Overhead lighting is overrated; this much we know. That's why you may have noticed sconces making the rounds lately; in particular, candle sconces.
Olivia Culpo is on board with the trend, having recently shared a clip of her entryway lighting, featuring an elegant, modern candlelabra-style sconce, set against a round black-and-white marble.
The traditional silhouette of the candlesticks gives the wall an antique feel, while the marble backing adds some texture and contemporary sensibilities. It's a look we are fixated on, and one designers back, too.
Shop the Candle Sconce Edit
Form meets flame in this clean-lined, paper-inspired piece crafted from sturdy ceramic stoneware. Mount it facing up or down to play with the sculptural swoop and the shadows it casts – a simple shift that changes the entire mood of a room.
This barely-there bow is unexpectedly sophisticated, rendered all laissez-faire in a patinated metal finish that strikes the balance between edgy and sweet. It carries enough gravitas to hang solo – or, naturally, doubled-up as living room wall lighting to make the grand even grander.
Few pieces deliver more bang for your buck than Anthropologie’s scalloped-edge candle sconce. Whether used as a bedroom lighting idea, or in a dining room, or hallway, it instantly punches up a space's energy with its playful presence.
Design insiders tell us that sconces have long been a go-to lighting choice due to their unassuming yet impactful abilities, as well as their utilitarian nature.
'Wall sconces are perfect for adding soft, directional lighting that can highlight artwork, frame a mirror, or provide task lighting in functional spaces like a bathroom or hallway,' says Westchester-based designer Nina Lichtenstein.
'Unlike overhead lights that can sometimes feel harsh, sconces offer a more subtle, focused light. Adjustable swing-arm sconces are ideal for bedside or desk use, while flush-mounted or hardwired sconces create a streamlined look along walls or staircases.'
For the candle look specifically, we have scored the market for some truly amazing picks, and we have to share them: this super-modern, white sconce from Moda Operandi is a need for any contemporary entryway, while this scalloped metal candle holder from Anthropologie is showstopping and affordable at only $24.
Regardless of which style you go for, you can be sure that the lighting addition will be a fixture in your home for years to come.
