“A wall sconce can add more than just light to spaces,” says interior designer Ahmad AbouZanat of Project AZ. “It can be an opportunity for a design statement or an element that ties up materials and colors used throughout the home for consistency.” We researched top wall sconce options, evaluating design, price, installation, and adaptability to humid spaces and the outdoors. The juxtaposition of vintage and modern makes Birch Lane’s Keener Armed Sconce our favorite. It’s adaptable in its style and function; plus, it’s humidity-safe, making it also excellent for bathrooms or laundry rooms. To help you narrow down your options, we rounded up the best wall sconces below. This wall light boasts versatility in style and function. It comes in five finishes, including warm brass, black, bronze, polished chrome, and satin nickel. We appreciate that the Keener is humidity-safe, meaning it can be installed in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone zones. And although it’s hardwired, it comes at a decent price point compared to its competitors, as most cost over $100. The only real downside is that the bulb isn’t included, but this is pretty standard for sconces. The Eglo Troy 3 measures about 12 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 3 inches deep—large enough to make a statement while not overbearing. In addition to the accommodating design, we like that it’s suitable for use in bathrooms and other damp environments. This option is made of metal and acrylic, and it comes in five finishes to match any design scheme. We like that you can also change the orientation and use it as a horizontal picture light or a vertical sconce. Backed by a five-year warranty, the energy-saving design is compatible with a dimmer switch, but you’ll have to buy that separately. This wall sconce comes in four chic colors, including glossy taupe, butterscotch, satin black, and shell white. Though the price is really steep, we appreciate that the Allegheny has an indoor/outdoor design and is suitable for wet and damp environments. While there’s only one finish available, the wall sconce is still versatile enough to work with most decor schemes. This wall light is also compatible with a dimmer switch and is suitable for bathrooms and other damp spaces. This sconce measures 14 inches wide, 11 inches tall, and 7 inches deep, so bear in mind it’ll stick out 7 inches from the wall. Though it’s not the most versatile option we found, the unique aesthetic is undeniably eye-catching. Take note that this light is undoubtedly expensive. However, the compact size (5 inches by 3 inches) and flush design make it useful for any room or space. You can mount it to your ceiling or wall in damp indoor spaces and even wet outdoor environments. This lantern-style light can be hardwired or fitted with a standard wall plug and a rotary switch. It’s also UL listed, meaning it meets government regulations for home safety. Available in your choice of matte black or polished brass, this sleek, modern piece features a double conical shade that emits light upward and downward. Aside from the steep price, we should note partial assembly is required. While the batteries aren’t included—and you might need to replace them relatively often—these lights boast energy-saving built-in LED bulbs. Available in your choice of matte black, gray, green, or white, they have an industrial-modern vibe that’ll make a subtle statement in any room. This budget-friendly light comes with its own bulb and can be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, home offices, you name it. It’s also compatible with a dimmer switch, though you’ll have to buy that separately. This light fixture mounts flush to the wall for a simple, pared-down aesthetic. It’s made of ceramic and comes in 11 stylish colors ranging from matte black to terra cotta to pewter green. The only other thing to note is that it’s not suitable for damp spaces, so you can’t install it in a bathroom. Made of iron, aluminum, and wood, it’s available in matte black or white. This wall sconce has a modern, versatile silhouette, and as the name suggests, you can adjust it so the light shines at different angles. This fixture is UL-listed and dimmer-compatible. And while it’s one of the most expensive options we found and calls for partial at-home assembly, you really can’t beat the standout style. We also appreciate the five chic color options, including blush, blue, ochre, burgundy, and white. You’ll also find plug-in sconces, which plug into a standard wall outlet with a power cord and plug. Plug-in fixtures are easier to install, but you’ll have to be OK with the visible cord on your wall.
Bulb Type and Wattage
You should also pay attention to the bulb, whether it’s a built-in LED or a screw-in incandescent. Most wall sconces indicate the bulb type they’re compatible with, which you’ll often have to buy separately. Long-lasting LEDs need to be replaced much less frequently than their incandescent counterparts and are usually low-wattage. Low-wattage bulbs use minimal power, so they’re an energy-efficient choice.
Design
With this in mind, look for a sconce that nods to your existing decor theme, whether it’s industrial, boho, minimalist, or contemporary. When in doubt, choose a simple design with a base in the same finish as your doorknobs, faucets, towel hooks, and other metal fixtures.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer. For this piece she interviewed an interior designer who offered buying tips, styling advice, and insight into placement. After considering dozens of options from a wide range of retailers and brands, she narrowed it down to those that stood out for aesthetic, versatility, energy efficiency, and overall quality. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home decor, consumer tech, and lifestyle products. Lots of folks opt for matching wall sconces on either side of the bed. In addition to freeing up space on the nightstands, hardwired fixtures help you minimize visible cords. “In a more traditional setting, sconces can be used in dining rooms over the buffet or credenza,” AbouZanat adds. Wall sconces are typically not used as a primary light source in a room. However, AbouZanat says that if you need a little more illumination, look for something with a clear glass shade that filters minimal light.
