22 Wall Sconce Ideas for the Perfect Glow in Every Room
You’ve heard it before—don’t rely on overhead lighting. The key to any cozy, glowy space is layered lighting, but what do you do when there’s no room for lamps?
Whether you’re in a bedroom with tiny nightstands, a dining room without a sideboard, or a living room with maxed-out floor space, the answer is always sconces. A sconce—or set of sconces—is the perfect way to introduce a layered look to your lighting while also incorporating some directed task lighting.
The options for introducing this lighting style into your home are endless—all you need is a little inspiration. Here, we’re sharing the various ways to incorporate sconces into your décor.
Install a Swing Arm Sonce
Laura Fox Interior Design / Nova Soul Imagery
When using a sconce in a bedroom, a swing arm can make it even more functional, allowing you to shift the light. Laura Fox, owner and principal of Laura Fox Interior Design, went for a moody look with these swing arm sconces. “Everything about this room was going for a feel. I opted for a leather wall to act as the headboard and paired it with the perfect contrasting swing-arm sconce for flawless vision and function,” says Fox.
Provide Uplighting
Piroli Design / Chris Little Photo
Dramatic uplighting can add to the look of a space like this media room. “Picture frame moldings were created to add visual interest to plain drywall walls, along with beautiful contemporary wall sconces,” says Kim Piroli, owner and founder of Piroli Design.
Echo Elements in the Room
Elizabeth Drake Interiors / Werner Straube
If you have other distinct elements in the room, you could let the sconces sink into the background—or use them to emphasize the theme. “The curvilinear lines on the sconce’s back plate mirror the fluid curves of the mirror and splash, harmonizing beautifully between the two elements,” says Elizabeth Drake, owner of Elizabeth Drake Interiors.
Direct the Light
Sara Deane Interiors / Jared Kuzia Photography
A concentrated, small sconce is a perfect complement to a bedside styling moment, even if you already have a lamp. “Sconces at a bedside as a reading light are my favorite, especially a true reading light,” says Sara Deane, owner of Sara Deane Interiors.
Double Up the Light
Bella B Home Designs
If you need maximum light in a space, choose a sconce that gives you twice the impact. This bathroom from Bella B Home Designs utilizes double-ended sconces to add even more wattage.
Hang It Up Top
Bella B Home Designs
If you run out of room for side sconces in a small space, like a powder room, just look up. A single or double light sconce is the perfect way to add a warm, glowy light from above.
Put a Sconce Over Each Mirror
Harvest Architecture / Eric Staudenmaier
This bathroom from Harvest Architecture dedicates a light to each mirror over the vanity, bringing additional layered lighting into the space. It spreads out the soft glow rather than trying to center it.
Layer the Lighting
House of One / Lifestyle Production Group
Bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways don’t have to have all the sconce fun! Hang wall sconces in a space like a dining room or a breakfast nook to add layers of lighting, as House of One did in this light and bright space.
Add a Pop of Color
Jill Greaves Design / Could Be the Day
Sconces can be a chance to add color while working in a neutral space. This bathroom from Jill Greaves Design is full of pretty neutrals, but the pink shades draw out a subtle blush tone in the vanity that you might otherwise miss.
Embrace Minimalism
Kathryn Lager Design Studio / Julie Andersen
Wall sconces are inherently minimalist. They don’t take up space on a table or overhead; they subtly sit to the side. And that’s why they’re perfect in minimalist, calming rooms, like this bedroom from Kathryn Lager Design Studio.
Make the Sconce Part of the Gallery Wall
Zoe Feldman Design / Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Your gallery wall doesn’t have to be limited to photos and prints. Add a sconce to incorporate an unexpected glow. “Add a wall sconce to your gallery wall for an extra layer of depth and visual intrigue,” says Zoe Feldman, owner of Zoe Feldman Design.
Install a Sconce on a Corner Wall
Zoe Feldman Design / Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Often, you’ll see sconces behind a sofa, bed, or dining table. But the placement can be played around with depending on how you plan to use the room. “A great way to use wall sconces is by designing a cozy reading nook in the corner of an office or sitting room,” Feldman says.
Add Glamor
GreyHunt Interiors / Christy Kosnic Photography
Lighting can be as striking as it is functional, and these modern sconces make you feel as if you’ve been transported to a chic boutique hotel. Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors, always looks to incorporate wall sconces when possible, particularly when they add major glamor.
Use a Picture Light Sconce
House of Winsor Interiors / George Gray
A picture light sconce tucked amidst a built-in has a cozy, literary look. “Library lighting makes all the difference by highlighting the treasures below and softening this corner of the living room,” says Lauren Winsor, owner of House of Winsor Interiors.
Install Glowy Alabaster Sconces
Deni + Dove Interiors
Rather than glass or fabric, a material like alabaster gives your space a glowy, soft look, especially when done in a wall sconce. “Alabaster sconces exude luxury and are perfect for elevating a space,” says Olma Fuentes, principal and founder of Deni + Dove Interiors. “They’re reminiscent of marble with its rich veining and weight, yet their translucent properties add a light, ethereal look. They diffuse light beautifully, casting a warm glow that is both calming and inviting.”
Contrast Colors
Anne Rae Design
If you have a rich green bathroom like this one, look to the sconces for an opportunity to contrast the color and add a gilded warmth. “These elegant wall sconces, featuring gilded bamboo arms, complement the cheerful chinoiserie wallpaper beautifully,” says Kristin Kostamo, owner and principal of Anne Rae Design.
Add a Pretty Shade
Sara Deane Interiors / Jared Kuzia Photography
Look at your sconces as an opportunity to add color, pattern, and texture. “A swing arm sconce offers maximum flexibility, but don’t forget to add a pretty lampshade to give it personality,” says Deane.
Go for Whimsy
Victoria Meadows Interiors / Eve Greendale Photography
Don’t be afraid to go bold with sconces. Look for a colorful silhouette that will add fun and whimsy to a space. “These bright coral-colored tassel wall sconces sway gently, their vibrant fringe adding a playful, bohemian flair to the tropical space,” says Victoria Meadows, principal and lead designer of Victoria Meadows Interiors. “They cast a warm, sunset-like glow, enhancing the room’s breezy, island-inspired charm.”
Look for Sculptural Silhouettes
Victoria Meadows Interiors / Eve Greendale Photography
If you’re installing sconces against wallpaper, make sure they stand out by choosing an artful, striking silhouette. “These funky white wall sconces, with their sculptural curves and playful asymmetry, pop against the bold wallpaper, creating a striking contrast of modern whimsy and vibrant pattern,” Meadows says.
Experiment With Scale
Kelly Neely Interiors / Mary Margaret Smith
While there are formulas you can use to determine the exact right size for a sconce in a given space, sometimes trusting your instincts is a better approach. “When choosing sconces, scale is everything. In some cases, going bold with an oversized sconce will really make a statement,” says Kelly Neely, owner of Kelly Neely Interiors.
Light Up With Three Arms
Kelly Neely Interiors / Mary Margaret Smith
In this traditional yet moody space, Neely went with a three-arm sconce. It adds presence to a wall where a smaller sconce could have looked like an overly functional afterthought.
Look for Curves
Kelly Taylor Interior Design
Sconces are an opportunity to embrace gravity-defying lines. They’re already coming off the wall, so why not accentuate that? “This sconce has romantic curves and a sophisticated feel. It looks great in a space that allows it to show off its profile,” says Kelly Taylor, owner and designer at Kelly Taylor Interior Design.
