Wall Sconce Lighting Ideas Designers Are Recommending Right Now

If you’ve been scrolling through design feeds lately, you’ve probably noticed that wall sconce lighting is having a serious moment. And honestly? It makes sense. These fixtures do the heavy lifting when it comes to creating layers of light in a room, and they free up valuable surface space that table lamps would otherwise claim.

We’ve been paying attention to what designers are installing in homes right now, and the trends are pretty exciting. Whether you’re updating a bedroom, adding character to a hallway, or rethinking your bathroom lighting, there’s probably a wall sconce style that’ll work for your home.

Why Wall Sconces Are Getting More Attention

Here’s the thing about wall sconce lighting: it’s functional without being boring. Designers love sconces because they can highlight architectural features, provide task lighting exactly where you need it, and add a decorative element all at once. Plus, they work in rooms where overhead lighting alone just doesn’t cut it.

Most designers mentioned that their clients are moving away from relying solely on ceiling fixtures. Instead, they’re building lighting plans that include multiple sources at different heights. Wall sconces play a key role in this approach because they bring light to eye level, which feels more natural and welcoming than harsh overhead lighting.

The Return of Industrial Barn Lights

Industrial-style wall sconce lighting is back, but with a twist. The modern take keeps the classic barn light silhouette but incorporates it into areas beyond the farmhouse kitchen or garage.

A crowd pleaser in this category is the Westchester  (which has a 12″ dome). Some of our team members have installed this fixture in their own homes, and it’s become a go-to recommendation for clients who want that industrial look without overwhelming a smaller space. It’s roughly the size of a large mixing bowl, which makes it versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Oversized Sconces for Statement Walls

Bigger is definitely part of the conversation right now. Designers are selecting oversized wall sconce lighting to make bold statements, especially on large exterior walls or in rooms with high ceilings.

The Redondo, our largest fixture with a 20″ dome, is designed for spaces where you want the lighting to be a focal point. We’ve seen it installed on barn sides, garage walls, and even indoors by clients who wanted something unexpected. The key here is scale; when you have the space to support a larger fixture, it can completely change the feel of an area.

This trend works particularly well in modern farmhouse designs, where mixing different scales of lighting creates visual interest. Pairing one large statement sconce with smaller fixtures elsewhere in the room gives you that collected, layered look that feels intentional.

Smaller Sconces for Layering and Flexibility

On the flip side, small wall sconce lighting is being used strategically to create layers. The Hawthorne, with its 8″ dome, is compact enough to use in multiples without feeling cluttered. Designers are installing these in pairs to frame doorways, on either side of beds as space-saving alternatives to table lamps, or in tight spaces like powder rooms where a larger fixture wouldn’t fit.

The beauty of smaller sconces is their flexibility. You can use them to highlight artwork, illuminate dark corners, or add subtle accent lighting without committing to a major installation. Several designers we follow are using them in unexpected color finishes, too, which brings us to the next trend.

Color and Finish Choices Are Expanding

While matte black and galvanized finishes remain popular, we’re seeing more interest in powder-coated colors. Wall sconce lighting doesn’t have to blend into the background. Some of the best recent projects we’ve seen use sconces in colors that either complement or contrast with the wall color.

This approach works especially well in modern and transitional spaces where you want the lighting to feel like part of the overall design, not just an afterthought. The powder-coated finishes also hold up better over time, which matters if you’re installing sconces outdoors or in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

Bathroom Vanity Sconces Are Getting an Update

Speaking of bathrooms, the days of the standard Hollywood-style vanity bar are giving way to more interesting options. Designers are recommending wall sconce lighting that combines modern, clean lines with a bit of character.

The Lennox is a good example of this shift. It features two 10″ domes in either a 27″ or 33″ width, which provides plenty of task lighting for vanities up to 4 feet wide. What makes this style work is that it doesn’t feel overly trendy or dated. It’s just good, functional lighting that happens to look nice too.

When you’re planning bathroom lighting, mounting sconces at eye level on either side of the mirror (rather than above it) gives you better, more flattering light. This is something designers have been recommending for years, but it’s finally catching on with homeowners.

Mixing Indoor and Outdoor Styles

One trend we’re really excited about is the blurring of lines between indoor and outdoor wall sconce lighting. Fixtures that were traditionally used outside are now showing up in interior spaces, and vice versa.

The Colfax, with its 12″ dome and vintage aesthetic, works equally well on a patio or in a kitchen. This kind of versatility means you can create continuity between your indoor and outdoor spaces, which is especially nice if you do a lot of entertaining.

Designers are also getting more creative with placement. Installing what would typically be an exterior sconce in a mudroom, laundry room, or even a home gym adds an industrial edge that feels fresh and practical.

What to Consider When Choosing Wall Sconce Lighting

Before you commit to a style, factor in the practical side. How high should you mount your sconces? Generally, 60-66 inches from the floor works for most applications, but this can vary based on ceiling height and furniture placement.

Also consider the direction of light. Do you want the light directed upward, downward, or both? Gooseneck arms give you flexibility here, while straight arm lights provide a cleaner, more streamlined look.

The Bottom Line

Wall sconce lighting is one of those design elements that can genuinely improve how your space looks and functions. The styles designers are choosing right now lean toward industrial-inspired pieces that work in multiple settings, fixtures with interesting proportions, and finishes that feel durable and intentional.

No matter your preferred option, the key is choosing pieces that fit your space and how you live in it. Good lighting should make your daily routine easier and make you feel good when you walk into a room. That’s really what all of this is about!