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    Learn More About Sconces

    Sconce lights are wall-mounted light fixtures that can be hardwired or plugged into an electrical outlet to create a soft, warm glow. Originally, wall sconces used either candles or oil to light up the night, but today’s modern sconce fixtures are much safer and come in a large variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. Whether you need to light up a hallway, brighten up your bathroom, or bring a unique visual element to the walls of any room, explore the creative shops on Etsy to find the ultimate wall lights for your space.

    If you’re thinking of updating your home lighting, a wall sconce works best to bring light to smaller areas or highlight specific portions of a room, like a cozy corner of your living room—or put the spotlight on a piece of wall art.


    When shopping for sconce lighting, start by determining how the sconce will light up, whether it’s a plug-in wall sconce that uses an electrical wall outlet or a hardwired sconce that may require help from an electrician to install. You can also choose battery-operated wall sconces that are a breeze to add anywhere you might need a little extra light.


    Next, think about the overall style and finish you prefer so you select wall sconce lighting that complements your space. Modern wall sconces may feature components like a round frosted glass globe shade or a bold metal finish, while rustic wall sconces often include wood details or classic lantern silhouettes. Browse the variety of vintage sconces on Etsy including unique Art Deco sconces, antique sconces accented with glass or crystals, and mid-century modern sconces boasting bold, brilliant colors and unusual shapes.

    Whether you’re planning to add indoor or outdoor sconces to your home, these unique light fixtures will add an elevated look to any area by providing a stylish source of illumination. Here are some places to add wall sconces to give your home a new look:


    • Hallways and stairways: Install a sconce light fixture in a hallway to provide ambient light, or place several along a stairway to help guide your way.
    • Bedroom: Sconces for the bedroom are a swank replacement for traditional table lamps, and they also free up space on your nightstand. Install two matching sconces on either side of the bed for convenient, space-saving lighting and visual symmetry.
    • Living room: Add wall sconces to either side of your fireplace, or use indoor wall sconces with an adjustable arm or an up-light design to bring attention to your treasured works of art.
    • Bathroom: Replace traditional vanity lights with sleek wall sconces to add a glamorous element to your bathroom.
    • Outdoors: Wall sconces add a decorative element and additional lighting to your porch, deck, patio, or driveway. Use them to design a fun, festive, and inviting patio area that’s perfect for casual entertaining.

    Terms like modern, rustic, farmhouse, or vintage describe the visual style of wall sconces, but these light fixtures come in several different types based on how the light is installed, and what it’s used for.


    • Flush-mount sconces sit directly against or “flush” to the wall for a clean, modern look. The compact design makes them an excellent option for accent wall lighting or for use in a hallway.
    • Semi-flush mount sconces usually include a small arm or a raised section that extends from the wall plate, so the light protrudes outward. This design is excellent for a bathroom sconce you can install on either side of a mirror in lieu of vanity lights.
    • Spotlight or picture light sconces are specially designed to direct light onto various objects, such as a piece of wall art or a corner of the room that you want to highlight.
    • Candle sconces don’t use lightbulbs at all. Instead, these decorative accents attach to your walls, and you simply add a candle to create a warm glow.
    • Wallchieres are a type of sconce light that’s similar to a torchiere floor lamp. These fixtures feature a slender “candlestick” attached to the wall plate, and a petite shade is placed over the top of the bulb for soft, warm illumination.
    • Half-moon wall sconces feature a curvy, half-moon-shaped shade that’s usually made of glass. The curvaceous silhouette and clean aesthetic give these sconces a beautiful look that works well in hallways or outside on a front porch.
    • Lantern sconces are a beautiful choice for a rustic or farmhouse-inspired home. The fixture itself is shaped just like a lantern, but you can add a lightbulb to create a permanent light fixture for your bedroom, hallway, or patio area.