It’s the details that make a house a home.
Sure, solid walls, floors and a roof are necessary, but it’s only when you begin furnishing your nest with rugs, framed prints, vases, soft furnishings, curtains and the like that it starts to build character and become that warm, welcoming space that is your haven from the world.
Lighting is part of this delicate equation. The right lights can completely transform a space, giving it a mood and theatre. From mood lighting in the lounge and bedroom to task lighting in the kitchen, the proper illumination can be… well, illuminating.
Wall sconces are a great way to introduce secondary lighting to a room, especially if the overhead Big Light is the only other option.
What is a wall sconce?
They differ slightly from your garden variety wall lights as with a sconce, a bare bulb sits behind a shade (usually metal or glass), rather than directly underneath it. This means light is thrown upwards in an uplighting effect that bathes the rest of the room in a softer glow. For fans of glowy lighting, it’s a winner.
What is the best room to install wall sconces?
The beauty of wall sconces is that they can be put anywhere, from over the bed to give you proper light when you’re reading to a reading nook for accent lighting that won’t take up any room. They look great on either side of a bathroom mirror, offering a swish hotel effect at home. Get wireless or rechargeable ones and you can install them without needing an expensive electrician.
Are wall sconces old-fashioned?
They are - in fact, sconces are some of the earliest forms of lighting fixtures. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. These days vintage is in vogue, especially in interiors. There’s inspiration on how to incorporate sconces into interiors all over the internet, from Instagram to Pinterest. As they’re generally sold in pairs, they’re ideal for creating or maintaining the symmetry of a space.
If you’re looking for exciting lighting ideas to light up your home, we’ve lined up the best in show. Across styles, themes and budgets, find our edit of the best wall sconces below.
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Pooky Gatsby wall sconce
From luxe lighting specialist Pooky comes this Art Deco-inspired sconce, made with glamorous tilted squares of alabaster and polished brass. A bulb sits close to the wall behind the stone, shining through it when turned on and casting a diffused light. An opulent choice for the kitchen, home bar or dining room.
Buy now £112.00, Pooky
TRIVIDHA Modern Marble Wall Lamps
Adding pattern and texture to walls, this pair of contemporary sconces Is so much more than simply lighting fixtures. The pieces are made from elongated ovals of marble cradled in a strong iron frame. We like the idea of installing them between a hallway or bathroom mirror.
Buy now £115.99, Amazon
JIMUBEAM Industrial 2-Lights Wall Light Lamps
For something more traditional, look no further than these linen-shaded lamps, designed to be mounted to the wall. The simple look can transform bedrooms and sofa walls, giving it a look of timeless elegance that will serve as decoration as much as lighting.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon
MZStech E14 Crystal Golden Base Wall Sconces
If you’re going to go for it - why not go big? These beautiful gold and crystal-themed sconces roar with vintage glamour and will shine anywhere, from beside the TV, on bedroom walls or over a dressing table. The design takes E14 LED bulbs for long-lasting use.
Buy now £169.98, Amazon
La Redoute Dolkie Raffia Wall Light
Trade metal for the warm, boho charms of raffia and you will be rewarded. La Redoute’s Dolkie design includes a scallop trim, ticking off even more squares on your interiors bingo card. Supported by an epoxy steel frame, each unit is sold solo so if you want two or more you’ll have to pay for extra.
Buy now £70.00, La Redoute
Graham & Green Gold Leaves Wall Light
Graham & Green’s elegant light fixture brings the beauty of the natural world indoors, using a bouquet of leaves to cradle the soft light that will emanate within. The iron frame is finished with antique gold-coloured paint and will shine brightest in a pair or a trio. Requires professional installation.
Buy now £85.00, Graham & Green
Rockett St George Antique Brass Curve Disc Wall Light
Lighting can be about more than simply bringing brightness to a dark space. This sculptural wall light feels like an art piece even when it’s not switched on. The statement wall light is made up of curved metal discs in an alluring antique brass shade. Accent lighting at its finest.
Buy now £120.00, Rockett St George
M&S Monroe Wall Light
From M&S, who happens to have a secretly brilliant lighting collection under its roof, comes this industrial-looking wall light - despite being called Monroe, presumably after the platinum-haired icon. The pin-up glamour pings to life when switched on, the bulb radiating light from the ribbed glass shade. It’s also available in a chrome style, which might feel better suited to bathrooms.
Buy now £59.00, M&S
Cath Kidston Canopy Bow Wall Light
Maximalists, rejoice! The return of excess in interiors is here. Queen of twee Cath Kidston has launched new homewares exclusively at Next and it's full of darling details to bring some whimsical magic into your home. A prime example? This bow-finished wall light is topped with a striped shade and gently scalloped contrast trim. Delightful from every angle.
Buy now £50.00, Next
