Lighting can make or break a room. But if you’re renting or on a tight budget, you might not have as much freedom as you’d like to change the light fixtures in your space. Luckily, one of our favorite lighting choices for making a room look extra-polished is easy to install and renter-friendly: plug-in wall sconces.
Although they don’t require any complex rewiring (just some minor drilling), plug-in wall sconces lend a custom, “built-in” look to any space. So, when you’re trying to make your interior look a bit more elevated, they’re a great option. And with so many plug-in sconces on the market to choose from, there are picks that can suit just about any design preference.
Not to mention, plug-in wall sconces are an ideal lighting choice for small spaces. When you don’t have room for a lamp on a nightstand or a side table, these fixtures can help come in handy on a practical level — in addition to being a stand-out design element in just about any room they’re placed in. Curious about how to use plug-in wall sconces in your own space? Consider these 12 shoppable options, picked out by Havenly designer Kasee Smith.
Classic Brass Plug-In Wall Sconce
If you’re a fan of timeless design, this double-light plug-in wall sconce is an excellent pick. Its simple pendant lampshades are classic, while the body of the sconce is sleek and streamlined — a perfect traditional-meets-modern look.
Pleated Plug-in Wall Sconce
This sconce from Crate and Barrel draws inspiration from mid-century Danish design, with its trendy pleated lampshade. While this design feels very of-the-moment, it’s classic enough to complement a wide range of design styles.
Bronze & Rattan Plug-In Wall Sconce
This rattan wall sconce by Lamps Plus offers a bohemian vibe that’s well-suited to eclectic or coastal-inspired interiors. Because it’s adjustable, this lamp is great for installing in reading nooks and over bedside tables.
MCM Plug-In Wall Sconce
Mid-century modern style is popular for a reason, as evidenced by this elegant plug-in wall sconce. Its drum lamp shade gives it a streamlined look, perfect for a refined bedroom that could rival a five-star hotel room.
Pixi Adjustable Plug-In Wall Sconce
For a playful look, consider this mixed-material plug-in sconce from Crate and Barrel. Though it’s designed for kids’ rooms, this whimsical light fixture could also suit an eclectic bedroom design.
Matte Black Plug-In Wall Sconce
With their simple silhouette and matte black metal finish, these wall sconces by Lamps Plus are distinctly modern, without veering too trendy. Consider them the key to upgrading a minimalist bedroom.
Jute Plug-In Wall Sconce
Sconces don’t just have to be installed above bedroom tables — they can also work as accent lamps. This boho lamp from Anthropologie can be used to create an artful vignette next to a bookshelf, over side table in a living room, or near an armchair.
Swivel Plug-In Wall Sconce
The beauty is in the details of this plug-in sconce by Amber Lewis for Anthropologie. Its double metal lampshades give it a contemporary look, while its wooden backplate adds an unexpected ever-so-slightly rustic touch.
Articulating Arm Plug-in Wall Sconce
Perfect for in a reading nook or over a desk, this Pottery Barn plug-in sconce with an adjustable arm is the perfect example of form-meets-function. Its simple bronze finish gives it its modern shape a classic touch.
Swivel Arm Plug-In Wall Sconce
Want a more dramatic lighting moment? Look no further than this swivel-style sconce from CB2. Its walnut-finished ash wood wall plate and dipped shape give this piece a high-design appeal — a stylish choice for both a living room and a bedroom.
Pole Plug-In Wall Sconce
You don’t need a large light fixture to make a big impact. Just take this plug-in sconce from CB2 as an example. Its textured metal base and cotton-linen lampshade make the simple silhouette dynamic.
Mid-Century Hanging Plug-In Wall Sconce
Sometimes a bigger footprint can make a difference, though. This large plug-in wall sconce works well as a sole nightlight, placed above a headboard or over a nightstand. It draws inspiration from mid-century style while offering modern appeal.
Curvilinear Plug-In Wall Sconce
The shell-shaped shade of this mid-century-inspired wall sconce gives it a vintage feel, without looking outdated. Because the light can be moved from side to side, it’s an ideal piece for a bedside or work space.
Glass Plug-in Wall Sconce
With its extended brass body and glass lampshades, this elegant sconce is a conversation starter, great for a living or dining room. Consider it an option for smaller spaces that don’t have room for floor lamps.
Antique Brass Plug-In Picture Light
Although it has an antique brass finish, this plug-in sconce feels sharply contemporary, thanks to its streamlined silhouette. It’s perfect for hanging over framed artwork — just be mindful that it’s proportionate with the width of the artwork.
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