How to Choose a Wall Sconce
Find the perfect wall sconce to go with every application.
Use this wall sconce buying guide to help you find the perfect wall light for your home, inside or out. Wall sconces encompass a large selection of different wall lights, from wall washers to swinging lights. Find out which one you like the best for your home's needs and your design taste.
Interior versus Exterior Wall Sconces
Wall lights look great both indoors and out, but make sure you check what the UL rating is for the wall sconce. This will determine whether it can be located in wet or dry locations. Also, you can always put an outdoor wall light indoors.
UL Rating
The UL listing lets you know whether or not that particular light fixture is able to withstand the outdoor elements.
- UL Dry is typically for indoor uses, where no moisture or water can affect the lamp. These can only be located indoors in dry rooms, such as a kitchen, hallway, or living room.
- UL Damp is preferred for porches or under overhangs, where the fixture is somewhat protected from direct contact with moisture and water. These can be located in a bathroom or under a porch.
- UL Wet is able to withstand dense fog, rain, and snow and does not need to be covered. These can come in direct contact with moisture, such as an area without a porch overhang, or in a shower.
Types of Wall Sconces
These are the six most common types of wall lights. Most are either meant for a specific type of location or are meant to create a particular design look and feel.
Wall Washers
- Washes or evenly spreads light across the wall
- Accent lighting option
Wall washers spread light across a wall, which offers a different design potential. These fixtures create the effect that the walls are splashed with light.
Wallchieres
- Defined by ornate, decorative details
- Decorative lighting option
Wallchieres dress up your home’s decor with intricate details and designs. From the artistic way these extend from the wall, to the long intricate details, wallchieres add both light and style.
Lantern Wall Sconces
- Popular look for exterior lighting
- Ambient lighting options
Lantern style wall lights look great as exterior wall sconces. Either near an exterior door, or installed on either side of your garage door, lanterns look great and keep your home lit up well.
Swing Arm Wall Lights
- Substitute for a desk lamp
- Task lighting option
Swing arms illuminate the area thanks to the unique ability to swing to and aim light exactly where you need it. Since these install on the wall, swing arm lights eliminate the need for floor or desk space, which a standard lamp requires.
Picture Lights
- Shine light on a picture or painting
- Accent lighting option
Picture lights direct the eye to the artistry of a photograph or painting. The look provides the same distinguished feel of an art gallery at your home.
Sign Lights
- Meant to illuminate an exterior sign
- Accent lighting option
Besides making exterior signs - such as house numbers and name plates - visible at night, consider using sign lighting to accent wall gardens and other outdoor design details.
Wall Sconce Design
From the always-popular classics like candle wall sconces, to the latest trends of lanterns or Barn style lights, make sure you know what everyone is talking about before you choose the perfect match for your home's style.
Popular Wall Sconce Styles
Wall Sconce Trends
Wall Sconces by Bulb Type
