Swapping a bulky bedside lamp for a wall sconce is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to a bedroom. It clears space on the nightstand, puts light exactly where you need it and gives the room a more considered, hotel-like feel.
1. Decide what the light is for
If you read in bed, look for a directional sconce with a rotating head or a gooseneck arm so you can aim the beam onto the page without lighting the whole room. If the sconce is mainly for atmosphere, a diffused design such as glass, alabaster or stone gives a softer, all-around glow.
2. Get the height right
As a general guide, mount bedside sconces about 20 to 24 inches above the top of the mattress, and roughly 6 to 12 inches in from the outer edge of the nightstand. The light should fall on your shoulder and page, not directly into your eyes when you lie down.
3. Hardwired or cordless
Hardwired sconces give the cleanest look but require an electrical box and, ideally, an electrician. Plug-in and rechargeable cordless sconces install with a few screws or a magnetic mount, which makes them a good choice for renters or rooms without existing wiring. Always check each product page for the installation type before ordering.
4. Choose a material that suits the room
- Natural stone and travertine bring warmth and texture to neutral, minimalist bedrooms.
- Glass globes feel light and playful and suit modern or mid-century spaces.
- Woven rattan and bamboo soften a room and pair well with linen and wood.
- Slim metal and linear designs keep things clean and contemporary.
5. Keep it warm
For a bedroom, warm white light around 2700K to 3000K is the most restful. If a sconce offers adjustable color temperature, keep it on the warmest setting in the evening.
See our full range of wall sconces and the stone collection.