Sconces

We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. From the bright elegance of a pair of bathroom sconces to the stately warmth of hallway wall light fixtures, sconces are an elevating and versatile feature for your home. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully-curated collection offers traditional and modern wall sconce designs that blend form and function beautifully. 

Lighting design is a tone-setting element throughout your home, and layering elements is the key to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're using sconce lighting to illuminate the walls of a moody study or provide a functional bedside light with no footprint, we have designs to create elevated lighting tailored to your aesthetic. 

Not sure what design best fits your space when shopping wall sconce lighting styles? Don't worry; we have got you covered. Check out the tips below for ideas and inspiration as you select the best sconce light fixtures to buy for your home. 

How to Choose Sconces for Your Space

Wall sconces are an incredible light source in any home. Alone or in combination with overhead lighting, they create an ambiance that is hard to match. One of the best things about sconces is the abundance of styles and types that you can choose from. 

Sconces have been a feature of exterior and interior illumination for centuries—the name itself stems from an old French term for lantern or hiding place. Torchieres, candle, and lantern sconces like the Ritz Sconce by Regina Andrew nod to this history with traditional designs reimagined with modern touches perfect for transitional appeal. 

Other designs offer a completely modern wall sconce that creates statement appeal as a sculptural feature of its own. No matter the style, always try to keep the entire space in mind when shopping. Wall light fixtures often sit at about eye level and become integral to your decor. Silhouettes, materials, and finishes can complement or bring contrast to a space. As with any design element, you want to think about how an individual piece reflects the aesthetic as a whole. 

Creating Impact with Wall Sconce Lighting

In addition to aesthetics, you also want to consider the space in terms of functionality and flow. Sconce lighting is unmatched in creating a more ambient feel in a room. Unlike ceiling lights that can sometimes be overwhelming, a sconce can help set a more casual mood and provide more balanced lighting—or be used to dramatic effect when accenting a fireplace or artwork. 

Wall washer sconces that reflect light evenly across the surface are great for accent wall light or a secondary source of ambient light when paired with overhead fixtures like pendant lights. Downlight and uplight sconces can create this effect with more direct light, augmenting the architecture of a space. 

Sconce light fixtures can also make great task lights. If you're styling bedroom or bathroom sconce lights, you may want a design with an opal glass or linen shade that diffuses light out for more functional illumination. A dynamic design like a swing-arm sconce makes a handy task light in a home office or bedroom because it lets you adjust the light to where you need it most. 

Depending on the design, indoor wall sconces should be mounted around six feet high to provide adequate lighting with a pleasing look. When styling in pairs or multiples, keep six to eight feet between scones to create balanced and even illuminations. If you want to bring a splash of light into a room with the most convenience and versatility, a plug-in sconce like this Sereno Plug-In Sconce can offer a brilliant solution. Always consult with your designer or a professional before purchasing or installing lights. 

Sconce Lighting Tips by Room

Sconces work in every room of your home. Using a wall sconce, not only can you illuminate a part of the room that overhead lighting might not reach, you can also provide a beautiful design element that brings the entire space to life. Check out this room-by-room guide for some tips and inspiration to get you started. 

Lounge 

Looking to elevate your living room lighting? Whether used as a secondary source of ambient light or accenting a focal point, sconces are the perfect way to add layered light, intrigue, and polish to your lounge. Sconces are a great way to wash dark walls in light for a moody look that still feels bright and warm. They can also be styled in pairs, flanking windows or wall art to add a stately feel to the room. Check out our living room lighting guide for more tips on creating a stunningly lit lounge. 

Entryway and Halls

The warm elegance of sconce lights is tailor-made for the transitional spaces in your home. A pair of sconces flanking an entryway mirror or running along a hallway can create a warm, inviting atmosphere for a smoother transition between environments. Remember to leave six feet between fixtures to keep the light soft, full, and balanced. 

Bathroom

Have a vanity that needs extra lighting? Place two sconces on either side of the mirror for an extra pop of light that reflects across the room. One thing to keep in mind as you shop for bathroom sconces and other bathroom lighting styles is that you may need damp-rated or wet-rated lights for the space.

Bedroom

For the perfect bedside task light with no footprint, place two plug-in sconces above the nightstands on either side of your bed, about thirty to thirty-six inches above the top of the mattress. This way, the light won't be obstructed, and you will have a pleasant task light for reading. Another option for bedroom lighting is to style a pair of sconces beside your vanity or dressing table, using the mirror to reflect and augment the light as you would with bathroom sconce lights. 

Dining Room 

Similar to a hallway or lounge, wall light fixtures are a brilliant way to create a more complex and layered lighting scheme in your dining room for a cozy ambiance. Sconce lights shine in pairs when styled in a dining room, whether over a sideboard or flanking a doorway. For tailored elegance, try matching them to a chandelier. 

Outdoor

In addition to indoor wall sconces, remember to shop our outdoor sconces. These designs are wet-rated to withstand the elements. Beyond adding curb appeal or providing functional light at your front door, outdoor lighting fixtures like our Romelia Indoor / Outdoor Sconce can transform an underutilized patio or backyard space into an enchanting evening hangout. 

However you style it, wall sconces allow you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Loved ones and visitors can immediately get a sense of who you are by seeing how you have utilized this essential feature to refine the look and feel of your home.