What Is a Wall Sconce? Types, Styles and Where to Use Them

What is a wall sconce? A wall sconce is a light fixture that is attached to a wall instead of the ceiling or a table. Sconces give soft, indirect light, free up floor and surface space and add decoration at eye level. This guide explains what a sconce light fixture is, the main types, the styles you will see and where each one works best in a home.

What are wall sconces used for?

Sconces do three jobs. They provide ambient light, a gentle glow that fills a room. They provide task light, as with a reading sconce next to a bed. And they provide accent light, highlighting art, a mirror or an architectural detail. Because they sit on the wall, they are useful where a table lamp would take up too much room, such as narrow hallways, small bedrooms and bathrooms.

The word "sconce" originally referred to a candle holder fixed to a wall. Modern sconces use electric bulbs or integrated LEDs, but the idea is the same: a light mounted at about eye level. You will see them sold as wall lights too. Browse our wall sconces to see the range.

Types of wall sconces

Hardwired sconces

Most sconces are hardwired, which means they connect to the home's electrical wiring through a junction box in the wall. They can be controlled by a wall switch or dimmer and have no visible cord. Installation involves household wiring, so use a licensed electrician and switch off the breaker first.

Plug-in and battery-operated sconces

Some sconces plug into an outlet or run on batteries, which can suit renters or rooms with no wiring in the right place. Check each product page for the power type, since most of our sconces are hardwired. If you are curious about the battery option, see our battery operated wall sconces.

Swing-arm sconces

These have an adjustable arm that lets you aim the light, which makes them excellent for reading in bed or at a chair. Explore swing-arm wall sconces.

Reading sconces

A reading sconce has a focused, often directional light. Some have a small shade and a switch on the fixture. Our wall reading lights are built for this job.

Up-down sconces

These cast light both upward and downward, creating shapes on the wall. They are decorative and give ambient light more than task light. See our up-down wall lights.

Vanity and bathroom sconces

Mounted beside a mirror, they give even, flattering light on the face. Bathrooms are damp, so always check that the fixture is suitable for where you plan to install it.

Outdoor wall lights

These are made for porches, entries and patios. Ensure that the fixture is intended for the location where you want to use it. Our outdoor wall lights are listed separately for that reason.

Common sconce styles

• Modern and minimalist: clean lines, metal and glass, often with integrated LED.
• Vintage and traditional: candle-style arms, fabric shades and aged brass finishes.
• Industrial: exposed bulbs, black metal and cage shades.
• Farmhouse and rustic: wood, rope and simple shapes.
• Natural and boho: rattan, woven or fabric shades for a warm, textured look. See rattan wall sconces.
• Art deco: geometric shapes, glass and gold tones.

Where to use wall sconces

• Bedroom: either side of the bed as reading lights, which frees nightstand space. See bedroom wall sconces.
• Hallway and staircase: evenly spaced to light the path without taking up floor space. Browse hallway wall sconces.
• Living room: flanking a sofa, fireplace, TV wall or artwork.
• Bathroom: on both sides of the mirror, or one above it.
• Dining room: on either side of a buffet or mirror for ambient light.
• Entryway: beside a mirror or console table.

How high should a sconce be?

Most sconces are centered at 60 to 66 inches above the floor. The exact number changes by room, particularly beside beds and mirrors. Our guide to how high to mount wall sconces gives room-by-room measurements.

Choosing the right bulb or light color

Many sconces use a small E12 candelabra bulb, some use E26, and many use an integrated LED. The base and shape are listed in each product's specifications, and our E26 vs E12 guide explains the difference. For the color of the light, warm white (2700K to 3000K) suits most homes, as a rule of thumb. If you want to adjust brightness, look at dimmable wall sconces and use a compatible dimmer.

Things to check before buying a sconce

1. Power type: hardwired, plug-in or battery.
2. Size and projection: how far the fixture sticks out from the wall, important in narrow hallways.
3. Direction of light: up, down, both, or adjustable.
4. Bulb base and wattage: or whether the LED is integrated.
5. Location: indoor use, bathroom or outdoor.
6. Dimming: whether the fixture and your dimmer are compatible.
7. Wall box position: a new sconce is easiest when it lands over an existing junction box.

Our product pages give the bulb base and the measurements in inches.

Installing a wall sconce

Hardwired sconces connect to a box in the wall. Switch off the breaker, test that the wires are dead and use a licensed electrician, especially if a box has to be added. Local electrical code applies. See our guide to replacing a light fixture safely for an overview.

Sconces compared with other wall and table lights

A sconce is different from a table lamp because it needs no surface, and it is different from a ceiling light because the light comes from the side and is closer to eye level. That position makes faces and textures look softer. In a small room, a pair of sconces can replace two lamps and leave the nightstands free. In a larger room, sconces fill the dim zones that a ceiling fixture leaves, such as the corners and the walls beside furniture.

Sconces also work in pairs or in sets. A symmetrical pair on either side of a bed or mirror gives a formal look, while a single sconce over a console or at the end of a hallway can act as a quiet accent. Whatever the layout, keep the spacing and height consistent so the fixtures read as one design.

Safety and placement notes

Keep any exposed bulb clear of curtains, bedding and other flammable materials, and use a bulb whose wattage does not exceed the fixture's label. In hallways and stairways, remember that a sconce that sticks out far from the wall can be bumped by people walking past, so choose a slim projection there. If a sconce will be near water, such as beside a bathroom mirror, make sure the fixture is suitable for the location before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What is a sconce light fixture?

It is a light mounted on a wall, usually at or above eye level, that gives ambient, task or accent lighting.

What is the difference between a sconce and a wall light?

In everyday use, they mean the same thing. "Sconce" tends to describe more decorative fixtures, while "wall light" is a broader term.

Do wall sconces need to be hardwired?

No. There are plug-in and battery-powered sconces, but most are hardwired into a wall box.

Can sconces be the main light in a room?

They can in a small room if several are used, but most rooms work best with sconces combined with other light sources.