Exposed Bulb Wall Sconces
The CTO Lighting Big Bulb Wall Sconce is beautifully simple, featuring a slender metal hook structure with a solitary exposed bulb. As its name suggests, the use of a large globe bulb (not included) has the most dramatic visual effect, especially when used with a chrome or gold-crowned bulb. A braided Red cord shows itself slightly above the bulb, adding a contrasting detail to the Brass finish of this fixture. Color: Red. Additional Color: Polished Brass. Finish: Polished Brass
The George Kovacs Exposed Wall Sconce has the effect of exposed bulb lighting with a barely-there glass shade and single light source. A curved chrome metal arm places the shade closely against the wallplate, utilizing reflection as a secondary source of light. Globular bulb options have a nice visual continuity with the round shape of the glass, but the simplicity of the design is an ideal template for switching out different bulb shapes and styles depending on the look you want to achieve. Color: Clear. Additional Color: Tinted Smoke. Finish: Chrome
Stylish, unique, and functional. The Kai Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore brings the best of all worlds together for a fixture that fits right in with any contemporary living space. A rounded metal backplate supports the fixture™s 3-point adjustable arm, which allows for it to channel a steady beam of illumination where it™s needed most. An exposed bulb sits inside a clear glass shade, with a slight curve lending a subtle texture to the top of the tapered cylinder glass. Add a vintage-style Edison bulb to enhance this fixture™s vintage charm. Shape: Cylindrical. Color: Clear. Finish: Aged Brass
Bold and beautiful, the Fredrick Ramond Gigi Wall Sconce has a simple composition while still being engaging. The metallic backplate and single exposed bulb is shielded with a matte shade, the intense angle giving the piece a dynamic air. This design focused piece utilizes the element of contrast to create a straightforward fixture that still emphasizes style. Shape: Rectangular. Color: Brass. Finish: Heritage Brass
The Menu Lighting Warren Wall Sconce blends urban industrial style and nostalgia with a slender metal arm and an exposed bulb that serves as a minimalistic decorative element. Inspired by the trendy neighborhood of New York, the Warren is simple, yet stuns with refined details such as brass and porcelain. For wall installation only, the metal stem extends down the wall, covering the electrical cord which has a plug-in connection type, perfect for bedside applications. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Finish: Black
Industrial simplicity with contemporary California beach house appeal. Designed by Becki Owens for Hudson Valley Lighting, the Ivy LED Wall Sconce combines classic architectural shapes and factory chic details for a fresh modern feel in a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or hallway. Crafted from Metal, this wall mount showcases a shapely Glass shade suspended by a cylinder socket. From the curved arm, a ring screw with knurled fittings exposes the black cord lending a coastal industrial vibe. Fitted out with a replaceable LED bulb, the down-facing sconce is perfect in pairs, illuminating open shelving in a modern kitchen or alongside a nautical style bathroom vanity mirror. Color: Silver. Finish: Polished Nickel
The Winston Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore is an elegant and sleek addition to your wall spaces. With a minimalistic feel, a circular plate anchors this fixture to the wall as a smooth long arm with a graceful curve reaches outward to support a single, exposed bulb. A clean-lined and softly rounded socket keep this wall sconce contemporary, while the bare bulb lends an industrial touch and boldness. Shape: Globe. Color: White. Additional Color: Chrome. Finish: Chrome
Minimalistic and elegant. The Lip Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore features a single exposed style bulb with some industrial flair. A smooth circular backplate anchors this piece with a simple set of arms and a braided cord peeks out from between the wall and bulb holder for a layered touch. The textured pattern around the cylindrical socket gives this piece some depth as it adds a confident and charming touch to the home. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Gold. Finish: Aged Brass
The power of more. With more luminaires than the average wall fixture, the Lola 6-Light Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore offers more brilliance, more flexibility and more style for any room in your home. It's bold yet incredibly simple, featuring 3 vertical columns each with an exposed bulb above and below. Simply change the bulb style “ or even mix and match “ to tailor this sconce's aesthetic at a whim. Color: Gold. Finish: Natural Brass
Bring the upscale vibe of Tribeca into your home with the Menu Staple Wall Sconce. Made of Porcelain, the lamp features a circular back plate that can be attached to the wall, allowing the bulb to hang securely. Due to its spare beauty, the lamp is versatile enough to make a fine addition to several different rooms. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Finish: Black
A simple sconce with an industrial flair. The Barrett Knurled Wall Sconce by Visual Comfort is an attractive accent piece that will boost your bathroom™s style. A chic design from Ralph Lauren, this fixture is mounted to the wall by a circular backplate that extends a brief arm to a cylindrical body. Textural knurling gives the fixture a robust quality while maintaining the piece™s clean and streamlined look. A conical metal shade tops the piece and softens its downward light. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Brass. Finish: Natural Brass. Tags: Visual Comfort Lighting, Circa Lighting
Accentuate your walls and hallways with the industrial stylings of Bulstrode's Workshop Wall Sconce from Matteo Lighting. A bold, simple fixture with industrial notes, it starts with a disc-shaped wall mount that holds out a small central stem to a downward-facing single socket. Best used with a vintage style bulb, two knurled bands grace the upper and lower boundaries of the socket, adding touches of complexity that contrast well with the otherwise smooth, reflective metal surfaces. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Finish: Black
Inspired by machined warehouse fixtures, the Troy Lighting Conduit Wall Sconce provides a glimpse into the early days of electric lighting. Sturdy hand-worked iron pipes are joined to a stamped iron wall plate in keeping with the industrial aesthetic. Protected by wire cages, two exposed bulbs provide warm up and downlight. Try with decorative carbon filament Edison bulbs for an authentic look. Color: Iron. Finish: Old Silver
Small feature, big impact. The versatile Fredrick Ramond Ensemble Pendant Light can hang as either a pendant or wall sconce”choose whichever option is best for your home. Its hollow box is finished in a Polished Nickel and encompasses a single exposed light bulb which hangs from a 5-inch square canopy. For a retro-inspired look, you can use antique reproduction bulbs inside each of the boxes. These boxes are made out of steel for maximum durability. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Finish: Polished Nickel
The Crystorama Astro 2 Light Wall Sconce has both rustic, Olde World and modern characteristics. An 8 pointed star hosts 2 rods with exposed bulbs on either side, making the starburst backplate the main focus of the piece. In the middle the rods and backplate meet at a spherical shape, providing unification within the piece. Color: Bronze. Finish: English Bronze
The Radial Wave Outdoor Wall Sconce w/ Cast Guard & Clear Glass by Troy RLM Lighting reinvents the traditional industrial aesthetic with its dramatic, rippling design. Its body features a sleek, stepped holder that descends down to a visually compelling, wavy shade. The shade supports a single tungsten Edison bulb that can either be exposed or protected (and contrasted) by a stylish metal guard. The curved stem also compliments the industrial motif, extending from a low-profile wallplate. Color: Turquoise. Additional Color: Tahitian Teal. Finish: Tahitian Teal
With its lengthy adjustable cable, the George Kovacs Bubble Pendant / Wall Sconce is essentially a pendant that hangs from the wall. It features a rounded transparent glass shade providing a soft outline around the exposed bulb. The warm tones of the glass are complemented by the masterfully applied finishes on the metal surfaces. Color: Clear. Finish: Brushed Nickel with Clear Glass
The Maxim Lighting Palladium 2-Light Wall Sconce features exposed bulbs behind a metal mesh cage. Equal parts Restoration and industrial, the simplicity of the piece keeps it modern while the intriguing details such as the contrasting sockets give it visual interest and variety. Simple yet effective, this bold piece will give a variety of spaces a subtle mechanical vibe. Finish: Black
Warm up your home or office when you mount the Kasa Wall Sconce by Matteo Lighting in your living spaces. A modern fixture with a hefty heaping of smooth style, the sconce starts by using a smooth disc wall mount to anchor a single socket held out horizontally. The lamping is held out unrestricted by shade or diffuser, able to shine a bright, encompassing light throughout the area it is installed in. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Finish: White
Like a 19th century contraption designed to capture and transform the spell-binding glow of the recently invented light bulb. The Juniper Wall Sconce from Alder & Ore is an irresistible piece blending truly timeless motifs with sharp and refined design. Its stunning, circular backplate is detailed with tapered shapes and a spherical accent, coming across as an abstracted representation of the sun. Sweeping up with class, a tubular lamp holder sits front and center. With an incandescent bulb on top, warm, ambient light is captured by the backplate for a dazzling and mesmerizing glow. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Brass. Finish: Aged Brass
The Flute Wall Sconce by Artcraft is a sleek and sophisticated fixture for the home. Mounted to the wall by a square backplate, an inconspicuous arm extends to support a slender candleholder. The smooth, reflective metal tapers slightly at an extended tail to emphasize the elongated silhouette. A slender, tubular bulb, sold separately, complements the simple fixture while emitting a soft light suitable for hallways, bedrooms, and living areas in need of a streamlined decorative touch. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Silver. Finish: Matte Black and Satin Nickel
Reflective surfaces are used to their utmost potential with the Vessel Wall Sconce by Hubbardton Forge. The Vessel is so named for its egg-like diffuser which is held firmly in place by a metallic backplate and arm. The metallic aspects of the piece have a reflective surface, allowing the soft, diffused light of the piece to seemingly radiate infinitely in its immediate application environment. Fixture is best suited for areas like hallways, bedrooms, and living rooms. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Bronze. Finish: Brushed Nickel
Remember simpler times with fondness with the Currey & Company Retrospect Wall Sconce. Shapely wrought iron detailing is complemented with a multi-tonal finish, the aged look completed with exposed bulbs mimicking the timeless look of candles. Color: Bronze. Finish: Bronze Verdigris
With strong lines and bold detailing, the Socket-To-Me Wall Sconce by Varaluz transforms a single exposed bulb into a fixture worth remembering. Its rugged wallplate is made of a hand-forged recycled steel (with a variety of hand-painted finishes) accented by a pair of rivets and three protruding hooks, the center of which supports an open light source. The resulting light is clean and unfettered, exuding a warmth that emphasizes the fixture's shape and texture. Finish: Black
The Maxim Lighting Palladium 1-Light Wall Sconce features a single exposed bulb with a metal mesh cage. Equal parts Restoration and industrial, the simplicity of the piece keeps it modern while the intriguing details such as the contrasting socket give it visual interest and variety. Simple yet effective, this bold piece will give a variety of spaces a subtle mechanical vibe. Finish: Black
The Ashton Downlight Wall Sconce by Capital Lighting is a bold yet simple piece with a minimalistic silhouette. Anchored by a rectangular backplate, a panel of wood is framed with metal for a beautiful blend of textures that are completed with a striking finish. A smooth, gently curved arm and metal socket hold an exposed bulb in front of this patterned surface, adding a rustic touch when illuminated and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your home. Shape: Rectangular. Color: Grey. Finish: Carbon Grey, Grey Iron
The Fulton 3330 Two-Light Wall Sconce by Hinkley Lighting has a wonderfully rustic design, featuring 2 exposed bulbs, a steel backplate, and an open trapezoidal frame. The two bulbs are placed at opposing ends of a column that extends out from the backplate, providing a crisp, undiffused uplight/downlight to the surrounding area. A perfect opportunity to display vintage filament bulbs (available separately). Finish: Bronze
The Marlena Wall Sconce by Feiss was inspired by an oversized door knocker and offers spaces within your home an elegant, geometrical touch. A single, exposed bulb is framed within an open oval frame and set in front of a simple rectangular wall plate for an airy, layered look. Lending spaces an even and welcoming layer of light, this wall sconce can be installed to face up or down to complement surroundings with its contemporary style. Shape: Oval. Color: Silver. Finish: Chrome
Clean shape and elegant light realized with the highest degree of craftsmanship. Designers and craftsmen at Intueri Light have drummed up a doozy with their elegant and refined Pure Wall Sconce. You™ll have no trouble imagining a placement for this piece as it sits across tight architectural features and small nooks in a compact circular canopy. In the classiest of silhouettes, a slender arm, and circular joint help prop up the charming visual of its globe shade. Made in hand-blown glass, the shade transforms into a spirited orb of ambient light with the flip of the switch. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Brass. Finish: Antique Brass
Bare necessities. The Pearl Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore offers the clean, bright look of an exposed bulb. Its streamlined arm with rounded accents provides mid-century modern style. Whether by itself or in a pair, this striking fixture is perfect when the goal is to layer light throughout a living space, dining room or bedroom. Simply add one of those stylish filament light bulbs (not included) to achieve the desired effect. Color: Silver. Finish: Satin Nickel
A graceful and elegant modern piece, the Gabby Wall Sconce from Mitzi “ Hudson Valley Lighting elevates the decor of any room in the home with a simple yet appealing silhouette. The rounded backplate extends a gooseneck arm that rises and falls in a flowing manner, leading to a wide lamp base and a large, round shade. A single bulb rests within the shade, sending out an even and full glow that fills the shade with life before spreading throughout the room. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Brass. Finish: Aged Brass
Add a touch of vintage charm to your decor with the Chelton Wall Sconce by Artcraft. This minimal fixture boasts a square backplate and curved arm to support an exposed bulb socket, while visible hardware accents give an industrial quality. A glass globe shade encloses the bulb, giving a retro flair that adds character while remaining adaptable to a variety of spaces. Brighten bedrooms, living rooms, or hallways with this fixture™s warm, ambient light. Shape: Globe. Color: White. Finish: Matte Black and Harvest Brass
Get comfortable with the soothing, rustic notes of Alder & Ore™s Zephyr Outdoor Wall Sconce. A low-profile disc wall mount extends a thin branch over a conical socket that steps down to a concave canopy, which secures a transparent diffuser over the open socket. This slightly mellows the light, giving it an overall feel of a farmhouse lantern with industrial lamping. Offering enough light to brighten outdoor pathways without harsh glare, this sconce is designed with care to draw attention when shining or unlit. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Black. Finish: Matte Black
The Visual Comfort Darlana Wall Sconce is classically sophisticated, and takes the idea of a lantern and re invents it for a wall light option. The all metal backplate hosts a single exposed bulb, which is evocative a single candle. Completed with matching metal hardware, your space will be illuminated with a classic interpretation of an iconic shape. Color: Iron. Finish: Aged Iron. Tags: Visual Comfort Lighting, Circa Lighting
The Altero Wall Sconce by Alora is an elegant and modern piece with an architecturally inspired flair. Anchored by a smooth square backplate, a symmetrical and structured rectangular Metal frame extends in an elongated fashion, housing a set of exposed bulbs. Supported by angular metal pieces that keep this fixture cohesive, this slender wall sconce creates an inviting layer of light through its open design and makes a bold statement wherever it is placed in your home. Shape: Rectangular. Color: Bronze. Finish: Urban Bronze
The Minka-Lavery Bath Art Wall Sconce has both tones of modern minimalism and restoration styles. The textured glass gently diffuses the illumination from the single exposed bulb, lighting the space to create an ambient lit atmosphere. The rest of the fixture features exposed hardware and a sloping arm suggestive of a restoration inspired aesthetic. Color: Nickel. Finish: Brushed Nickel
The Tybee Wall Sconce by Capital Lighting blends texture and structure with a nothing-to-hide style presentation of its mixed materials. A rectangular wood backplate anchors this piece and provides a grain pattern for light to interact with. Complementing the tonal quality of the wood, a smooth arced metal rod reaches upward to support an exposed bulb for a minimalistic composition that can be given some rustic character with a vintage filament bulb, purchased separately. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: White. Finish: Sea Salt
The Troy Lighting Dixon Outdoor Wall Sconce features a simple shadow box complemented with textured glass. The rectangular aluminum frame showcases seeded glass on three sides, giving an obscured view of the exposed bulb inside. Basic and universal, this outdoor fixture will provide lighting with a sense of classic style. Shape: Rectangular. Color: Clear. Finish: Vintage Bronze
The Eurofase Briggs Semi-Flushmount / Wall Sconce showcases the turn of the century when lighting was becoming more and more common in every home. A series of curved rods display exposed vintage tubular bulbs, lighting the space with an industrial-inspired aesthetic. Simple and to the point, this piece makes a statement with its minimal composition and vintage air. Color: Brown. Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze
A backdrop made to accentuate and emphasize. With a clever design and choice materials, the Troy Lighting Emerson Wall Sconce packs loads of style and effective lighting into an impressively compact frame. Made of Hand-Worked Iron and Brass, the structure behind the exposed bulb delivers varying surfaces to promote the light and provide exceptional artistry. The Iron backplate maintains a clean rectangular shape, stoically supporting the increasingly delicate materials in front. Curving behind the bulb is a partial cylinder made of Brass, ideal for boosting the sconce™s ambient glow. The light spills out unencumbered while also gaining layers and depth as it reflects off its backing structure. An understated piece with great visual impact, this light makes a stylish statement in your bedroom or hallway. Color: Black. Finish: Carbide Black & Brushed Brass
The Feiss Urbandale Outdoor Wall Sconce features a frame within a frame concept housing a dual light source. The exposed bulbs are reminiscent of candles, sitting in squared off candle holders, completed with a contrasting finish. The seedy glass adds a subtle texture to the piece, as well as gently obscuring the view of the exposed bulbs. Color: Clear. Finish: Antique Bronze
Frame entryways and accentuate hallways with the sensual curves of the Lyndon Wall Sconce from Maxim Lighting. You can't get anymore sharp and sleek than a solid steel construction. A rectangular steel backplate serves as a neat background for the dynamic figures in front of it. Flaring to the sides, its arms move with an elegant sweeping motion, creating a handsome view from the front and the sides. Incandescent bulbs perched over the tubular lamp holders create an ambient light that softly paints its wall with a warm hue. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Bronze. Finish: Bronze with Antique Brass
The Shasta Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore is an elegantly-styled piece with a unique composition. Anchored with a circular wall plate, a slim metal rod extends upward and creates a rectangular-like form with softly rounded corners as it supports a hanging clear glass conical shade. Simply detailed, the smooth top that holds this crisp and minimalistic shade allows room for some flair with a vintage filament style bulb, which must be purchased separately Shape: Cone. Color: Clear. Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze
The Alva Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore is a simple addition that brightens up spaces with some industrial flair. Supported by a round wall plate and single-arm, an exposed bulb is held by a short stem and socket with some textured detailing. Able to swivel 180-degrees, this pared-down design can be set to face up or down and the addition of a vintage filament bulb, sold separately, lends some extra charm to this piece. Color: Brass. Additional Color: Brushed Brass. Finish: Brushed Brass
An enticing, elegant modern piece, the Fern Wall Sconce from Mitzi “ Hudson Valley Lighting shapes the decor with ease, introducing a smooth metal piece and an inviting glow. The rounded backplate upholds a cylindrical piece that extends a pair of angled arms, one upward and one down. A crisp bulb and a flat metal disc adorn the end of the arms. The light from the bulb spreads in an even manner into the space below and is further enhanced by the reflective quality of the disc above it. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: Black. Finish: Aged Brass with Black
The Piro Wall Sconce by ED Ellen DeGeneres makes a modern statement with an architectural, starburst inspired design. An exposed bulb sits atop a beautifully finished, openly styled metal body that is defined by clean lines and crisp angles. Anchored in place by a round backplate and shining unobstructed, this wall sconce brightens spaces with a welcoming layer of light while stealing the spotlight with its handsome, mid-century modern form. Shape: Exposed Bulb. Color: White. Finish: Burnished Brass. Tags: Ellen DeGeneres Lighting, Ellen DeGeneres Lamps
A measured mix of mid-century design and industrial touches, the Tilda Adjustable Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore is ready to light up your hallway, worktable, or book nook. The disc-shaped wall mount extends a cord gutter down along the wall while an articulated metal arm with vintage-style hinges holds up a flexible socket assembly. With lamping surrounded by a series of open metal stems, the bulb shines out to provide unrestricted downlight and general ambiance Shape: Bell. Color: Brown. Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze
Nostalgia and contemporary rarely go together, but in the case of the Zola Wall Sconce by Alder & Ore, it has become the epitome of sleek and modern design with an added rustic feel to give interior living spaces a bit of an edge. Constructed with steel, this fixture also showcases a classic exposed hanging bulb that fills the space with a soft, radiant light that entices one to relax and take it easy. Color: Black. Finish: Black/Aged Brass
Why We Love Exposed Bulb Sconces
Exposed bulbs have an inherently unfinished appeal to them that we have come to associate with farmhouse and industrial styles. But, take one look at this collection of exposed bulb sconces and you’ll see that they can be quite modern as well. This bare bulb style lends itself to minimalism and contemporary styles just as well as it does to rougher, natural ones. The exposed bulb wall light doesn’t leave much room for a directional shine, so these sconces don’t work well for accent lighting. But, they’ll certainly shine impressively in other capacities. You can use these fixtures to dress up a bathroom or complete the lighting scheme in your living room. They’ll even work in hallways, foyers, and other traditionally smaller spaces. The versatility of these lights is endless and their style is undeniable.
Decor that Works Well with Exposed Bulb Wall Lights
The polished yet slightly unfinished design of exposed bulb wall sconces is a subtle touch that looks good with many decor styles. So integrating them into your home should be a seamless process. However, if you would like all of your home’s lighting to have this same understated sophistication, you have plenty of options. Exposed bulb chandeliers take a typically formal and polished fixture and give it a more relaxed and welcoming vibe. If you don’t have the space for a chandelier, or are happy with your existing piece, exposed bulb table lamps are also a great addition to home lighting. They offer a compact way to add height to your decor and are perfect for spaces where a wall sconce might look awkward. But if your home has farmhouse, industrial, minimalist, or even contemporary decor, exposed bulb wall lights are the perfect piece to compliment your space.
Favorite Exposed Bulb Wall Sconce Colors & Shapes
An exposed bulb does not necessarily mean that the light doesn’t have a shade, but it does mean that the bulb is easy to see and immediately noticeable. The addition of a glass shade or a delicate iron screen makes these typically modern lights seem more traditional. But even the modern designers show that exposed bulb wall sconces are available in an impressive variety. Mid-century modern fixtures feature warm gold or brass finishes balanced with dark metals or otherwise rich finishes. And, even the most minimalist pieces stand out in their own way. The ultra simple structure of these lights, with clean lines and their namesake exposed bulbs make an impact in a subtle yet distinct manner.
How to Choose the Best Modern Exposed Bulb Sconces
As mentioned, a huge part of the beauty exposed bulb sconces are their flexibility both in style and function. But that doesn’t mean that each one will work for every home. It is important to consider the level of brightness required for your space and the size of your space. Some exposed bulb wall sconces stress style over function for situations where the look of the light is more important than the light it is producing. Others blend style with unimpeded pure light, which is ideal for a bright general light. Envision how various options could look in your space while browsing or do the opposite and sit in your space and imagine a light that could work perfectly, then go find something similar to it. More than likely, it’s out there.
Other Considerations
Exposed bulb sconces are not your only option for a chic yet unfinished lighting look. Edison wall sconces lack the contemporary look of exposed bulb sconces, but their vintage construction is widely loved for its unique look. Architectural sconces lack the sleek look of both aforementioned fixtures, but their bold shapes and ironwork give your lighting a handmade feel that makes the room feel cozier and more welcoming.
