Wall Sconces and Wall Lights

Wall Sconces and Wall Lights

Wall lights put light where a ceiling fixture cannot reach — beside a bed, along a staircase, either side of a fireplace. They also free up a surface, which is why they have become the standard fix for a small bedroom with nowhere to put a lamp.

Mounting heights that work

Location Height from floor
Beside a bed 48 – 52 in
Hallway 60 – 66 in
Staircase 60 in above each tread nosing
Beside a fireplace 60 – 66 in
Either side of a mirror 60 – 66 in, roughly eye level

The bedside figure is lower than the rest on purpose. At 48 to 52 inches the shade sits at shoulder height when you are sitting up in bed, which is where the light needs to be.

Which type suits the job

  • Swing-arm — pulls out over a book, folds flat against the wall after. The most practical bedside choice.
  • Up-and-down — throws two cones of light on the wall. Good for hallways and stairs, and it makes a plain wall interesting.
  • Shaded sconce — soft, diffused, traditional. Works where the light should feel warm rather than directional.
  • Plug-in — no electrician needed. The cord shows, but the install takes ten minutes.

Spacing a run

Along a hallway, space sconces 8 to 10 feet apart. Any wider and you get dark stretches between pools of light.

Related

For a mirror specifically, see mirror lights. For outside the front door, see outdoor wall lights.