Craftsman & Mission Modern Wall Sconces
Wall Sconces Explore
Craftsman Sconces
Defined by sharp lines, high contrast and a handmade appeal, craftsman wall sconces are a versatile fixture that adds style to the harder-to-light parts of the home. This bold style has been popular for decades, and whether that be because of its natural influences or uses of familiar materials and colors, these lights are here to stay. These mission style light fixtures work well in most spaces, but they really shine in the spots that are extra difficult to light. They won’t take up any floor space, which often makes them the first choice for small space lighting, and their obvious style impact is never overlooked. They can be used to highlight architectural features or install them outdoors to warm up the exterior of the home.
Most often, craftsman wall sconces feature natural-looking colors and finishes. Think warm brown tones and earthy green hues. The lights that fully embrace their organic side can be paired with tan, cream and off-white shades that mimic the colors often found in nature. For indoor craftsman wall lights, look for modernization in dark, polished finishes and clear glass shades. These pieces feel a little less heavy than their more natural counterparts without surrendering their handcrafted appeal.
Other Considerations
It’s important to measure the wall space before purchasing. Some of these fixtures are large and bold, while others are small and versatile. For any outdoor applications, make sure that the fixture was designed to be outdoors and exposed to the elements. Wet and damp ratings will determine if the fixture can be directly exposed to water or only be in the same vicinity. And, if interested in an energy-saving wall sconce, try LED-powered fixtures. Once you’ve got the particulars figured out, choose solely based on the style of the fixture. For fixtures that mimic natural light, look to Asian style wall sconces. These lights feature organic materials and colors, with a comparable handcrafted feel. Although they have a much lighter composition, they’re equally as impressive. Or, for a light that feels equally as bold but a little brighter, check out Art Deco wall sconces. The distinctive shapes make the light stand out, while metallic finishes give the light a polished feel.
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.
