Battery Operated Wall Sconces: What to Know Before You Buy

Battery operated wall sconces are the easiest way to add light to a wall where there is no wiring. They mount with a bracket or magnet, work with a built-in battery or batteries, and need no electrician. They are not right for every room, though. This guide explains how rechargeable wall sconces work, where they make sense, how to install a battery operated wall sconce and what to check before you buy.

How battery operated wall sconces work

A battery operated wall sconce has an LED light source and a power source inside the fixture. Many modern designs use a built-in rechargeable battery that you charge with a USB cable, which is why they are also sold as a rechargeable wall sconce. Others use replaceable batteries. Since the light is not connected to your home's wiring, there is no junction box, no wire connections and no breaker to turn off.

Most have simple controls, such as a touch switch, a button, a remote, a motion sensor or a dimmer. Many offer a choice of light colors, and some let you change the brightness. Check each product's page for the exact features, since they vary from model to model.

Who should consider a battery operated sconce?

• Renters: no permanent wiring, and many models mount without large holes.
• Rooms without a nearby outlet or junction box: a bedside, a corridor or a reading nook.
• Accent and night lighting: a soft light for a hallway or a bedroom at night.
• Quick changes: a way to try a light in a spot before deciding on hardwiring.

Pros and cons

Advantages

• No wiring, no electrician and no work inside the wall.
• Easy to move or take with you.
• Useful for accent light, with no visible cord.

Limitations

• Battery life: you must recharge or replace the battery. How often depends on the model, the brightness and how long it is on, so check the stated battery capacity and charging method.
• Lower brightness: they are designed for ambient and accent light, not for lighting a whole room or a task such as reading for hours. Compare lumens where they are listed.
• Dry indoor rooms: many models are for indoor dry rooms only, so they are not appropriate for bathrooms or outdoor use unless the product page says so.
• Smaller sizes: compact fixtures are the norm.

If you need a lot of light, or want a permanent, switch-controlled fixture, a hardwired sconce is the better choice. Browse our wall sconces and LED wall sconces, and read our guide on what a wall sconce is to compare types.

How to install a battery operated wall sconce

Installation methods differ, so always follow the instructions that come with the fixture. Common approaches include:

1. Charge the battery first. Charge by USB before the first use if the model is rechargeable.
2. Choose the spot. Hold the sconce on the wall and check how it looks from where you sit or stand. A typical height is 60 to 66 inches from the floor, with lower placements beside a bed. The guide to mounting wall sconces gives heights by room.
3. Mount the bracket. Some use screws and wall anchors, some use a magnetic plate, and some use adhesive. Use the right anchors for your wall type, and make sure the fixture is secure and level.
4. Attach the light. Hang or snap the fixture on the bracket or magnet.
5. Test the controls. Check the switch, sensor and brightness settings.

Even though no wiring is needed, take care with drilling: check for pipes and electrical wiring in the wall before you drill.

Features to look for

• Battery type and capacity: rechargeable or replaceable, and the stated capacity.
• Charging method: USB is common. Make sure you have the right cable and a place to charge.
• Controls: touch, remote, motion sensor, dimming. A motion sensor saves battery life.
• Light color: warm white suits most rooms, and some models offer three color settings. For help with colors, see soft white vs warm white.
• Size and finish: check the dimensions in inches and the materials.
• Mounting method: screws, magnets or adhesive, according to your wall and your preference.
• Location rating: confirm that the model is for the room where you plan to use it.

Our battery operated wall sconces list the power type, dimensions and controls on each page, and our motion sensor wall lights are useful for hallways and stairs.

Where to use battery operated sconces

• Bedroom: as a soft bedside or night light. See bedroom wall sconces for hardwired options too.
• Hallway: a motion-activated light that switches on as you walk by.
• Closet or reading nook: useful where a switch and wiring are not available.
• Home office or display shelf: a low-profile accent.

Safety and care

Use the charger and cable recommended by the maker, and do not leave a device charging unattended for long periods. Do not use rechargeable sconces in damp areas unless the product information says they are suitable. Keep the fixture away from heat sources, and stop using it if the battery swells, overheats or is damaged. Clean with a soft dry cloth. If you later decide on a hardwired sconce, a licensed electrician should install it, with the breaker off and following local code. Our guide to replacing a light fixture safely explains what that involves.

Battery operated or hardwired: which one should you choose?

The right choice depends on how permanent the light needs to be and how much light you need.

• Choose battery operated if you rent, if the wall has no wiring where you want a light, if you want a gentle accent or night light, or if you want to test a position before committing.
• Choose hardwired if you want a light that is always ready and switched from the wall, if you need stronger or longer-lasting light, or if the sconce is for a place where you will use it every day for hours.

Think about maintenance as well. A hardwired sconce needs nothing once it is installed, apart from bulbs where applicable, while a battery operated sconce needs charging on a schedule. If you often forget to charge things, a model with a motion sensor, which only lights when needed, may stretch the charge between sessions, and a hardwired model avoids the issue altogether.

It is also possible to mix both. Use hardwired sconces for the main light on the walls where wiring exists, and add battery operated lights in spots that are hard to wire, such as inside a closet, beside a reading chair or along a hallway. Keeping the finish and light color consistent will make them look like part of the same plan, so check the color options before buying several.

If you decide to hardwire later, a licensed electrician can install a box and connect the sconce with the breaker off, following local code. Until then, a battery operated sconce is a simple, low-risk way to add light to a wall.

Frequently asked questions

How long do battery operated wall sconces last on a charge?

It depends on the battery capacity, brightness setting and how long the light is on. Check the product page for details.

How do I install a battery operated wall sconce?

Charge it, then mount the bracket, magnetic plate or adhesive pad on the wall following the instructions, and attach the light. No wiring is needed.

Are rechargeable wall sconces bright enough to read by?

Many are better for ambient and accent light. For long reading sessions, compare the lumens or choose a hardwired reading light.

Can battery operated sconces be used in a bathroom?

Only if the product information says they are suitable. Many are for dry indoor rooms only.