The main types of wall sconces are up light, down light and up and down sconces; swing arm sconces; candle sconces; picture lights and wall washers; flush mount or low profile (ADA) sconces; and hanging lantern styles. Any of them can be plug in or hardwired. The type decides where the light goes, so choose by job first: reading, mood, art, a hallway or the front door. Below we explain each type and show real examples from our listings.
For mounting heights, spacing and sizing, see our wall sconce height guide.
Types of wall sconces at a glance
Prices and sizes come from our public listings and can change. Our Meyda sconces are made to order, and those listings give one key width only, so height shows as Not listed. Call us to confirm full dimensions.
| Type | How it lights | Best rooms | Example from our listings | Width / height | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plug in spotlight | Focused beam you aim by hand | Bedside, reading chair, rentals | HomeRoots 30 in Silver Metal Spotlight Wall Sconce | 3.5 in / 30.38 in | $244.99 |
| Hardwired globe sconce | Soft glow in all directions | Living room, hallway | Rove Concepts Uma Sconce, Brass Finish | 9.4 in / 20.6 in | $349 |
| Hanging glass sconce | Down and outward through a glass shade | Dining area, foyer, lounge | Benzara Ada 18 Inch Modern Wall Sconce, Brass | 7.5 in / 17.5 in | $529.67 |
| Up and down sconce | Two beams, one up and one down | Hallway, entry, beside a door | Meyda Metro Fusion Key West Up and Downlight LED Wall Sconce | 5 in / Not listed | $855 |
| Swing arm sconce | Task light on an arm that folds back | Bedside, desk, reading nook | Meyda Mission Hill Top Swing Arm Wall Sconce | 6 to 13 in / Not listed | $855 |
| Swing arm, longer reach | Task light with a longer arm | Bedside, sofa end | Meyda Abilene Swing Arm Wall Sconce | 7 to 21 in / Not listed | $810 |
| Picture light | Narrow wash aimed down at art | Living room, gallery wall, office | Meyda 18 in Wide Edge Picture Light Wall Sconce | 18 in / Not listed | $1,116 |
| Low profile (ADA) sconce | Shallow body, ambient glow | Hallways, stairs, corridors | Meyda 10 in Wide Muirfield ADA Wall Sconce | 10 in / Not listed | $1,080 |
| Dark sky down light | Shielded, aimed straight down | Porch, garage, walkway | Meyda 8 in Wide Dark Sky LED Wall Sconce | 8 in / Not listed | $1,049.40 |
Plug in vs hardwired wall sconces
This choice applies to every type. A plug in wall sconce has a cord that runs to an outlet. The HomeRoots spotlight listing says it plugs directly into a wall outlet, has a rocker switch on the base, and includes a 6 watt GU10 LED bulb (4000K) and a 3 piece wire cover set to tidy the cord. Plug in models suit renters and walls with no junction box.
A hardwired sconce connects to a junction box in the wall and runs from a wall switch, with no visible cord. The Rove Concepts Uma and Benzara Ada listings both recommend professional installation. New wiring is electrical work, so a licensed electrician and your local code have the final word. Our sconce height guide covers this choice and bathroom damp and wet ratings in more depth.
Up light, down light and up and down sconces
Most sconces aim light one of these three ways. For another overview, see Ferguson: 6 Common Types of Wall Sconces.
Up light sconce
Light goes to the ceiling and bounces back into the room, so the space feels taller and brighter. Good for living rooms and rooms with little daylight.
Down light sconce
Light goes toward the floor. It feels intimate indoors and lights steps and walkways outdoors. A shielded design such as the Meyda Dark Sky LED sconce keeps light aimed down rather than into the sky or a neighbor’s window.
Up and down sconce
An up and down sconce sends light both ways and paints a stripe on the wall. Pairs look good on either side of a doorway, along a hallway or flanking a fireplace.
Swing arm sconce: adjustable task light
A swing arm sconce has an arm that pivots out when you need light and folds back when you don’t. It is the go to type beside a bed, because it frees the nightstand and you can aim it at a book without lighting your partner’s side.
Check two things. First, reach: Meyda lists its swing arms with a range, 6 to 13 in for the Mission Hill Top and 7 to 21 in for the Abilene, which we read as folded and extended width. Measure your space fully extended. Second, power: some swing arms are plug in and others are hardwired, and our Meyda listings don’t say which, so call us if you need a cord. If you would rather use a lamp on the nightstand, see our table lamp size guide.
Candle sconces
A candle sconce has one or more candle style bulbs on arms, sometimes with small shades or glass chimneys. It is mostly decorative and gives modest light, so use it for mood in a dining room, hallway or stairwell rather than as a room’s main light. Check the bulb base and wattage on the listing before buying bulbs.
Picture lights and wall wash sconces
Picture light
A picture light mounts above a painting or photo and aims a soft, narrow wash down across it. Choose a width that suits the frame; the Meyda Edge above is 18 in wide, and longer Meyda Kromme picture lights are also listed.
Wall wash sconce
A wall wash sconce spreads light evenly across a wide stretch of wall instead of making a pool or stripe. It flatters stone, brick, long hallways and shelving walls. Like picture lights, it is accent lighting.
Flush mount sconce and low profile (ADA) styles
A flush mount sconce sits close to the wall with a shallow body, which matters in hallways and on stairs. In public and commercial spaces, the ADA Standards limit objects mounted between 27 and 80 in above the floor to 4 in of protrusion into a walkway (U.S. Access Board, ADA Standards section 307.2). Sconces sold as “ADA” are generally made with that limit in mind, but our Meyda ADA listings, such as the Muirfield, don’t state projection, so confirm it with us if you are working to code.
Hanging and lantern sconces
Here the shade hangs from an arm or chain. The Benzara Ada has a hand blown glass shade on an iron chain, takes a 40 watt E26 120V bulb, and is listed as dimmer compatible. Meyda’s rustic styles, such as the 7 in wide Tall Pines Hanging Wall Sconce at $531, suit cabins and lodge rooms, and you can browse more on our Meyda brand page. Hanging sconces stick out farther than flush styles, so keep them out of tight walkways. For sconces beside a bathroom mirror, see our bathroom vanity light size guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of wall sconces?
Up light, down light and up and down sconces, swing arm sconces, candle sconces, picture lights, wall wash sconces, flush mount or ADA sconces, and hanging styles. Any can be plug in or hardwired.
Is a plug in wall sconce as good as a hardwired one?
The light is the same, but the cord shows and you need a nearby outlet. A plug in wall sconce is easier to install and move; a hardwired one looks cleaner but needs a junction box and usually an electrician.
Where does a swing arm sconce work best?
Beside a bed, next to a reading chair or over a desk. Measure the fully extended reach first.
What is the difference between a picture light and a wall wash sconce?
A picture light aims a narrow wash at one piece of art. A wall wash sconce lights a wide area of wall evenly.
Not sure which type fits your room, or need dimensions a listing doesn’t show? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. We offer free freight shipping on orders of $999 or more, and a $200 flat rate below that. For returns, see our Return and Refund Policy.
