The 13 Best Wall Sconces of 2023

Best Overall

Birch Lane Keener Light Dimmable Armed Sconce

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Suitable for multiple styles of decor, the Keener Armed Sconce from Birch Lane flaunts a perfect juxtaposition of vintage and modern. It has a stainless steel backplate and a slim arm connecting to a clear glass shade that showcases your bulb of choice. We like that you can change the orientation of the arm and face the opening of the shade up or down.

This wall light boasts versatility in style and function. It comes in five finishes, including warm brass, black, bronze, polished chrome, and satin nickel. We appreciate that the Keener is humidity-safe, meaning it can be installed in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone zones. And although it's hardwired, it comes at a decent price point compared to its competitors, as most cost over $100. The only real downside is that the bulb isn't included, but this is pretty standard for sconces.

Price at time of publish: $87

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Steel, glass | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 60W | Compatible Bulb: A19}

Best Budget

Eglo Troy 3 1-Light Matte Nickel Wall Sconce

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For something a bit more affordable, consider the Eglo Troy 3. This sconce has a steel backplate and a frosted glass front that offers the perfect level of light filtration while emitting a subtle glow on your wall.

The Eglo Troy 3 measures about 12 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 3 inches deep—large enough to make a statement without being too overbearing. In addition to the accommodating design, we like that it's suitable for use in bathrooms and other damp environments. It's also dimmable, so you can create your intended ambiance with ease. Just note that installation may prove to be a bit tricky, as it must be mounted in a wall box and wired in.

Price at time of publish: $26

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Steel, glass | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 60W | Compatible Bulb: T10 LED or E26 incandescent}

Best Energy-Saving

Kuzco Lighting Vega LED Wall Sconce

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If you want something more explicitly modern, or just prefer a built-in LED bulb that doesn't need replacing, the Kuzco Vega Sconce might be your best bet. This slim, sleek fixture is available in two sizes, one 24 inches long and the other 36 inches.

This option is made of metal and acrylic, and it comes in five finishes to match any design scheme. We like that you can also change the orientation and use it as a horizontal picture light or a vertical sconce. Backed by a five-year warranty, the energy-saving design is compatible with a dimmer switch, but you'll have to buy that separately.

Price at time of publish: $246

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Metal, acrylic | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 15W | Bulb: Built-in LED}

Best Modern

Schoolhouse Electric Allegheny Indoor/Outdoor Sconce

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We're also big fans of the Allegheny Sconce from ​​Schoolhouse Electric. This minimalist-modern fixture has a square metal backplate in a brushed gold finish and a simple opaque shade that shines light directly down.

This wall sconce comes in four chic colors, including glossy taupe, butterscotch, satin black, and shell white. Though the price is definitely steep, its sleek design adds to its timelessness and longevity. Plus, we appreciate that the Allegheny is suitable for wet and damp environments and can be used both indoors and out.

Price at time of publish: $279

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Metal | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 60W | Bulb: Built-in LED}

Best Outdoor

RBW Dimple Wall Flush Mount

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Incorporate some ambient lighting in your outdoor space with the Dimple Flush Mount, which has an exceptionally sturdy anodized aluminum base and smooth glass casting over a built-in LED bulb. You can select a black or off-white backplate and choose from four chic glass colors, including white, frosted, amber, and smoke gray.

Take note that this light is undoubtedly expensive. However, the compact size (5 inches by 3 inches) and flush design make it useful for any room or space. You can mount it to your ceiling or wall in damp indoor spaces and even wet outdoor environments.

Price at time of publish: $360

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Anodized aluminum, glass | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 8.5W | Bulb: Built-in LED}

Best Warm

Anthropologie Salmar Sconce

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Warm lighting can be a great way to cozy up a space and create an inviting atmosphere. To produce this effect, we love Anthropologie's vintage-inspired Salmar Sconce. Made of iron and brass-finished aluminum with a glass cover, it provides a warm, golden illumination with an E12 bulb (not included).

This lantern-style light can be hardwired or fitted with a standard wall plug and a rotary switch. It's also UL listed, meaning it meets government regulations for home safety.

Price at time of publish: $148

_{Type: Hardwired or plug-in | Material: Iron, aluminum, glass | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 40W | Compatible Bulb: E12}

Best Dimmable

Civaza Battery Operated Wall Sconces Set of Two

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Not only does dimmable lighting create a gorgeous ambiance in any space, but it can also save energy. Plus, the Civaza Wall Sconces also offers a cordless design that doesn't call for hardwiring. This affordable set of two battery-powered sconces runs on three AAA batteries.

While the batteries aren't included—and you might need to replace them relatively often—these lights boast energy-saving built-in LED bulbs. Available in your choice of matte black, gray, green, or white, they have an industrial-modern vibe that'll make a subtle statement in any room.

Price at time of publish: $116

_{Type: Battery-operated | Material: Metal | Number of Lights: 2 | Wattage: Not listed | Bulb: Built-in LED}

Best With Shade

Better Homes & Gardens 1-Light Meadowood Wall Sconce with Fabric Shade

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The Meadowood Wall Sconce from Better Homes & Gardens features a white fabric shade and a metal base in your choice of burnished brass, matte black, or satin nickel. We're big fans of the versatile, classic-meets-contemporary design.

This budget-friendly light comes with its own bulb and can be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, home offices, you name it. It's also compatible with a dimmer switch, though you'll have to buy that separately.

Price at time of publish: $35

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Metal, fabric | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 60W | Compatible Bulb: E12 candelabra, T20 LED filament}

Best Dual Light

West Elm Trace Sconce

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Interior designer AbouZanat recommends metal wall fixtures, like the Trace Sconce from West Elm. He explains they're an opportunity "to use metals that have been used in other areas in the home and are now being repeated for a visually cohesive space." The product, which is constructed from steel, is available in either antique brass or dark bronze. 

This sleek, modern piece features a cylindrical body that emits light upward and downward or side to side, depending on how you choose to install it. It’s also suitable for use in damp locations, making it a great option for bathrooms or outdoor covered areas. For improved ambiance, the wall sconce is compatible with dimmer switches, which are sold separately. Note that assembly is required and professional installation is recommended. 

Price at time of publish: $79

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Steel | Number of Lights: 2 | Wattage: 60W | Compatible Bulb: E26}

Best Ceramic

AllModern Logan 1-Light Hardwired Flush Mounted Sconce

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We're also keen on AllModern's Logan Sconce. While the price is steep, and you'll have to buy your own bulb, there's a lot to appreciate about the contemporary and chic design.

This light fixture mounts flush to the wall for a simple, pared-down aesthetic. It's made of ceramic and comes in 11 stylish colors ranging from matte black to terra cotta to pewter green. The only other thing to note is that it's not suitable for damp spaces, so you can't install it in a bathroom.

Price at time of publish: $183

_{Type: Hardwired | Material: Ceramic | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: 150W | Compatible Bulb: E26, A21}

Best Adjustable

ClanKin Adjustable Wall Sconces

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The ClanKin Adjustable Sconce is another great choice. This reasonably priced light is available as a single fixture or a set of two, with the option of a hardwired design or a corded switch.

Made of iron, aluminum, and wood, it's available in matte black or white. This wall sconce has a modern, versatile silhouette, and as the name suggests, you can adjust it so the light shines at different angles.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Type: Plug-in or hardwired | Material: Iron, aluminum, wood | Number of Lights: 1–2 | Wattage: 60W | Compatible Bulb: E26}

Best Plug-In

Article Leap Black Sconce

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For those who don’t want to worry about hardwiring, you’ll want to opt for a plug-in wall sconce, like the Article Leap Black Sconce. Made with a combination of matte and polished metal, this product has a classic and timeless design suitable for a wide variety of different decor styles. 

The product also features a curved arm and adjustable shade so you can change its position as needed. And at 13 x 9 x 35.5 inches, you’ll want to note that this large sconce will protrude pretty far out from the wall. While this may not be suitable for all spaces, it can be a practical choice for more spacious bedrooms or living rooms that may need a bit more light.

Price at time of publish: $89

_{Type: Plug-in | Material: Metal | Number of Lights: 1 | Wattage: Not listed | Compatible Bulb: E26}