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Designer FAQs: Wall Sconces and Sconce Lights
What is a wall sconce? What’s the difference between wall lights and wall sconces?
A wall sconce is one type of wall light fixture; other types of wall light include recessed lighting used to spotlight décor or bathe a wall in a warm glow. Recessed lights are usually hidden, while a wall sconce mounts flush to the wall surface and serves as a visible decorative element—a fixture that’s both functional and fashionable.
Where can you hang wall sconces?
Our designers use wall sconces in a variety of places throughout the home. Here are some examples:
- On both sides of a display cabinet
- On both sides of a piece of artwork
- In an entryway
- On both sides of a bed, as a replacement for night table lamps—swing-arm sconces, which are adjustable, are great for a situation like this
You can also hang wall sconces as bathroom vanity lights. Some people use them on either side of a mantel or smart TV.
Can wall sconces light an entire room?
That depends on the opacity of your sconce’s shade and the size of your room: a glass shade will allow more visible light through than a denser fabric or metal shade.
Unless you’re lighting a really snug space—think a small dressing room in an alcove or a small vignette at the end of a hallway—our designers tend to think of wall sconces as more area lights than whole room lights. They’re great for spreading ambient light around part of a room, or drawing attention to particular focal points within a room. To light an entire room, use an overhead fixture.
If you’re thinking of switching up multiple light fixtures in your home, browse our lighting brochure to get a feel for our collection. You can also ask your Ethan Allen designer to create a lighting plan for any room and then preview it in our 3D room planner.
Do you have to hang sconce lights in pairs? Do they have to match your other lights?
No and no—the only rule is to do what you think looks good! Designers pair sconces in situations where they want to create visual balance or symmetry, but if you have a small blank space on your wall that won’t fit anything else, a single sconce could look lovely there.
As to whether they need to match or not, it depends on the look you’re going for. If you like a uniform look throughout your room, using a sconce that’s part of a coordinated lighting collection can bring the design elements together.
If you have more of an eclectic style, you may enjoy a mix and match approach:
- Choose sconces that match the room’s style sensibility (e.g., art deco-style sconces for an art deco-inspired space).
- Select something in a finish that coordinates with other room elements (e.g., a brass-finished sconce to coordinate within a room full of brass finishes).
- Go for contrast: Select an industrial-style, matte-black metal wall sconce for a farmhouse room full of wood finishes.
To preview a sconce in your space, use our EA inHome® app.
What are the rules for hanging wall sconces?
For a hardwired fixture, we always recommend professional installation. That said, here are some placement rules for hanging sconce lights in your home:
- Hang most wall sconces 60 inches to 72 inches above the floor, with the midpoint of your sconce at eye level.
- When hanging a sconce over a night table, sit on your bed and note your shoulder height. Your sconce should be centered over your night table, with its midpoint at shoulder height.
- Over a bathroom vanity, place sconces 24 to 30 inches above the countertop. Place the bulb at about eye level, so it doesn’t cast shadows on your face as you look into the mirror.
- Leave 6 inches between the edge of your wall sconce and the edge of a piece of artwork, mirror, or piece of furniture.
- In most rooms, hang wall sconces no more than 6 feet apart. In a larger room, you can place them 8 to 10 feet apart.
For more tips on placing and choosing wall sconces, check out our Read our lighting buying guide.
Do you have more questions? Click the Designer Chat icon, or contact your local Design Center—we’re happy to help!
