The Best Places To Put Sconces In Your Bedroom

Wall sconces are a great way to add a decorative touch to your bedroom while also providing task lighting for activities such as reading. When installing sconces in your bedroom, it's important to consider both the functionality and aesthetics of the placement. The ideal height for sconces in the bedroom is generally between 5 to 6 feet above the ground, or about 6 to 12 inches above your shoulder when sitting up against the headboard. You'll also want to ensure the sconces are easily accessible, with enough clearance from the bed and other furniture. In terms of horizontal spacing, you may want to centre the sconces over your nightstands or headboard, or get creative with off-centre placements to allow for artwork or other decorations.

Sconces as bedside reading lights

Sconces are a great option for bedside reading lights. They save precious nightstand space and are excellent reading lights, offering a more relaxed alternative to intense overhead lighting.

When installing sconces as bedside reading lights, the first step is to ensure your bed is centred against the wall. Then, you can measure 6-12 inches above your shoulder when sitting up against the headboard and place the sconce there. This usually works out to be about 5 feet above the ground, but as bed heights vary, it is important to take individual measurements. The sconce should also be placed no more than a foot from the edges of the bed.

If you have a swing arm sconce, you will want to ensure that when the arm is pushed closed, it still looks proportional to the headboard. It should also be close enough to the bed to be pulled in for reading but far enough away that it does not get in the way of someone sitting in bed.

If you are installing sconces before you have a bed in place, a good rule of thumb is to install them at eye level, which is usually 55 to 65 inches from the floor.

When considering the placement of sconces, it is also important to think about the brightness of the bulb. You will want a soft glow that provides a comfortable reading experience, rather than a harsh, bright light.

Sconces to free up nightstand space

Sconces are a great way to free up nightstand space in your bedroom. They are decorative lights that hang from the walls, adding a touch of elegance to the room. If you have a bedside table, a sconce can replace a table lamp, freeing up space for other items.

When installing sconces, it is important to consider their placement and functionality. The ideal height for sconces is generally around 5 feet above the ground, or about a foot above your shoulder when sitting up in bed. This ensures the light is easily accessible and provides ample illumination for reading or other tasks. However, the height may vary depending on individual preferences and the specific design of the sconce.

When positioning your sconces, it is recommended to place them 6-12 inches from the edge of the bed. This ensures that the light is close enough for reading but also allows for enough clearance from the top of the nightstand. You can also consider centring the sconces over the nightstand or placing them slightly off-centre to accommodate other design elements, such as artwork.

In terms of horizontal spacing, sconces are traditionally placed 6 feet apart in a long hallway or down a staircase. However, this may not always be applicable, and the placement should consider the length of the hallway or bedroom wall and any architectural features.

When choosing a sconce, consider its size, shape, colour, wattage, and brightness. You want a light bulb that provides a soft, warm glow rather than a harsh, bright light. Plug-in cord sconces are typically easier to install and do not require an electrician, while direct-wired sconces will need to be prewired and connected to a switch by a professional.

Sconces placed symmetrically or asymmetrically

When it comes to the placement of sconces in the bedroom, symmetry is often seen as the ideal. This is because symmetrically placed sconces create a sense of balance and harmony in the space. However, this doesn't mean that you can't experiment with asymmetrical placement. In fact, going against the grain can add a touch of personality and creativity to your bedroom.

If you're a stickler for symmetry, you'll want to place your sconces at equal distances from the centre of your headboard or the sides of your bed. This will create a sense of balance and visual appeal. A good rule of thumb is to place the sconces at eye level or slightly above, typically between 60 and 72 inches from the floor. This will ensure that the light source is not too high or too low, providing the perfect amount of illumination.

However, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try an asymmetrical look, you can play around with the placement of your sconces. Asymmetrical sconces can add a sense of movement and interest to the room. You can try placing them at different heights or positioning them closer to or further from the bed. For example, you could place one sconce at eye level and another slightly above or below it. Just remember to keep the overall balance of the room in mind and ensure that the sconces don't appear haphazardly placed.

The key to successful sconce placement, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, is to consider the functionality and aesthetics of the space. If you're a nighttime reader, ensure the sconces are placed comfortably for reading. Measure a few inches above your shoulder when sitting up in bed, and position the sconces accordingly. This will provide the ideal lighting for your evening reading sessions.

Additionally, don't be afraid to break the rules and trust your eye. While guidelines can be helpful, ultimately, you should do what feels right for your space. Play around with different placements and see what works best for your bedroom. Remember, lighting can drastically change the ambiance of a room, so choose sconces that complement your style and create the atmosphere you desire.

Sconces hung at the right height

If you are a nighttime reader, you will want to ensure your sconces are placed so that you can read comfortably. A good way to determine the right height is to get into bed and assume your normal resting position. From there, measure a few inches above your shoulder. This has traditionally measured to be about 5 feet from the floor, but since bed heights vary, you may need to adjust.

If you are installing sconces above your nightstands, you will want to ensure there is enough clearance from the top of the nightstand to the bottom of the sconce, so it looks intentional. You will also want to ensure the sconces are not too close to the bed, so they are easy to reach and do not look top-heavy.

If you are installing sconces in a room with no bed, you will want to hang them at eye level, which is typically 55 to 65 inches from the floor.

When hanging sconces, it is important to consider the design of the sconce itself. If you are installing swing arm sconces, you will want to ensure they are close enough to the bed to be used as reading lights but also look proportional when pushed closed against the wall.

To ensure your sconces are hung at the right height, it is a good idea to create a template and test out the placement before drilling any holes. This can be done by tracing the fixture wall plate on wrapping paper and cutting it out. You can then use painter's tape to hang the template on the wall and adjust the height and distance until you are happy with the placement.

Sconces in the bedroom vs other rooms

Sconces are a versatile lighting option that can be used in almost any room in the house. They can be used to add a decorative touch, create a cosy atmosphere, or simply provide more light.

Sconces in the Bedroom

In the bedroom, sconces are often used as bedside lights, providing a more focused light source for reading or other tasks. When installing sconces in the bedroom, it is recommended to place them 30-36 inches above the top of the mattress or 6-12 inches above your shoulder when sitting up against the headboard. They should also be no more than a foot from the edges of the bed. This placement ensures the light is easily accessible and provides adequate lighting for reading or other tasks.

Sconces in the Bathroom

In the bathroom, sconces are typically installed on either side of a vanity mirror, providing task lighting for daily routines. They can also be placed above the mirror, but this requires a higher installation height of 75-80 inches from the floor. The recommended height for sconces beside the mirror is 5.5-6 feet from the floor, or around eye level, to prevent unflattering shadows and harsh glares.

Sconces in the Living Room

Sconces in the living room can be used as a secondary light source to complement an overhead light. They can also be used to highlight specific features, such as a fireplace, by placing them on either side. The recommended installation height for sconces in large rooms is 60-72 inches from the floor, depending on the height of the room.

Sconces in the Hallway and Staircase

Wall sconces are a great option for hallways and staircases, providing even lighting and improving safety. The general rule for placing sconces in these areas is to maintain a distance of 6 feet between each sconce. The recommended installation height is 66-72 inches from the floor, depending on the ceiling height.

Sconces in the Dining Room

When installing sconces in the dining room, the recommended height is between 60-72 inches from the floor, with the centre of the sconce at this level rather than the bottom. It is important to ensure that you cannot look directly into the light source, so a higher placement may be required depending on the specific fixture.

Overall, sconces are a versatile lighting option that can be used in various rooms throughout the house. By considering the specific needs and features of each room, you can determine the optimal placement and height for your sconces.

Frequently asked questions