Buying Guide

Plug-In Wall Sconces Are Our Favorite Lighting Hack — Shop 15 We Love

Rebecca Deczynski ·
Bright Scandinavian living room with minimalist white walls, black fireplace, and natural wood accents

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.

Eclectic bedroom blending vintage carved wood nightstand with modern black four-poster bed

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.

Cheerful reading nook with yellow floral wallpaper, natural wood shelving, and soft cream seating

Classic Brass Plug-In Wall Sconce

Mid-century brass double-shade wall sconce with minimalist silhouette and warm gold finish

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

Japandi-inspired arc sconce combining natural wood, pleated white shade, and sculptural elegance

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

Industrial rustic wall sconce with articulating black arm and woven wicker cone shade

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

Contemporary wooden wall sconce with clean geometric lines and soft cream linen shade

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

Modern mustard yellow plug-in sconce with sculptural wooden backplate and minimalist design

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

Sleek contemporary black sconce with cylindrical fabric shade and geometric architectural form

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

Boho pendant sconce with natural wood drum shade and delicate cream fringe detailing

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

Minimalist dual pendant sconce in brushed metal with clean, contemporary design

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

Industrial black swing-arm sconce with tapered shade and articulating arm

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

Mid-century brass arc sconce with wood accent and warm metallic finish

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

Modern minimalist black and white linear sconce with stacked geometric form

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

Contemporary swing-arm sconce with black frame and neutral linen shade

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

Modern brass and black sconce with geometric angled arm and angular shade

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

Mid-century modern brass sconce with frosted glass sphere shades

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

Industrial brass bar sconce with minimalist articulating joint design

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.

Looking for a way to overcome your unique home dilemmas? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with ourstyle quiz.