The Best Wall Sconces for Living Rooms - An Expert's Guide

A well-designed living room deserves lighting that is just as considered and attractive. The right wall sconces can provide aesthetic appeal while also serving practical needs like ambient lighting. With the variety of sizes, materials, designs and placement options available today, finding the perfect wall sconces to complement your living room decor has never been easier.

From recommended styles to clever placement ideas, we will cover all the key factors you need to keep in mind for living room wall sconce success.

Why Add Wall Sconces to Your Living Room?

Wall sconces offer numerous benefits that make them a smart addition to any living room lighting plan. Here are some of the top reasons to install wall sconces in your living space:

• Provides both ambient and task lighting - Wall sconces give off a soft general glow for overall illumination but can also provide directed light for reading nooks or work areas when needed.
• Enhances style and decor - Wall sconces today come in a wide range of materials and designs to complement your living room's aesthetic.
• Creates visual interest on walls - Strategically placed sconces add appealing architectural elements to plain walls and surfaces.
• Adds dimension with layered lighting - Combine wall sconces with other light sources like pendant lights and table lamps for depth.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wall Sconces

Picking out the perfect wall sconces for your living room involves evaluating a few key factors. Keep the following considerations in mind while browsing options:

Style

One of the most important factors is choosing a wall sconce style and design that aligns with your overall decor theme. For a contemporary living room, sleek metal or glass sconces in finishes like matte black or brushed nickel work well. For traditional spaces, an ornate bronze sconce with fabric shades has classic appeal. Go for rustic twig or forged iron sconces if creating a farmhouse vibe. Matching the style sets the right aesthetic tone.

Size

Scale matters when picking the right wall sconce size. An oversized sconce can easily overwhelm a small living room. Take measurements of your wall area to ensure the proportions of the sconce you choose are suitable. An experienced interior designer can help you determine the appropriate size wall sconce for the room's dimensions.

Placement

Finding the optimal placement spot amplifies the impact of your wall sconce. Mounting sconces on both sides of a living room fireplace creates symmetrical, cohesive lighting. Flanking a seating area or above a focal point like artwork are also excellent options. Positioning is key for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

Lighting Needs

Assess how much illumination you need the wall sconce to provide for the space. Soft ambient lighting sets a relaxed mood. Brighter lighting facilitates tasks like reading. Dimmable sconces give you flexibility. Determining your needs helps narrow suitable styles. The lighting functionality should align with how you use the space.

Recommended Styles of Wall Sconces

Now that we've covered the factors that shape your wall sconce selection, let's explore some popular styles that work beautifully in living rooms.

Modern

For contemporary living rooms, modern wall sconces with simple streamlined silhouettes and geometric details are ideal. Metal finishes like polished chrome and glass materials give off an urbane, sophisticated vibe. The minimalist look allows them to blend seamlessly.

Transitional

Transitional design straddles traditional and modern sensibilities. Similarly, transitional wall sconces fuse old-world charm with clean-lined contemporary appeal. Bronzed steel fixtures with ivory fabric shades have versatile grace. The eclectic blend suits a range of decors.

Rustic

Rustic living rooms call for wall sconces with a hand-crafted look. Fixtures made from raw-edged wood planks or wrought iron have an organic, weathered patina that enhances farmhouse and lodge aesthetics. For a boho twist, woven abaca fiber shades add natural texture.

Where to Place Wall Sconces in Living Room

Now that you've selected the perfect sconces, it's time to determine the ideal placement spots. Here are some of our recommended locations to install wall sconces in your living room for optimal effect.

Next to Windows

Positioning sconces on either side of living room windows or above window frames is an excellent idea. The wall sconces provide illumination at night and bounce light off walls to avoid an overly dark vibe. During the day, the natural light streaming in complements the wall sconces beautifully.

Flanking Fireplace

No living room accent anchors a space as powerfully as a fireplace. Place a pair of matching sconces on both sides to add striking symmetry and highlight it as the focal point. Choose sconces with dimmable bulbs to control the mood lighting.

Near Seating Areas

Strategically place wall sconces by living room seating areas to serve functional needs. Ambient lighting sets the right mood for relaxed conversations, while brighter sconces facilitate reading. Install a nearby switch to easily control the sconces.

Choosing the Right Bulbs

The type of bulb you use in a sconce significantly impacts the quality and amount of light cast. Here's what to look for when choosing bulbs:

• Lumens - Select the appropriate lumen output for desired brightness level.
• Color Temperature - Lower Kelvin (2700-3000K) emits a warm, cozy glow. Higher Kelvin (3500-4000K) gives off cooler light.
• Dimmable - Allows adjustable brightness to set the right ambiance.
• LED - Most energy-efficient and long-lasting bulb option currently available.

Wiring and Installation

Since wall sconces require wiring, installation is best left to an experienced professional electrician. However, there are some convenient options that don't involve complex wiring:

• Battery-operated sconces - Cordless and easily installed without an electrician.
• Plug-in sconces - Simply plug into a nearby outlet for instant ambiance.
• Hardwired sconces - Permanent installations that involve wiring into the wall.

Shop Top Brands for Quality

When investing in wall sconces, quality is key for longevity and performance. Here are some reputable brands with attractive living room sconce options across styles and budgets:

• Hudson Valley Lighting - Known for artisanal, decorative fixtures with ornate metalwork and fabric shades.
• Tech Lighting - Sleek modern sconces with geometric metal silhouettes and canvas shades.
• Arteriors - Handcrafted mid-century inspired sconces with sculptural shapes.
• Lamps Plus - Wide range from rustic wood to contemporary glass and metal sconces.
• Rejuvenation - Vintage-inspired sconces like architect's brass and porcelain enamel metal.

The right wall sconces can transform your living room from simply functional to utterly captivating. Take the time to find fixtures that align with your decor style, lighting needs and layout. Position them thoughtfully in areas like next to windows or seating zones where they can make the biggest impact.

You are sure to spend a lot of time relaxing in your brilliantly lit living room with the perfect sconces illuminating it. Use this comprehensive guide to choose the best wall sconces for your living room and reap all the benefits ambient lighting has to offer.