Wall sconces are one of the most versatile lighting categories they can be primary light, task light or accent light depending on how you specify them.

Modern Wall Sconces

Clean lines, sculptural forms, restrained finishes. Modern sconces work in almost every room; their neutrality is their advantage. Best for contemporary, transitional and minimalist interiors.

Brass & Gold Wall Sconces

The finish having its moment across US interiors right now. Brass ages beautifully — a fresh installation looks different at five years, developing a patina that deepens the tone. Best for warm-neutral palettes and any room where you want the sconce itself to be part of the decor.

Alabaster & Marble Wall Sconces

Natural stone with light passing through it. Alabaster glows softly when lit, throwing a warm, honeyed light that no glass shade can replicate. Marble has visible veining that makes every piece unique. Best for bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms where you want atmosphere over brightness.

Crystal Wall Sconces

For formal dining rooms, entryways, and any space where you want the sconce to catch light and throw reflections. Best in transitional and traditional interiors, or as a deliberate contrast piece in a modern room.

Swing Arm Wall Sconces

Adjustable-arm sconces for reading beside the bed, over a chair, or in a home office. The most practical wall light in the collection — you can direct the light where you need it, night by night.

Picture Lights

Designed to wash artwork with soft, even light without glare. Mounted directly above a painting, print or photograph.

Plug-In vs Hardwired Wall Sconces

Most of our sconces are hardwired. Select designs are available as plug-in versions for renters, period homes, or any space where adding a junction box isn't practical. If you need a specific design converted to plug-in, our team can advise at order.

How to Choose the Right Wall Sconce

By room.

• Bedroom: Pairs of sconces mounted on either side of the bed. Choose swing-arm for reading, fixed for pure ambience.
• Bathroom: One sconce on each side of the mirror at face height. Look for damp-rated designs.
• Hallway & staircase: Space sconces 6–8 feet apart along the wall, mounted at eye level.
• Living room: Sconces framing a fireplace, artwork or a piece of furniture. Almost always used in pairs.
• Dining room: Sconces on either side of the room to soften the contrast between a bright overhead chandelier and darker wall zones.

By style.

• Modern / contemporary: clean-lined brass, alabaster, matte black
• Traditional / transitional: crystal, aged brass, candle-style
• Coastal / farmhouse: rattan, aged bronze, patinated finishes
• Industrial: blackened metal, exposed bulb, swing arm

Wall Sconce Placement Guide

Mounting height — general rule: 60–66 inches from the floor (roughly eye level for an average-height adult standing).

Bedroom / bedside sconces: 48 inches from the floor, or shoulder height when seated in bed. If you're using swing-arm sconces for reading, position the arm so the bulb sits just above shoulder height when you're propped up.

Bathroom mirror sconces: Face height (around 60–65 inches from the floor for most vanities). One sconce on each side of the mirror gives you shadow-free light on your face — a single overhead fixture won't do this.

Hallway sconces: 60–72 inches from the floor. Space them 6–8 feet apart along the wall.

Living room / dining room sconces: 60–66 inches from the floor. When flanking a fireplace or artwork, keep the top of the sconce roughly aligned with the top of the object they're framing.

Spacing between sconces: For a pair flanking a bed, artwork or fireplace, space them so they're balanced against the object between them — usually 60–72 inches apart when framing a queen or king bed.

ADA compliance (commercial projects): Wall sconces should not project more than 4 inches from the wall when mounted between 27 and 80 inches above the floor. Most modern low-profile sconces meet this automatically.

Materials & Craft

Every fixture in this collection is chosen for how it handles light and how it looks switched off. Marble and alabaster deliver a soft, natural glow that's almost impossible to replicate with any manufactured shade. Brass ages into a warmer, deeper tone over years of use — its living quality is why brass has been the material of choice for wall lighting from Art Deco through mid-century to now. Crystal catches and throws light against the wall behind it, adding sparkle no matte finish can. Blackened metal and matte black finishes anchor sconces in modern and industrial interiors where you want the fixture to read as architecture rather than decoration.

If the exact size, finish or arm length you need isn't in the collection, our bespoke service can adapt any design or build one from scratch to match your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a wall sconce and a wall light?

The terms are used interchangeably in most US retail contexts. Technically, "wall sconce" refers to a decorative wall-mounted fixture often with an ornamental or directional design while "wall light" is a broader category covering any wall-mounted fixture, including more utilitarian ones. In practice, most modern wall sconces and wall lights overlap.

How high should I hang a wall sconce?

The standard is 60–66 inches from the floor for general rooms and hallways. For bedside sconces, mount them 48 inches from the floor or at shoulder height when seated in bed. Bathroom mirror sconces should sit at face height, roughly 60–65 inches from the floor.

How far apart should wall sconces be placed?

For a pair flanking a bed, artwork or fireplace, 60–72 inches apart works for most spaces. In hallways, space sconces 6–8 feet apart along the wall for balanced coverage.

Do you sell plug-in wall sconces?

Yes select designs in this collection are available as plug-in versions, ideal for renters, period homes, or any space where hardwiring isn't practical. If you'd like a specific design converted to plug-in, contact us before ordering and our team will confirm.

Are your wall sconces suitable for bathrooms?

Many designs are but not all. Bathroom sconces need to be damp-rated for use near a vanity. If you're specifying for a bathroom, ask our team to confirm the rating on your selected fixture before ordering.

Do you ship wall sconces to the United States?

Yes. All NYRA fixtures ship to the US with free shipping and all customs duties and import taxes included. Fixtures are built to US electrical standards (110–120V), with UL-compatible components on request.

Can wall sconces be dimmable?

Most designs pair with a compatible dimmer switch. Specify triac, 0–10V or DALI dimming at order — our team will confirm compatibility before production.