There is something undeniably luxurious about bedroom wall sconces. They instantly give your space that fancy, boutique-hotel vibe, and more importantly, they free up precious nightstand real estate. Say goodbye to knocking over your water glass when you reach for your phone!
But if you are in the middle of a bedroom refresh or a full renovation, you are probably staring at your walls asking the ultimate design question:
Getting the placement right is crucial for both ambiance and functionality. Hang them too high, and they light up the ceiling; hang them too low, and you're staring directly into a bare bulb. Don't stress — we've broken down the golden rules of bedroom sconce placement to make your installation a breeze.
The golden rules of sconce height
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the best guidelines interior designers swear by.
The standard measurement
If you have a standard-height bed (around 25 inches high), a safe and classic rule of thumb is to place the center of the sconce's junction box about 60 inches (5 feet) from the floor. This generally keeps the light source slightly above eye level, providing an even, beautiful glow across the room.
The "sit & measure" test
Since beds, headboards, and human heights vary so much, the absolute best way to find your perfect height is to test it out.
- Get into bed and prop yourself up in your normal reading or relaxing position.
- Have a partner measure a few inches above your shoulder.
Pro tip: if you and your partner are different heights, simply split the difference so it works comfortably for both of you.
Adjust for low-profile beds
If you have a modern, low-platform bed, that 60-inch rule might look awkwardly high. Don't be afraid to drop the height. In some cases, placing the junction box closer to 45 to 50 inches from the floor creates a much more cohesive look with low-profile furniture.
What about the horizontal placement?
Now that you have the height, how far apart should they be?
Center over the nightstand
This is the most traditional and visually balanced look.
Proximity to the bed
If you are reading in bed, you want to be able to reach the light easily. Placing the sconce about 12 inches out from the edge of the bed frame is usually the sweet spot.
The switch dilemma
If you are going with hardwired sconces (meaning they don't plug into an outlet and don't have a switch on the fixture itself), you need to plan where your wall switch will go.
Design tip: have your electrician install the light switch right next to your bed. There is nothing worse than getting cozy under the covers, only to realize you have to get out of bed to turn off the room lights across the room. Alternatively, sync them to a smart home system (like Alexa) for voice-controlled ease.
Our bedroom sconce mood board
Ready to upgrade your bedroom lighting? Whether you love a cozy traditional look or sleek modern lines, here are some of our absolute favorite wall sconces to complete your space.
Shop bedroom collectionAll the sconces featured above
Which style is your favorite? Grab your tape measure, hop into bed to find your perfect height, and get ready to transform your bedroom into your new favorite retreat.
