eye level height allows the light to shine downward and illuminate spaces properly. Adjust up or down based on your needs.
If hanging sconces flanking windows, art or beds, keep them 2 to 2.5 feet apart. If installing a series along a wall, space them 3 to 5 feet apart depending on the size of the fixture. Follow manufacturer instructions.
Symmetry does look nice so matching sconces on both sides of the bed provides visual balance. However, you can also intentionally use different sconces to add character. Just be sure the lighting utility remains the same.
Framing a mirror with sconces at the sides provides beautiful even illumination. Place sconces above if you only have room for one focal light. Above lights should align close to the mirror’s top.
Conclusion
Wall sconces provide brilliant accent, task and ambient lighting for every room inside or out. And unlike floor and table lamps, sconces free up precious surface area. By thoughtfully selecting the finish, materials, lighting direction and features, you can find an easy-to-install sconce enhancing your room’s functionality and style.
The top 15 sconces highlighted above represent the spectrum of shapes, sizes, styles and prices available. Evaluate your lighting needs, placement location, design aesthetic, budget and any smart technology desires. Then choose from vintage single-arm swing lights to grand crystal chandeliers to WiFi-enabled color-changing fixtures. With this definitive guide, you now have the knowledge to find wall sconces bathing your home in beautiful light.
