Twenty Illuminating Wall Sconce Creatives to Achieve a Radiant Ambiance in Every Space
Done Deal:
Hey there! Need some sconce-ception ideas? You're in luck! Sconces ain't just for fancy schmancy places anymore. They're the secret weapon to elevating any space with layered lighting and directed task light.
Whether you got a bedroom with tiny NASAs for nightstands, a dining room devoid of a sideboard, or a living room bursting at the seams with furniture, sconces are the way to go, baby!
Think of 'em as the perfect way to introduce a layered look to your lighting game while still getting some targeted task lighting on the side. Here's the 411 on how to work these bad boys into your crib:
15 Cozy Lighting Tips to Turn Any Room into Your Favorite Spot
Rock a Swing Arm Sconce
In a bedroom, a swing arm can make your sconce even more functional. Shifty the light when needed! Laura Fox, the boss lady of Laura Fox Interior Design, got all moody and dramatic with these babies: "I went for a leather wall to act like a headboard and paired it with the perfect contrasting swing-arm sconce for flawless vision and function," she admitted.
Uplight with Glee
Dramatic uplighting can give a room some extra oomph, like in this media room: "Picture frame moldings were created to add visual interest to plain drywall walls, along with chic contemporary wall sconces," spills Kim Piroli, the mastermind behind Piroli Design.
Say, "Echo!"
If there's a defined vibe going on in the room, let the sconces sink into the background or use 'em 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.
Light It Right
Keep things focused with a small, concentrated sconce. It'll complement a bedside styling moment like a pro, even if a lamp's already in the mix. "Sconces at a bedside for reading light are my fave, especially a true reading light," raves Sara Deane, owner of Sara Deane Interiors.
Double Down
If you need twice the light in a space, pick a sconce that doubles your wattage like this bathroom from Bella B Home Designs.
Go for the Highest Spot
In a small space like a powder room, who needs side sconces? Just look up! A single or double light sconce is the perfect way to add a warm, cozy light from above.
Double Up the Mirrors
This bathroom from Harvest Architecture dedicates a light to each mirror over the vanity. Layering up the soft glow rather than trying to center it!
Illuminate All Spaces
Don't save the sconce fun for bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways! Hang wall sconces in spaces like a dining room or breakfast nook to add layers of light to the scene, just like what House of One did in this light and bright space.
Play Around with Color
Sconces are a prime opportunity to add color while working in a neutral space. Take this bathroom by Jill Greaves Design as an example: Pink shades helped draw out a subtle blush tone in the vanity you might've otherwise missed.
Keep Things Calm and Simple
Wall sconces are already minimalist, so they're perfect for minimalist, chill rooms like this bedroom from Kathryn Lager Design Studio.
Hide it in the Gallery Wall
Your gallery wall doesn't have to stick to photos and prints—add a sconce for an unexpected, added element of depth and visual intrigue: "Add a wall sconce to your gallery wall for an extra layer of depth and visual intrigue," says Zoe Feldman, the brains behind Zoe Feldman Design.
Pop it on a Corner Wall
Don't always stick 'em behind the sofa. Think outside the box, depending on how you plan to use the space: "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.
Get Glam
Why not go all out? Lighting can be as striking as it is functional—these modern sconces are proof that you've been transported to a fancy-schmancy boutique hotel. Sallie Lord, the master of GreyHunt Interiors, always leans into wall sconces when she can, especially when they add major glamor.
Use a Picture Light Sconce
A picture light sconce tucked amidst a built-in has a literary, cozy touch: "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.
Bathe Your Space in Glowy Alabaster
Rather than glass or fabric, materials like alabaster give your space a glowy, soft look. "Alabaster sconces exude luxury and are perfect for elevating a space," says Olma Fuentes, the brainchild 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 and Pop
If you've got a sassy green bathroom like this one, look to the sconces as an opportunity to contrast the color and add some gilded warmth: "These elegant wall sconces, featuring gilded bamboo arms, look great alongside the cheerful chinoiserie wallpaper," says Kristin Kostamo, owner and principal of Anne Rae Design.
Add Lampshade Personality
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 Sara Deane.
Get Whimsical
Don't hold back from being bold with sconces. Hunt for a vibrant silhouette to infuse some fun and whimsy: "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.
Opt for Sculptural Silhouettes
If you're installing sconces against wallpaper, be bold! "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
We've got some rules, but they're meant to be broken! "When choosing sconces, scale is everything. Sometimes going big with an oversized sconce really makes a statement," asserts Kelly Neely, owner of Kelly Neely Interiors.
Do the Three-Arm Trick
Make a statement in a traditional but moody space like this one by Neely, who went with a three-arm sconce that makes the room feel unforgettable.
Curves are Game
Sconces are your chance to embrace gravity-defying lines. With their built-in angle, who needs gravity? "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.
- Martha Stewart might advocate for the subtle incorporation of asymmetry in home decor, suggesting that an asymmetrical sconce could add visual interest to a plain home design decor.
- In a media room, dramatic uplighting, such as the use of sconces, can give a space an extra boost, making it more dynamic and engaging.
- According to Laura Fox from Laura Fox Interior Design, a swing arm sconce can be more functional in a bedroom, allowing for adjustable lighting as needed.
- For those with a minimalist interior design, wall sconces with simple designs can add depth and visual intrigue while keeping the space calm and uncluttered.
- In a small space like a powder room, a single or double light sconce placed above can provide a warm, cozy light, eliminating the need for side sconces.
