Bohemian Modern Wall Sconces
Wall Sconces Explore
Boho Wall Sconces
Bringing an unconventional touch to the interior of the home is an easy task with a bohemian wall sconce. Wall sconces generally serve two purposes in the home: to add an extra layer of illumination to a room of the home and to save space. A boho wall sconce adds a bit of free-spirited style as well by introducing a collection of colors and materials that look put-together. Like any other wall sconce, boho wall sconces can be placed by the front door to introduce guests, in a foyer, down a hallway and other places. A common part of boho style is the introduction of draped beads. A beaded wall sconce brings a playful look to the piece and allows the light behind the beads to diffuse through a material that may not be present in the rest of the home. Another staple of boho style is the use of natural rattan weave, a rope-like material made from palms. Rattan wall sconces bring a touch of nature to the inside of the space while maintaining a neutral color that can be paired with other fixtures.
Other Considerations
As with any fixture, ensure the measurements of the piece match well with the surrounding room. A piece too large or too small can overwhelm or underwhelm a space. When placing a sconce outdoors, check for the location rating, whether wet or damp to determine if the sconce can be directly exposed to water or only indirectly. In some parts of the country, Dark Sky compliance must also be met, so check if the fixture meets it.
If looking to add more bohemian style to the home, consider expanding with bohemian pendant lighting. Showcasing the same style qualities as the sconce, pendant lights offer a larger and more statement-worthy view of bohemian style with rattan weave, beads and other pleasing, playful qualities. Pendant lights in this style can help shift the look of the entire room, whereas a few wall sconces may only accent the existing style and may clash with the rest of the room if not placed prominently enough.
Wall SconcesFrequently Asked Questions
What is a wall sconce?
A wall sconce is a light fixture that mounts directly to a wall, providing ambient, task, or accent illumination without occupying floor or table space.
Expert tip: Because sconces sit at eye level, they have an outsized impact on a room's aesthetic; treat them as decorative objects, not just light sources.
What is the ideal mounting height for wall sconces?
The standard mounting height is 60 to 66 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture.
Expert tip: For stairway sconces, maintain a consistent height relative to each stair tread rather than the floor below.
What is the difference between hardwired and plug-in wall sconces?
Hardwired sconces connect to your home's electrical wiring inside the wall, resulting in a clean look with no visible cord. Plug-in sconces use a cord that plugs into a standard outlet.
Expert tip: If you love a hardwired design but lack a junction box, an electrician can typically add one for a modest cost.
How do I choose the right size wall sconce?
Scale the fixture to the wall and the elements around it. For bedside sconces, the shade bottom should sit roughly at shoulder height when seated in bed.
Expert tip: When in doubt, err slightly smaller; an understated sconce reads as intentional.
Are LED wall sconces better than traditional bulb sconces?
LED sconces offer longer lifespan, lower energy consumption, and consistent color rendering.
Expert tip: Check the fixture's CRI (Color Rendering Index); a CRI of 90 or above ensures colors appear accurate and vibrant.
What wall sconces are best for small spaces?
Look for slim-profile sconces that project minimally from the wall. Flush designs, vertical orientations, and wall sconces with switches that eliminate the need for a separate wall switch all help conserve space.
Expert tip: A sconce with uplight distribution can make a low ceiling feel taller.
Do wall sconces need to match my other light fixtures?
Matching is not required; a mix of finishes and forms often creates a more layered, considered interior.
Expert tip: Repeating a single finish (such as brass) across different fixture types creates continuity without rigidity.
What are ADA-compliant wall sconces?
ADA-compliant wall sconces project no more than 4 inches from the wall when mounted between 27 and 80 inches above the floor.
Expert tip: ADA-compliant sconces tend to have sleek, low-profile silhouettes that work well in modern interiors, making compliance a design advantage rather than a constraint.
