I view wall sconces and picture lights as the icing on top. They instantly elevate your home into higher end and custom without costing a lot. They add personality and mood to any space. The key to making your home feel unique and personalized is to “layer”. This goes for everything from furniture to textiles to accessories, but you also should do it with your lighting and sconces are the perfect way to do it.

The sconces in the hallway above are not 100% necessary, but they do give the space some extra character and when turned on at night they highlight the art and create an inviting mood.

How to choose the right sconce or picture light…

First of all, what’s the difference between a sconce and a picture light?

They both hang on the wall and they can both highlight art or an architectural feature. A sconce can be flush with the wall but can also hang on an arm that moves. Some sconces have light that points up and some have light that points down. A picture light is placed above and made to point down specifically to highlight art, bookshelves or some other point of interest.

Above: Brass picture light placed above art

Above: Wall sconces shown in Bedroom, Office and Bathroom

Sconces are best placed in pairs or multiples and work well when framing a feature by placing on either side.

Common areas to place Sconces

1. Bathroom on either side of mirror.

2. Bedroom on either side of bed above bedside table or on either side of a dresser.

3. Hallway

4. Anywhere you have a doorway. It sort of sets the mood for the entry.

5. Office behind desk for extra task lighting.

6. Either side of fireplace.

7. Either side of bookshelves.

8. Either side of a mirror or art.

9. Either side of a window.

Tip: You do not need to hardwire a sconce. Hide the wire inside the back of the fixture. Install sconce to wall like normal. Add battery powered or puck light instead of electric lightbulb and use a remote control to power on.