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Wall Sconces

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Wall Sconces

Light without taking table or floor space. We compared wall sconces from plug-in solutions to hardwired elegance—finding what adds layers of light beautifully.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Modern LED Wall Sconce (Set of 2)

LINEA

Modern LED Wall Sconce (Set of 2)

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

The sconces that make designers say "finally, affordable." Clean lines, warm LED, dimmable. Flanking a bathroom mirror, framing a bed, or lining a hallway—modern elegance without designer prices.

Quantity

2 sconces

Height

12 inches

Light

LED built-in

Features

Dimmable

Pros

  • Set of 2
  • Built-in LED
  • Modern minimal

Cons

  • Hardwired only
  • Modern style only
  • LED not replaceable

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Modern LED Wall Sconce (Set of 2)
Modern LED Wall Sconce (Set of 2) Best
LINEA
4.5
$59 View
Plug-In Wall Sconce with Cord Cover
Plug-In Wall Sconce with Cord Cover Value
Globe Electric
4.4
$29 View
Bathroom Vanity Wall Light
Bathroom Vanity Wall Light
Elk Lighting
4.6
$159 View
Industrial Cage Wall Sconce
Industrial Cage Wall Sconce
Phansthy
4.3
$22 View
Swing Arm Wall Lamp with Shade
Swing Arm Wall Lamp with Shade
Jonathan Y
4.4
$79 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Modern LED Wall Sconce (Set of 2)

LINEA

Modern LED Wall Sconce (Set of 2)

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

The sconces that make designers say "finally, affordable." Clean lines, warm LED, dimmable. Flanking a bathroom mirror, framing a bed, or lining a hallway—modern elegance without designer prices.

Quantity

2 sconces

Height

12 inches

Light

LED built-in

Features

Dimmable

Pros

  • Set of 2
  • Built-in LED
  • Modern minimal

Cons

  • Hardwired only
  • Modern style only
  • LED not replaceable
Best Value
Plug-In Wall Sconce with Cord Cover

Globe Electric

Plug-In Wall Sconce with Cord Cover

4.4 (34,567 reviews)

Sconce lighting for renters. Plug it in, hide the cord with included cover, instant wall light. Beside the bed instead of lamps, in dark hallways, anywhere you need light without rewiring.

Size

7x9 inches

Cord

6 feet with cover

Material

Metal

Bulb

E26 (not included)

Pros

  • No electrician needed
  • Includes cord cover
  • On/off switch

Cons

  • Cord is visible
  • Limited placement by outlets
  • DIY aesthetic
Premium Pick
Bathroom Vanity Wall Light

Elk Lighting

Bathroom Vanity Wall Light

4.6 (8,765 reviews)

Bathroom lighting that doesn't make you look terrible. Opal glass diffuses light evenly—no harsh shadows under eyes. Quality that lasts in humid environments. Your morning face thanks you.

Width

17 inches

Lights

2

Material

Metal + opal glass

Bulb

E26 (included)

Pros

  • Quality construction
  • Opal glass diffuses light
  • Flattering bathroom lighting

Cons

  • Single fixture price
  • Specific bathroom style
  • Hardwired
Budget Pick
Industrial Cage Wall Sconce

Phansthy

Industrial Cage Wall Sconce

4.3 (28,765 reviews)

Industrial style for $22. The wire cage shows off filament bulbs, the black iron says "I appreciate raw materials." Pair with plug-in kit for renter flexibility. Hallways, bars, and statement walls.

Size

6x8 inches

Material

Iron cage

Bulb

E26 (not included)

Style

Industrial

Pros

  • Industrial aesthetic
  • Wire cage detail
  • Affordable accent

Cons

  • Less light output
  • Style specific
  • Exposes bulb
Swing Arm Wall Lamp with Shade

Jonathan Y

Swing Arm Wall Lamp with Shade

4.4 (12,345 reviews)

Swing arm sconces are bedside game-changers. Pull forward to read, swing back when done. No bedside table needed, no lamp cord tangles. Guest room luxury that hosts appreciate.

Reach

24 inches

Shade

Linen

Bulb

E26 (included)

Features

Swing arm

Pros

  • Adjustable arm
  • Fabric shade
  • Perfect reading light

Cons

  • Protrudes from wall
  • Hardwired
  • Traditional aesthetic

Buying Guide: How to Choose Wall Sconces


How to Choose Wall Sconces

Wall sconces add layers of light without taking floor or table space. They create ambiance, highlight architecture, and solve lighting problems where overheads can't reach. But wrong height or style makes walls look awkward.

Sconce Types

Uplights: Cast light upward, ambient glow, good for hallways and living rooms
Downlights: Light pools downward, task and accent, good for reading and highlighting
Full shade: Light diffuses all directions, softest effect, classic style
Swing arm: Adjustable reach, ideal for reading, bedside alternative to lamps
Picture lights: Specifically illuminate artwork, galleries and collector homes

### Height Guidelines

General hallways: Sconce center at 66-72" from floor (average eye level)
Bathroom mirrors: Sconce center at 66" from floor, 36-40" apart
Beside bed: Center at 45-50" from floor (pillow height)
Flanking fireplace: Sconce center 60-66" from floor

### Spacing Rules

Hallway sconces: 8-10 feet apart
Flanking mirrors/art: Sconces 36-42" apart (centered on feature)
Beside bed: One on each side, 3-4" from headboard edge

### Hardwired vs. Plug-In

Hardwired: Clean look, no cords, requires electrical work or existing wiring
Plug-in: Renter-friendly, flexible placement, visible cord (can be covered)

For renters: plug-in sconces with paintable cord covers look nearly hardwired.

### Bulb Selection

Sconces at eye level need careful bulb choice. Avoid harsh, bright bulbs that blind. Frosted bulbs, lower wattage, or dimmable LEDs prevent glare while maintaining ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Sconces

Can I install wall sconces without existing wiring?

Yes! Use plug-in sconces or have an electrician run new wiring. Plug-in sconces connect to standard outlets—cord covers make them look nearly hardwired. Battery-powered sconces also exist but have limited light output.

How high should bathroom sconces be mounted?

Sconce center at 66" from floor puts light at face level for most people. If flanking a mirror, position so light hits face evenly (not top of head or below chin). Cross-lighting from sides eliminates shadows better than overhead.

Should wall sconces match ceiling lights?

Not necessarily match, but coordinate. Same finish (both brushed nickel, both black) or same style family (both modern, both traditional) creates cohesion. Mismatched metals work if intentional—mixing finishes is trendy.

How do I choose between up-light and down-light sconces?

Uplights for ambient/general lighting—light bounces off ceiling, fills room. Downlights for task/accent—light pools on specific areas, more dramatic. Full-diffusion shades give softest light. Dark ceilings work better with downlights.

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