Install Wall Sconces
Wall sconces add a layer of ambient and accent lighting that recessed cans alone cannot achieve. Flanking a fireplace, lining a hallway wall, or framing built-in shelving, sconces create warm pools of light at eye level that make a living room feel intimate and architecturally finished.
Time Required
2-4 hours
Cost
$150-$600 per sconce
Difficulty
Moderate
Placement Guidelines
Set the mounting height
The center of the sconce should be 60-66 inches from the floor in rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings. For taller ceilings (9-10 feet), raise the mounting point to 66-72 inches. The goal is to position the light source at or slightly above eye level so it doesn't create glare.
Space sconces symmetrically
When flanking a fireplace, mirror, or piece of art, place sconces 6-10 inches from the outer edge on each side. For a series along a wall, space them 6-8 feet apart. Symmetry is critical with sconces as even a 1-inch discrepancy is noticeable at eye level.
Plan the wiring during rough-in
Hardwired sconces need a junction box in the wall at the exact mounting location. Run 14/2 Romex from the switch location to each sconce box. This must be done before drywall goes up. Mark locations with blue tape and verify with your designer before the electrician cuts boxes.
Hardwired vs. Plug-In Sconces
- Hardwired (recommended for renovations): Connects directly to your electrical system with no visible cord. Controlled by a wall switch or dimmer. This is the cleaner, more permanent option and the obvious choice when walls are already open during a renovation.
- Plug-in with cord cover: Mounts on the wall but plugs into a nearby outlet. The cord can be hidden with a paintable cord cover channel. A good fallback if you missed the rough-in window or want flexibility to move the sconce later.
- Rechargeable battery sconces: Completely wireless, no wiring or outlet needed. Modern options last 6-12 months between charges. Limited brightness and not suitable as primary lighting, but useful for accent lighting in difficult-to-wire locations.
- Switch options: Hardwired sconces can be controlled by a standard toggle, dimmer, or smart switch. Placing sconces on the same dimmer as recessed lights lets you balance the two layers seamlessly.
Style Selection
- Up-light sconces: Direct light upward toward the ceiling, creating soft ambient glow. Best for rooms where you want gentle, diffused illumination without harsh downward shadows.
- Down-light sconces: Focus light downward, ideal for reading nooks or highlighting a piece of furniture below. Creates more dramatic shadows and focused pools of light.
- Up-and-down sconces: Cast light both ways for maximum ambient effect. The most versatile option and the most popular for living rooms flanking a fireplace.
- Shaded sconces: A fabric or glass shade diffuses the bulb for soft, glare-free light. Choose a shade material that complements your lamp shades and ceiling fixtures for a cohesive look.
- Projection matters: Sconces that stick out more than 4 inches from the wall can feel intrusive in narrow spaces. Low-profile options (2-3 inch projection) work best alongside walkways or in smaller rooms.
Pro Tips
- •Buy the sconce before roughing in: Different fixtures have different junction box placements (center mount, top mount, bottom mount). Having the fixture in hand ensures the electrician places the box correctly.
- •Match the metal finish throughout: Sconces, recessed trim, switch plates, and cabinet hardware should share the same finish family (brushed brass, matte black, polished nickel). Mixing metals intentionally is fine, but accidental mismatches look careless.
- •Always put sconces on a dimmer: Sconces at full brightness can be overpowering and unflattering. A dimmer lets you dial them down to a warm glow for evening ambiance, which is when sconces shine.