Wall Lights Indoor and Outdoor
Flanking windows with sconces creates the illusion of sunlight streaming in for an inviting ambiance after dark. They’re also useful for illuminating decorative items, bookshelves and other nooks of the home.
Lighting experts recommend choosing a wall light based on what it needs to do rather than purely on its aesthetic. For example, long corridors benefit from repetition of smaller fittings, creating a rhythm that leads the way.
Industrial Wall Lights
Industrial wall lights evoke the look of productive urban spaces. With functional shapes and metal finishes, these sconces are eye-catching and create a homely, cosy feel with their rustic and vintage charm. They look great in warehouse conversions, but also work well in clean, modern homes and apartments. Lights in the industrial style work best with filament or matt bulbs to highlight their vintage character.
We have reclaimed industrial sconces salvaged from disused factories and shipyards that are expertly restored to ensure they last for years to come. You can even find a range of industrial safety lights for areas with hazardous vapors or gases, including explosion proof models for chemical environments.
Pair industrial scissor sconces on either side of your headboard for stylish reading lights, or add industrial style directional wall lighting to bare stretches of your walls. Choose a set of minimalist industrial spotlights to highlight treasured pieces of art on display. With options rated for use indoors and outdoors, you can even incorporate industrial lighting into your al fresco dining and entertaining spaces.
Farmhouse Wall Lights
Farmhouse style makes your home feel like a cozy escape. With rustic wood furniture and decor accents, rough materials like bricks on fireplaces, and a laid-back vibe that still feels elegant, farmhouse design is versatile enough for contemporary tastes. To create a relaxed but refined look in your home, shop our selection of farmhouse wall sconces for living spaces and the outdoors.
These lights work as a stylish and functional addition to farmhouse kitchens by filling in the space above cabinets or framing a farm sink. Many options feature the classic lantern style with lengthy, candelabra-style bulbs for a timeless yet trendy appearance.
The same classic style can be found on farmhouse ceiling sconces, including wall lights indoor the popular Industrial Farmhouse Chandelier and the modern Young House Love Farmhouse Ceiling Light. Both styles feature rustic wood and black iron combinations to provide a timeless yet updated style. Some of these fixtures also have a more minimalist approach, such as the metal and beaded sconce that can be used indoors or outside with an IP65 rating. This allows for the fixture to be exposed to the elements and still function as a source of lighting in a covered porch or veranda.
Minimalist Wall Lights
For those who prefer a clean, modern look, there are plenty of minimalist indoor wall lights to choose from. Picture lights, which feature a frame with a shade that illuminates art on the wall, are one example. “I use these a lot in my interior design work,” Yufe says, explaining that they’re ideal for illuminating gallery walls or brightening bookshelves. “I love the way they add drama to a wall.”
Other options for minimal sconce lighting include a model with an open face or a simple geometric design. For example, the Prism sconce by Sonneman features facets that resemble a cut gemstone and is available in textured bronze, textured grey, or textured white. This minimalist wall light wall lights indoor looks stunning mounted beside a mirror or in a hallway, where its indirect illumination will help make your space feel more spacious.
Another minimalist option is a rotatable wall lamp with a black/white finish and a rotary shade that distributes flattering light throughout a room. This style is also a great choice for stairwells, where the directional nature of the fixture can prevent dangerous glare and make navigating the stairs safer.
Contemporary Wall Lights
Whether used as ambient lighting or a way to highlight accent walls, contemporary wall sconces and lights add depth and style to rooms. They can also be used as directional light in hallways or stairways. Choose from a range of styles to match the look you want in your home.
For example, this brushed brass drop plug wall light is sleek and simple and creates a targeted array of white light. This would be perfect in a home office, where it can brighten and energize productive work spaces. It would also work well in a kids’ room, where it can inspire creativity and playfulness.
Another option is this art glass sconce, which is designed to draw attention to a favorite painting or piece of artwork. It can be hung at the same height as the painting to provide a balanced and intentional look. It’s important to consider scale and dimming capabilities when choosing a wall sconce. Some models are angled to provide both up and downlighting, which can be useful in creating different moods in the same space.
Traditional Wall Lights
If you like the idea of a traditional wall light, there are many designs to choose from. You can find switched and unswitched models that feature a variety of styles and finishes, including black wrought iron, wooden wall lights and gold wall sconces. Traditional candelabra style wall sconces are eye-catching and work well with most design styles.
When choosing a fixture, consider whether you want it to be more of an accent or main source of lighting. The amount of space you have available will also help determine what type of fixture is best for your home. For example, narrow halls and stairwells may benefit from ADA-compliant fixtures that keep their profiles as low as possible.
For a more decorative effect, picture lights are perfect for highlighting artwork and photographs. These lights shine a small amount of soft light onto the piece, ensuring that it is the center of attention and not the sconce itself. You can even find them in a range of finishes to match your home’s decor. Yufe recently used one in hand-rubbed antique brass to brighten a gallery wall in her client’s home office.
