How to Choose a Wall Lamp Bedroom
Often overlooked, bedroom wall lighting can offer the perfect way to create a cozy, intimate mood. Unlike ceiling pendants and floor lamps, which cast light over an entire space, these smaller fixtures can focus on specific areas and illuminate small, often obscured spaces. They also work well in conjunction with other types of bedroom lighting, such as a recessed or track system that supplies overhead lighting.
Typically located on the wall to either side of the bed, these lights are ideal for illuminating reading nooks and can free up space on nightstands for books and decorative accents. They can also be positioned in an entryway, a hallway or in a powder room, as well as in the center of a bedroom to highlight artwork or other display items.
There are many different styles of sconces available, so choose one that fits the overall look of your bedroom. For example, if you’re aiming for a transitional style, opt for brass wall lights with trapezoidal lampshades that introduce a bold geometric accent to the room. Here, these lights coordinate with the tawny rim of the chandelier and tortilla nightstands to deliver a sense of cohesiveness to the space.
A more contemporary option for a bedroom is a wall sconce with a glass shade that’s designed to direct the light beam where you need it. This sconce provides plenty of focused task lighting for reading and can be adjusted as you move through the day. Its sleek silhouette also makes it a great choice for illuminating an entryway or a hallway.
Another type of modern-style sconce is the accordion arm style, which can add a touch of industrial flair to a home. It’s commonly seen in offices, restaurants and hotels, but it works well in a bedroom as a stylish alternative to a simple sconce. This style of sconce features a scissor-like extension that can be pulled out for reading and pushed back to the wall when not in use.
If you’re unsure how to incorporate these fixtures into your bedroom, check out our guide on How to Choose a Wall Lamp Bedroom for more tips and inspiration. Then, browse the selection of on-trend options at Pottery Barn Teen for more ideas. You’ll find marquee wall mirrors lined with lights, LED wall sconces in fun shapes like tacos and cacti and string lights in novelty designs such as fairy lights and neon signs.
There are two types of sconces to consider when choosing your bedroom’s lighting: Direct wired and battery operated. The former requires an electrician to prewire them and connect them to a switch. The latter simply hangs on the wall and plugs into an outlet, making it a great solution for those who want to add a sconce without hiring an electrician or for those who just need a temporary fix. Be sure to consider how long you’ll need the sconce and whether it will need frequent battery changes when selecting the right type of light for your needs.
