A wall sconce puts light exactly where a room needs it, without taking up the floor or table space a lamp requires. This collection covers wall lighting in a range of styles, including double sconces, outdoor sconces, and picture lights, sized for everything from a narrow hallway to a wide entryway wall.

Whether you're lighting a stairwell that overhead fixtures can't quite reach or adding a matched pair of sconces on either side of a bed or mirror, there's a wall light here to fit the space.

Double Sconces for Balanced, Symmetrical Light

Use a double wall sconce when one light source isn't enough to provide balanced illumination. Its two lights make it well suited to console tables, fireplaces, mirrors, headboards, and artwork. Since both lights are integrated into one fixture, you can achieve wider coverage without installing separate electrical boxes.

When installing a double sconce, consider both the spacing of its light sources and the height of the fixture. The lights should align with the width of the feature being illuminated, while the mounting height should help direct light where it is needed most.

Outdoor Sconces and Picture Lights

Built specifically for exterior use, an outdoor sconce can withstand rain, moisture, and changing temperatures that may affect indoor fixtures. These lights are commonly installed around front doors, porches, patios, and exterior walls. Look for an appropriate weather rating and a durable finish that suits the conditions in your area.

A picture light serves a different purpose. Its slim profile and directional beam are designed to illuminate artwork or mirrors from above without providing broad ambient lighting. It works particularly well for gallery displays and feature pieces that need de

Sconces for Bedrooms and Bathrooms

A bedroom wall sconce placed above or beside a headboard does the job of a bedside table lamp without taking up nightstand space, which matters in a room with a small side table or none at all. Placed above the pillows, a wall sconce offers convenient reading illumination while keeping the nightstand free for essentials.

In a bathroom, sconces flanking a vanity mirror throw light across the face from both sides, which helps avoid the shadows a single overhead fixture tends to cast. This kind of bathroom sconce lighting is worth choosing with a damp-rated fixture in mind, particularly near a shower or tub.

How to Choose the Right Wall Sconce

Start with what the fixture needs to do. A sconce meant for reading or grooming should throw a more direct, focused light, while one used for general room ambience can diffuse light more broadly through a shade or glass cover.

Next, think about mounting height and spacing. A single sconce usually sits at eye level or slightly above it, while a double sconce needs enough width between its two arms to frame whatever it's lighting. In a hallway or stairwell, spacing sconces evenly along the wall keeps the light consistent from one end to the other.

Finally, match the fixture's finish to the room. A brass or bronze sconce tends to suit warmer, more traditional spaces, while nickel or black reads cleaner and more modern. Consistency with existing hardware, door handles, faucets, and other lighting in the room tends to look more intentional than mixing several finishes at once.

FAQ 

What's the difference between a single sconce and a double sconce? 

A single wall sconce has one light source on a single mount, while a double wall sconce features two lights, either on individual arms or combined within one fixture. For areas that need wider light coverage, double wall sconces can provide more even illumination, especially when placed above a console or around a large mirror.

Are outdoor sconces safe to use in exposed weather? 

An outdoor sconce built for exterior use carries a weather rating that a standard indoor fixture won't have, so it can handle rain, humidity, and temperature changes without corroding or shorting out. Always check the fixture's rating against how exposed the mounting spot actually is.

Can a wall sconce replace a bedside table lamp? 

Yes. A bedroom wall sconce mounted beside or above the headboard can provide the same reading light a table lamp would, and it frees up the nightstand entirely. It's worth confirming the mounting height still puts the light where you'd actually be reading.

How far above the floor should a wall sconce be installed?

Most sconces are mounted around eye level, roughly 60 to 66 inches from the floor, though this shifts depending on the room and what the sconce is lighting. Sconces flanking a mirror or headboard should be measured against that specific piece rather than a fixed rule.

Do picture lights need to be wired into the wall? 

Most picture lights are hardwired fixtures that mount directly above the artwork, though plug-in versions are also available for spots where running new wiring isn't practical. Hardwired wall sconces sit close to the wall and provide a clean look without an exposed power cord.