The existence of wall sconce lighting dates back centuries ago, to when torches were affixed to walls. The term simply means a light that uses the wall rather than the floor for support. This has advantages in keeping the floor clear, and also results in a generally more eye-pleasing light source. Small wall sconce lights are particularly popular for hotels. providing a sophisticated, polished atmosphere alongside practical illumination. The overall result is something much more enjoyable than overhead lighting panels or spotlights, which are often inconveniently placed or just plain inefficient due to the added height of the light source further away from the eyes of the building’s inhabitants. Wall light sconces are also usually pointed upwards by the surrounding translucent globes, directing the burn of the light away so that you get the illumination without the excessive brightness.

Like most interior decorations, wall sconce light fixtures run the full gamut from easily-afforded twenty dollar models to eye-bulgingly costly hundred plus dollar works of skilled craftsmanship. Much of the price depends on the materials used, with common metals and plastics being cheaper than bronze, iron, or silver. The average price for a great-looking but not too extravagant wall sconce light hovers around the fifty to eighty dollar range, and that price range is a great compromise for people who want something that looks like a million bucks without actually taking that much out of their bank account.

The variety available in the designs for lighted wall sconces simply can’t be stressed anywhere near enough enough. The artistry of many different cultures and time periods come into play in each design, and the aesthetic differences can be so vast while still performing the same function as lighting very well that no one should feel the need to buy a light that doesn’t fully express their personality in its beauty and structural design. From iron-framed lanterns to shaded lamps, from streaked blue glass to tinted acid-etched glass, and bronze to nickel and all metal in-between, you truly have to look for yourself to understand how many different variations there are in these fixtures and how you can get something that perfectly suits your tastes no matter what they might be. However, an attempt will be made at showing off some of the more interesting designs available to give you a rough sketch of how many kinds of sconce lights are available.

There are fully covered, wooden-framed lights of Asian inspiration, recalling the festival lanterns of the far East. But perhaps you’d like something more modern? In that case, you can find very up to date, sleekly-curving glass-shaded fixtures that minimize the frame to show off the gently projecting glass shading. Simple lampshaded styles are there for those who don’t want anything too complex or outlandish, and also classic, traditional models featuring upturned globes supported from below by beautiful but subdued curved metal frames. And believe it or not, most of these are under a hundred dollars! So how do you figure out which one is right for you? Well… only you can answer that, but hopefully you know enough now to get a good start the next time you shop for interior or exterior lighting.