What height should a wall sconce be mounted at?

A reliable general rule is 60 to 66 inches from the finished floor to the center of the fixture. For a bedside reading sconce, drop this to around 55 to 60 inches so the light falls on the page rather than into your eyes. Always check the specific product instructions before drilling.

Do wall sconces need to be hardwired?

Not always. Plug-in wall sconces have a power cord that you route to a nearby outlet, so no wiring work is needed. Hardwired sconces connect to a junction box in the wall and leave no visible cord, but they do require either existing wiring in the right position or electrical work to install.

Can you use a wall sconce as a reading light?

Yes. A wall-mounted reading sconce positioned at bedside height is one of the most practical uses. Look for a directional arm or a downward shade so the beam falls on the page rather than spreading across the ceiling, and choose a dimmable model if you want to read at different light levels.

What is the difference between a wall sconce and a wall light?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly, a sconce refers to a bracket-mounted fixture that holds the bulb, while a wall light is any electric light mounted directly to a wall surface. In practice, both describe decorative wall-mounted fixtures used for ambient or accent lighting.

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Wall Sconces & Wall Lights

Wall sconces and wall lights mount at eye level to layer soft, directional light into a bedroom, hallway, dining area or living room without occupying any floor or surface space. Browse plug-in styles that need no electrician, geometric and industrial metal fixtures, and warm LED globe designs suited to a bedside reading position or a corridor accent. Every order ships free to a US address.

How do you choose a wall sconce for a bedroom or hallway?

Start with the installation type. Plug-in wall sconces have a cord that routes to a standard outlet — no electrician needed — while hardwired fixtures connect directly to an existing junction box and leave no visible cord. For a bedside reading light, mount the sconce so the center of the shade sits between 55 and 65 inches from the floor, roughly shoulder height when sitting against the pillows. For a hallway or corridor, 60 to 72 inches from the floor keeps the fixture above door-handle height and throws light forward rather than into eyes. Check the listed wattage and whether the sconce is dimmable, and measure the wall space carefully — most sconces extend 5 to 8 inches from the wall, so confirm there is clearance from shelves, artwork and adjacent furniture before mounting.

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Common questions

What height should a wall sconce be mounted at?: A reliable general rule is 60 to 66 inches from the finished floor to the center of the fixture. For a bedside reading sconce, drop this to around 55 to 60 inches so the light falls on the page rather than into your eyes. Always check the specific product instructions before drilling.
Do wall sconces need to be hardwired?: Not always. Plug-in wall sconces have a power cord that you route to a nearby outlet, so no wiring work is needed. Hardwired sconces connect to a junction box in the wall and leave no visible cord, but they do require either existing wiring in the right position or electrical work to install.
Can you use a wall sconce as a reading light?: Yes. A wall-mounted reading sconce positioned at bedside height is one of the most practical uses. Look for a directional arm or a downward shade so the beam falls on the page rather than spreading across the ceiling, and choose a dimmable model if you want to read at different light levels.
What is the difference between a wall sconce and a wall light?: The terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly, a sconce refers to a bracket-mounted fixture that holds the bulb, while a wall light is any electric light mounted directly to a wall surface. In practice, both describe decorative wall-mounted fixtures used for ambient or accent lighting.