Keep end tables free of clutter and always have an effective reading light with a pair of wall-mounted light fixtures
Recently I was looking for an effective reading light for my sofa. The end-table-and-lamp combination won’t work in my small apartment, and sometimes a floor lamp is just too much.
Enter the wall sconce. This is a great solution if you don’t have end tables or want to keep your end tables free of clutter. Plus, wall sconces can add a little piece of jewelry to a room’s overall look.
Enter the wall sconce. This is a great solution if you don’t have end tables or want to keep your end tables free of clutter. Plus, wall sconces can add a little piece of jewelry to a room’s overall look.
Sconce Size and Style Considerations
Interior decorator Nancy Harper of Studio Miel likes to select a sconce beginning with the function for which it will be used and the type of light the sconce casts. “Is it mood lighting you are after or task lighting?” she says. “Are you trying to light a specific piece of artwork? Once you know the type of sconce you need, you can pick one that is appropriately sized for the space and in the style you want.”
In the Washington, D.C., condo shown here, she wanted to provide some task lighting that would function the same way lamps on a side table would. “Since table lamps weren’t an option, we installed sconces to provide additional light for reading and to create a warm glow for when the homeowner was entertaining,” she says.
A Beginner’s Guide to Lighting in Layers
Interior decorator Nancy Harper of Studio Miel likes to select a sconce beginning with the function for which it will be used and the type of light the sconce casts. “Is it mood lighting you are after or task lighting?” she says. “Are you trying to light a specific piece of artwork? Once you know the type of sconce you need, you can pick one that is appropriately sized for the space and in the style you want.”
In the Washington, D.C., condo shown here, she wanted to provide some task lighting that would function the same way lamps on a side table would. “Since table lamps weren’t an option, we installed sconces to provide additional light for reading and to create a warm glow for when the homeowner was entertaining,” she says.
A Beginner’s Guide to Lighting in Layers
Your taste and the style of the room will dictate the style of the sconce, and the size of the furnishings will likely affect the size. Big, bulky furniture might call for a chunkier sconce, while sleeker, streamlined pieces often warrant a daintier fixture.
Browse wall sconces
Browse wall sconces
The way a sconce operates plays a big role in its placement. You’ll want to do a good dry run-through of any situation in which the light will be used. For instance, “if you have a swing-arm, you want to be sure it can swing above someone’s head if they are sitting on the sofa,” designer Lisa Perry says.
The antique-style sconces shown here are set high above the raised nook seating to give plenty of headroom for reading.
The antique-style sconces shown here are set high above the raised nook seating to give plenty of headroom for reading.
Eyeball the Arrangement for the Right Composition
Unlike, say, hanging an art piece (whose midpoint should typically be at eye level), when it comes to wall sconces, you or your designer will place them where they provide optimum illumination and look good to your eye.
“We don’t follow a standard rule of thumb, but instead look at the big picture,” Harper says. “Art, furniture, ceiling height and the function of the sconces themselves are all taken into account.”
Perry chose wall sconces in the space seen here to keep the end tables clutter-free. She placed these white plug-in swing-arm sconces to balance the arrangement of the furniture and framed artworks against a darker accent wall.
Find a pro to help design your space
Unlike, say, hanging an art piece (whose midpoint should typically be at eye level), when it comes to wall sconces, you or your designer will place them where they provide optimum illumination and look good to your eye.
“We don’t follow a standard rule of thumb, but instead look at the big picture,” Harper says. “Art, furniture, ceiling height and the function of the sconces themselves are all taken into account.”
Perry chose wall sconces in the space seen here to keep the end tables clutter-free. She placed these white plug-in swing-arm sconces to balance the arrangement of the furniture and framed artworks against a darker accent wall.
Find a pro to help design your space
Do You Want Hardwired or Plug-In Sconces?
Hardwired sconces. For a wire-free look like in the space seen here, you would connect the sconces to your home’s electrical system behind the wall. (If you aren’t experienced with this type of wiring, it’s best to call in a licensed electrician.)
Plug-in sconces. Portable, plug-in wall sconces give you freedom to quickly mount them on a wall yourself. You would plug their wiring into a nearby outlet, typically just above the baseboard or floor. Many plug-in sconces are designed with cord disguises, or the cords are part of their design (the first photo in this story shows a good example).
Browse plug-in wall sconces
Hardwired sconces. For a wire-free look like in the space seen here, you would connect the sconces to your home’s electrical system behind the wall. (If you aren’t experienced with this type of wiring, it’s best to call in a licensed electrician.)
Plug-in sconces. Portable, plug-in wall sconces give you freedom to quickly mount them on a wall yourself. You would plug their wiring into a nearby outlet, typically just above the baseboard or floor. Many plug-in sconces are designed with cord disguises, or the cords are part of their design (the first photo in this story shows a good example).
Browse plug-in wall sconces
How to Install Plug-In Sconces Over Your Sofa
You can install plug-in sconces yourself, but installing two at the exact same height takes a few tools and a bit of planning. A friend to help out is always beneficial too.
Tools and Materials
1. Commit to the placement of your furniture, lights and any wall art. The last thing you need is to anchor your fixtures into the wall only to realize you actually want your sofa moved over six inches, which would completely throw off your arrangement.
2. Determine how high you want your light source to be. Keep in mind that the location of the mounting plate is not necessarily the actual light source. The bulb in a swing-arm sconce might be higher or lower than the plate. When you’ve determined the proper height and position for your first light’s mounting plate, make a pencil mark there.
3. Use the tape measure to determine the distance between your mark and the floor. Then measure how far the mark is from the sofa. Move to the other side of the sofa and repeat the measurements.
4. Attach your sconces. If your fixture feels heavy, use a drywall anchor, which can hold 50 to 75 pounds without the need to anchor to a stud. I also recommend using an anchor if your fixture has a pull-chain mechanism that you’ll be yanking on several times a day. If you’re still worried about the anchor’s loosening in the drywall over time, consider anchoring your fixture directly to a stud within the wall. If you have a square backplate, use a level to ensure the plates are straight.
Use the same method for wall sconces above your bed, bookshelf or fireplace.
You can install plug-in sconces yourself, but installing two at the exact same height takes a few tools and a bit of planning. A friend to help out is always beneficial too.
Tools and Materials
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level (if your mounting plate is square)
- Drywall anchors or screws
- Power drill (optional but highly recommended)
1. Commit to the placement of your furniture, lights and any wall art. The last thing you need is to anchor your fixtures into the wall only to realize you actually want your sofa moved over six inches, which would completely throw off your arrangement.
2. Determine how high you want your light source to be. Keep in mind that the location of the mounting plate is not necessarily the actual light source. The bulb in a swing-arm sconce might be higher or lower than the plate. When you’ve determined the proper height and position for your first light’s mounting plate, make a pencil mark there.
3. Use the tape measure to determine the distance between your mark and the floor. Then measure how far the mark is from the sofa. Move to the other side of the sofa and repeat the measurements.
4. Attach your sconces. If your fixture feels heavy, use a drywall anchor, which can hold 50 to 75 pounds without the need to anchor to a stud. I also recommend using an anchor if your fixture has a pull-chain mechanism that you’ll be yanking on several times a day. If you’re still worried about the anchor’s loosening in the drywall over time, consider anchoring your fixture directly to a stud within the wall. If you have a square backplate, use a level to ensure the plates are straight.
Use the same method for wall sconces above your bed, bookshelf or fireplace.