Bright Ideas: The Ultimate Guide to Sconce Lighting

Sconces are a versatile and stylish way to add both functional and decorative lighting to any space in your home. Whether you’re looking to add some more light, create a warm ambiance, or make a bold design statement, sconces can complement a space in many ways.  

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sconces, including their types, where to use them, the different styles available, and how to choose the right ones for your home. 

What Are Sconces? 

A sconce is a type of wall-mounted light fixture that is often used to illuminate specific areas or add accent lighting. They can serve both decorative and practical purposes, such as providing task lighting, highlighting artwork, or enhancing the overall ambiance of a room. Sconces are a great way to add layers to your lighting design, contributing to a well-lit and inviting space. 

 How Sconces Complement a Space 

Sconces add more than just light to a room; they bring style and character. Here's how they can enhance your space 

• layer your lighting 
• save space 
• set the mood 
• create aesthetic appeal 

Sconces help layer your lighting by adding ambient or accent lighting to complement ceiling fixtures or lamps. Since sconces are wall-mounted, they free up floor and table space, making them ideal for smaller rooms or areas with limited surfaces. 

The soft, diffused light from sconces creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. With a variety of designs available, sconces can be chosen to match the style of your room, acting as functional décor. 

 Types of Sconces 

There are several types of sconces available, each suited to different spaces and needs. Here are some popular options. 

• wallchieres 
• candle sconces 
• swing arm sconces 
• picture lights 
  
  
  

A mix of a wall sconce and a torchiere lamp, wallchieres are tall, elegant fixtures that direct light upwards.  Shop Wallchieres	These sconces mimic the appearance of a candle, offering a traditional or rustic aesthetic.  Shop Candle Sconces
Swing arm sconces feature a movable arm, making them ideal for reading nooks or bedside lighting.  Shop Swing Arm Sconces	Designed to highlight artwork or architectural features, picture lights direct focused light onto a specific area.  Shop Picture Lights

Where to Use Sconces in the Home 

Sconces can be used in various locations throughout your home, each serving a specific purpose. 

• entryways 
• living rooms 
• bedrooms 
• hallways 
• bathrooms 
• outdoors 

A pair of sconces flanking your front door creates a welcoming ambiance while providing practical illumination. Place sconces on either side of the fireplace or artwork to add symmetry and highlight key focal points. Use swing arm sconces on either side of the bed for convenient reading lights that free up nightstand space. 

Line a hallway with sconces to provide soft, consistent lighting while adding visual interest to an otherwise plain space. Install sconces on either side of the vanity mirror to provide flattering, even lighting for grooming tasks. 

Outdoor sconces can be used on porches or patios, providing both functional light and an elegant touch to exterior spaces. 

Sconce Styles 

Choosing the right sconce style can transform the look of your room. Here are some of the most popular styles. 

• Modern 
• Industrial 
• Traditional 
• Transitional 

Modern sconces typically feature sleek lines, minimalist designs, and materials like chrome or glass. These fixtures are ideal for contemporary or urban spaces.  Shop Modern Sconces	Industrial sconces often feature exposed bulbs, metal finishes, and raw textures. These work well in lofts or spaces with a rustic or urban feel  Shop Industrial Sconces
For a classic, timeless look, traditional sconces often feature ornate details, bronze finishes, or candle-like designs. They are perfect for vintage, farmhouse, or classic décor styles.  Shop Traditional Sconces	A mix between traditional and modern, transitional sconces offer versatile designs that blend well with most décor styles.  Shop Transitional Sconces

Choosing the Right Sconce for Your Space 

When selecting the right sconce for your home, consider these factors. 

• room size  
• placement 
• function 
• style compatibility 
• controls and dimming 

Think about where the sconce will go and how much light you need. For small spaces like powder rooms, a single sconce may suffice. In larger rooms, pairs or rows of sconces can provide balanced illumination. 

Consider whether you need the sconce for ambient, task, or accent lighting. For reading areas, choose swing arm sconces for directional light, while decorative spaces may benefit from candle or picture sconces. 

Choose a sconce that complements your room’s overall design aesthetic. If your home has modern decor, opt for a sleek, minimalist sconce. If you prefer a more classic look, consider a traditional design. Opt for sconces with dimming options for greater control over your lighting. This is especially important in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas where you may want to adjust the ambiance. 

 

Sconces are a fantastic way to elevate your home’s lighting design while adding a decorative element. By carefully considering the type, style, and placement, you can use sconces to brighten up your space while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for modern elegance or traditional charm, there’s a sconce to suit every taste and space. Explore the vast selection available at decorplanet.com to find the perfect lighting solution for your home. 

Shop All Sconces

8 Ways to Incorporate Old Money Style in Your Bathroom Design

Old money style is all about sophistication, classicism, and understated luxury. Rooted in tradition, this design approach offers timeless elegance, rich textures, and fine craftsmanship. When incorporating the old money design style in a bathroom, the goal is to curate an atmosphere that feels regal, refined, and subtly luxurious. 

Here’s how you can achieve this look in your bathroom, and how to select the perfect pieces to bring old money charm into your space. 

1. Classic Fixtures 

The hallmark of old money aesthetic is quality fixtures that evoke a sense of history. Opt for traditional hardware with rich finishes such as polished brass, brushed nickel, or aged gold. Consider fixtures with intricate detailing or vintage-inspired shapes. 

Our Pick

This polished brass double handle bathroom faucet by Phylrich gives off a warm glow, evoking a sense of old-world charm, perfect for elevating a classic vanity. 

Go to Henri by Phylrich

2. Marble Everything 

Marble is synonymous with wealth and prestige. Whether it’s used for countertops, floors, or walls, the luxurious veining of marble adds an element of grandeur. Go for neutral tones like whites, creams, or grays to keep the design timeless. 

Our Pick

Carrera marble atop the James Martin Marcello vanity features exquisite craftsmanship in acacia wood, perfect for anchoring your bathroom’s design with a refined touch. 

See Marcello Vanity

3. Elegant Lighting 

Lighting in an old money bathroom is key to creating that aura of sophistication. Look for sconces, chandeliers, or pendants with classic forms, such as candelabra-style sconces or crystal chandeliers, to infuse a traditional glow. 

Our Pick

Dripping with crystals and old money charm, the Englewood by Craftmade offers a statement piece that will cast a soft, opulent light across your bathroom, imbuing it with a sense of vintage luxury. 

Go to the Englewood Chandelier

4. Freestanding Tub 

A freestanding tub, especially one with claw feet or a sleek marble exterior, can immediately elevate the old-money feel. It evokes a spa-like experience that’s rooted in a rich tradition of long, luxurious baths. 

Our Pick

Barclay’s Addison cast iron freestanding clawfoot soaker tub has timeless design that perfectly complements the vintage elegance of the old money aesthetic. 

See the Addison Clawfoot Tub

5. Traditional Tiles 

When choosing tiles, look for classic patterns like herringbone or basketweave, or opt for mosaic designs reminiscent of traditional European styles. Subway tiles in soft neutrals also create a refined look. Mosaic patterns or custom mosaics have an opulent feel and take the bathroom from plain to perfect. 

6. Rich, Neutral Palette

Old money design steers away from bold or trendy colors, favoring rich neutrals like cream, beige, soft gray, or navy. These tones create a backdrop of quiet luxury, allowing the finer details to shine. Some colors like navy, greens, and blues can come off as neutrals when used across large areas or in large pieces like the vanity. 

7. Ornate Mirrors and Frames 

Framed mirrors in gold or bronze with ornate detailing can serve as a focal point in the bathroom, adding an antique charm that enhances the old money feel. Look for designs that mimic the grandeur of old estates. 

Our Pick

Arched mirror, Murray Hill by Robern, has a beautiful, classic frame with intricate details that’s perfect for bringing a vintage touch to your vanity area. 

Go to Murray Hill Mirror

8. Subtle Luxury in Details 

Old money decor is about the details. Soft, plush towels, crystal decanters for soaps, and vintage-inspired shelving or cabinetry contribute to the opulent feel without overtly showcasing wealth. It’s about subtle luxury that speaks to refinement and taste. 

Our Pick

California Faucet's  Descanso wall-mounted towel ring has elegant styling and a variety of finishes that fit right into an old money style in the bathroom. 

See More Bathroom Accessories

By incorporating these design elements, you can create a bathroom that feels timeless, elegant, and luxurious—perfectly embodying the old money aesthetic. DecorPlanet offers a range of products that can help you capture this style with ease, from exquisite fixtures to luxurious vanities.