A wall sconce is a light fixture mounted on the wall rather than the ceiling — used to add a layer of soft, decorative or task light at eye level. Sconces are very much still in style: designers rely on them for warmth and symmetry beside beds, mirrors, hallways and fireplaces. Mount them around 60–66 inches from the floor, usually in pairs.
Key takeaways
- A sconce is a wall-mounted light — an accent/task layer, not the main ceiling source.
- They are not dated — sconces are a designer staple for warmth and symmetry.
- Mount around 60–66 in (152–168 cm) to centre; flank beds and mirrors in pairs.
- Up = soft ambient wash; down = focused task light; many do both.
On this page
What is a wall sconce (sconce lighting)?
A wall sconce is a light fixture fixed to the wall, projecting light outward, upward or downward. Because it sits at eye level rather than on the ceiling, it adds a middle layer of light that ceiling fixtures cannot — warm, human-scale and flattering. Sconces work as accent lighting (mood and symmetry), task lighting (reading, grooming), or both. Browse styles and finishes in the Wall Lights collection.
Are wall sconces dated, or still in style?
Still very much in style. Far from dated, sconces are one of the tools interior designers reach for most — they deliver the layered, low-glare light that makes a room feel considered, and they add architectural symmetry beside beds, mirrors and fireplaces. What looks dated is a specific old finish or shade, not the sconce itself; a matte black, brushed brass or alabaster sconce reads as current. This is the essence of layered lighting.
How high should wall sconces be mounted?
As a general guide (confirm final positions with your electrician):
| Location | Height to centre |
|---|---|
| General / hallway | 60–66 in (152–168 cm) |
| Beside a bathroom mirror | ~66 in, flanking at eye level |
| Bedside | Bottom of shade ~24–28 in above the mattress |
| Flanking a fireplace / art | Aligned, ~66–72 in |
For the fuller placement breakdown, see our guide to wall light & sconce placement and height.
How many wall sconces do you need?
Sconces almost always look best in pairs — one either side of a bed, mirror, fireplace or doorway — because symmetry is what makes them feel intentional. Along a long wall or hallway, space them roughly 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m) apart and at a consistent height. A single sconce works for a reading nook or a narrow entry.
Should a wall sconce face up or down?
It depends on the job:
- Up-facing — bounces a soft ambient wash off the ceiling; calming, great for living rooms and hallways.
- Down-facing — directs light onto a task or surface; good beside a bed for reading or over art.
- Both / open shade — many sconces throw light up and down for a balanced glow.
How do I choose a wall sconce?
Work through three things: purpose (accent vs task → up, down or both), finish (match the metals already in the room — matte black, brushed brass, aged bronze, nickel or alabaster), and scale (proportionate to the wall and to any mirror or bed it flanks). Keep the finish consistent with other fixtures on the same wall. Explore options in the Wall Lights collection.
Where should you use wall sconces?
- Bedside — frees the nightstand and gives directed reading light.
- Bathroom — flanking the mirror at eye level for even, shadow-free grooming light.
- Hallways & stairs — evenly spaced for safe, welcoming passage.
- Living room — flanking a fireplace, sofa or artwork for warmth and symmetry.
Any hard-wired sconce should be installed by a qualified electrician; plug-in styles simply mount and plug into a nearby outlet.
Frequently asked questions
What is sconce lighting?
Light from a wall-mounted fixture (a sconce). It adds an eye-level layer of accent or task light that a ceiling fixture cannot provide.
Are wall sconces still in style?
Yes. Sconces are a current designer staple for layered light and symmetry. Only a dated finish or shade looks old — not the sconce itself.
How high should a wall sconce be?
About 60–66 inches (152–168 cm) to centre for general and hallway use; beside a bed, the bottom of the shade about 24–28 inches above the mattress.
How many wall sconces do I need?
Use them in pairs to flank a bed, mirror or fireplace. Along a wall or hallway, space them roughly 6–10 ft apart at a consistent height.
Should a wall sconce face up or down?
Up for soft ambient light, down for focused task light; many open-shade sconces do both.
Last updated: September 2026 · Written by Artevaris Editorial
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