24 Wall Sconce Ideas For Bedrooms You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner
If you’ve ever tried to read in bed with a table lamp that basically shines light only on your forehead, then you already know why bedroom wall sconces feel like pure magic.
I’ve installed more sconces than I care to admit, and trust me, they change everything. Want better mood lighting? Done.
Want to free up your nightstand space? Easy. Want your bedroom to finally look like an actual adults-only space and not a half-finished college dorm? Sconces handle that too.
So if you’ve ever wondered which wall sconce ideas actually look good in a bedroom—or why some work better than others—you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk lighting like friends who appreciate great ambiance 🙂
1. Classic Swing-Arm Sconces
I swear swing-arm sconces save me more space than any “clever” bedroom hack circulating online.
These guys adjust however you need them to, so you get practical lighting and the room feels instantly intentional.
Why they work so well:
- Flexible movement lets you angle the light for reading.
- Timeless design matches nearly any bedroom style.
- Space-saving since they mount right above the nightstand.
Ever tried shifting a bedside lamp every time you want to turn over? Exactly.
2. Minimalist Cone Sconces
Minimalist cone sconces keep things clean and modern without trying too hard. I love them because they add shape without screaming, “Look at me!”
Use them if you want that crisp, magazine-worthy bedroom look.
3. Fabric Shade Sconces for Soft Glow
Fabric shades create the soft ambient light everyone secretly wants but pretends they don’t need.
They instantly warm a bedroom, and IMO, they feel cozier than any other sconce style.
Best placements:
- Above a nightstand
- On both sides of the bed for symmetry
- Near a reading chair for evening wind-downs
4. Industrial Metal Sconces
If your bedroom style leans rugged or masculine, industrial sconces hit the mark.
They deliver a bold, no-nonsense look—but without making the room feel cold.
Look for:
- Matte black finishes
- Exposed hardware
- Cage-style shades
Ever wonder why industrial lighting looks so good against warm wood furniture? Contrast, my friend.
5. Globe Sconces for Modern Charm
A frosted globe sconce instantly softens a wall while keeping things chic.
I use these when I want a bedroom to feel modern but still welcoming.
Place a pair on either side of the bed for that subtle symmetry designers obsess over.
6. Art Deco Sconces
Art Deco sconces bring elegance and drama in the best way.
Think curved lines, shiny metal finishes, and bold geometry.
Perfect for bedrooms that need personality without overcomplicating things.
7. Rustic Wood-Backed Sconces
I always recommend wood-backed sconces when someone wants a warm, earthy vibe.
They instantly soften the walls and add texture.
Great fits include:
- Farmhouse bedrooms
- Rustic cabins
- Boho-style spaces
FYI, they look especially good next to linen bedding.
8. Crystal Accent Sconces
Crystal sconces don’t have to feel over-the-top.
Use them if you want to add a little glam—or what I call “quiet luxury on a budget.”
They reflect light beautifully and elevate even the most basic bedroom setup.
9. LED Strip-Style Sconces
These sleek, linear lights work beautifully in modern and minimalist bedrooms.
I like them because they give off strong illumination without taking up visual space.
Install them vertically beside the bed for a clean, architectural vibe.
10. Antique Brass Sconces
Antique brass brings warmth and old-world charm without feeling outdated.
I love using these to balance cooler bedroom palettes.
Ever notice how brass makes a space feel instantly more expensive? That’s the magic.
11. Candle-Style Wall Sconces
No, you don’t need real flames to get the look.
Candle-style sconces bring romance and softness without the fire hazard.
Use them when your bedroom needs ambience—not task lighting.
12. Articulating Arm Sconces
Articulating sconces offer superior flexibility.
You can pull them closer, swing them out, or tuck them away when not in use.
They create a perfect reading nook without requiring floor or table space.
If your bedroom is small, these are a game-changer.
13. Plug-In Wall Sconces (Renter-Friendly!)
If you rent—or if you simply hate complex wiring—plug-in sconces are your best friends.
Why they’re great:
- Easy to install
- Stylish
- Moveable whenever you redesign
IMO, plug-in sconces are the quickest way to make a room look styled without renovations.
Ever hung one in ten minutes and felt like an electrician? Same.
14. Statement Sculptural Sconces
Want your sconce to double as wall art?
Sculptural sconces bring drama and visual interest even when turned off.
Choose something bold and unusual to turn your bedroom lighting into a conversation piece.
15. Bamboo or Rattan Sconces
Natural materials keep things light and breezy.
Rattan and bamboo sconces work beautifully for boho, coastal, or organic-modern bedrooms.
They soften harsh lighting and create that “vacation vibe” we all secretly want.
16. Vertical Tube Sconces
Vertical tube sconces deliver sleek, elongated lighting that flatters every surface.
I love them beside tall headboards because they add height and structure.
Use warm LED bulbs so the light feels cozy instead of sterile.
17. Backlit Panel Sconces
These sconces give off a subtle halo effect that looks unbelievably soothing in bedrooms.
Perfect when you want soft indirect light instead of direct beams.
Ever walked into a fancy spa? Yeah, it’s that vibe.
18. Adjustable Spotlight Sconces
Spotlight sconces let you shine the light exactly where you want it.
If you read in bed, craft, or work on a laptop in the evening, these deliver targeted illumination.
Just aim them away from your partner unless you want war.
19. Transparent Glass Sconces
Clear glass sconces brighten a bedroom by letting the bulb shine more directly.
I pick these when I want maximum light output without bulky fixtures.
Tip: Use warm Edison-style bulbs for a softer look.
20. Dark Metal Sconces
Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze sconces create a moody, sophisticated vibe.
They pair beautifully with dark bedding, velvet headboards, or wood paneling.
Use these when you want your bedroom to feel like a boutique hotel suite.
21. Sculptural LED Ring Sconces
Ring sconces bring a futuristic touch to bedrooms.
They provide soft ambient lighting and act as a modern focal point.
If you love ultra-modern design, this style feels like the right move.
22. Shaded Reading Sconces
Some sconces angle the shade downwards so you get focused reading light without disturbing the room’s ambiance.
I love these in compact bedrooms because they keep your nightstand clutter-free.
Ever feel personally attacked by bedside cables? These reduce that chaos.
23. Vintage Farmhouse Sconces
Vintage farmhouse sconces add rustic charm and character.
I use them in bedrooms that need warmth and personality.
Look for:
- Distressed metals
- Seeded glass shades
- Soft warm bulbs
They check every box for cozy style.
24. Hidden, Recessed Sconces
Recessed sconces blend right into the wall for an ultra-clean look.
They give off beautiful accent lighting without sticking out—literally.
Perfect for minimalist bedrooms or smaller spaces that need unobtrusive lighting.
Ever wish your lighting could “just exist” without being noticed? This is that.
How to Choose the Right Bedroom Wall Sconce
Choosing a sconce isn’t hard when you break it down into a few simple categories.
1. Decide the Purpose
Ask yourself what the sconce needs to do:
- Reading light
- Ambient glow
- Decorative statement
- Task lighting
2. Match the Bedroom Style
Pair sconces with existing materials:
- Warm metals for cozy bedrooms
- Black metal for modern or industrial spaces
- Fabric for soft, romantic styles
- Glass for maximum brightness
3. Consider Wiring
You need to choose between:
- Hardwired (cleaner but requires installation)
- Plug-in (easy and renter-friendly)
FYI, plug-in styles look great when you cover the cord with a cord cover painted to match the wall.
4. Pick the Right Height
Mount sconces roughly 5–6 feet from the floor.
Adjust based on headboard height so they’re comfortable to reach.
Ever installed one too high and had to stretch like a gymnast to turn it off? Yeah… don’t do that.
Final Thoughts: Your Bedroom Deserves Lighting That Actually Works
Great lighting changes everything.
The right wall sconce makes your bedroom look polished, functional, and—let’s be honest—way more stylish than a basic table lamp ever could.
Whether you want cozy ambience, focused reading light, or a dramatic statement piece, there’s a sconce on this list that fits perfectly. So go ahead and pick one that speaks to you. Your bedroom will thank you later :/
And IMO, once you install your first sconce, you’ll wonder why you waited this long.

Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.