2025 Trends: Wall sconces are making a comeback
Everything You Need to Know About Wall Sconces in 2025
Wall sconces have never been as trendy as in 2025! Long relegated to a functional role, they are now becoming true statement pieces in interior design.
Versatile, elegant, and practical, they adapt to all styles and spaces, from modern living rooms to cozy bedrooms, as well as hallways and bathrooms.
Looking for an elegant way to add character to your walls?
Imagine a brushed brass sconce adding a touch of art deco elegance to your living room, or a minimalist ceramic design creating a zen atmosphere in your bedroom. Wall sconces no longer just light up a space; they transform it into a luminous work of art.
In this article, discover why wall sconces are the must-have addition for interior decor in 2025, the trending styles, and tips for choosing, integrating, and even installing these lights with style.
What is a wall sconce?
A wall sconce is elegance serving functionality.
Mounted directly on a wall, this light fixture has transcended eras, evolving to match modern interior design trends.
More than just a light source, it combines aesthetics and utility to illuminate your spaces in a subtle and stylish way.
Definition and origin of the wall sconce
The concept of wall sconces dates back to antiquity, where torches and oil lamps were fixed to walls to illuminate homes and places of worship.
Over the centuries, they evolved from baroque-style wall chandeliers to modern electric designs.
Today, a wall sconce refers to any light fixture attached to a wall, designed to provide targeted or ambient lighting.
They can be minimalist, sculptural, or even futuristic, depending on the materials and shapes used.
Main functions
👉 1. Functional lighting :
Wall sconces are ideal for illuminating specific areas or addressing particular needs.
In a hallway, they provide soft light to guide without being glaring.
At the bedside, they become perfect reading lamps.
In a bathroom, they frame mirrors for optimized lighting during daily routines.
👉 2. A decorative element in its own right :
Beyond their primary function, wall sconces now play a key role in interior design. They bring :
A unique style: A brass sconce adds a vintage touch, while a raw wood model integrates seamlessly into a Wabi-Sabi ambiance.
Wall enhancement: Strategically placed, a sconce can accentuate the texture of a stone wall or elegantly complement a gallery of frames.
A sense of volume: Through the play of light and shadow, some sculptural sconces add new dimensions to your rooms.
Wall sconces are not just lighting fixtures; they are tools to personalize your spaces and add character to them.
Why are wall sconces trending in 2025?
Wall sconces are experiencing a true revival in 2025, becoming a must-have for modern and stylish interiors.
But why the excitement? Between innovations, adaptability, and sustainable values, they appeal as much for their aesthetics as for their functionality.
New designs and innovations
Today’s wall sconces are nothing like the classic models of the past.
In 2025, they feature bold designs, sculptural lines, and advanced technologies :
- Integrated LED lighting : Energy-efficient and adjustable, it allows for varying light intensities and creating personalized atmospheres.
- Sculptural shapes : Designs inspired by nature or artistic movements like Art Deco or Bauhaus transform sconces into true wall art pieces.
- Smart Connectivity : Some sconces can be controlled via an app or voice assistant, making lighting more intuitive.
Brands are pushing creative boundaries, offering pieces that appeal to both minimalism lovers and fans of exuberant decor.
Adaptability to contemporary and timeless styles
One of the greatest strengths of wall sconces is their ability to adapt to all styles of decor. They fit perfectly in :
- Contemporary interiors: minimalist models in matte black metal or smoked glass complement modern decor beautifully.
- Vintage or industrial atmospheres: Brass, copper, or aged metal sconces add a warm and retro touch.
- Scandinavian spaces: Featuring simple lines and natural materials like light wood, they enhance the cozy spirit of this style.
- Eclectic or bohemian settings: Woven rattan or handcrafted ceramic sconces add an artisanal and authentic vibe.
Whatever ambiance you’re seeking, there’s a wall sconce capable of elevating your space.
The growing role of wall lighting in minimalist and modern interiors
In current decor trends, the focus is on simplicity and functionality. Wall sconces perfectly meet these expectations:
- Space-saving: Mounted on walls, they free up tables and surfaces, a valuable asset in minimalist or small interiors.
- Targeted lighting: Whether illuminating a painting, a reading nook, or a hallway, wall sconces direct light exactly where it is needed.
- Soft ambiance: In modern spaces, where powerful ceiling lights are often replaced by auxiliary lighting, sconces create a gentle and soothing glow.
Their ability to blend discretion and elegance makes them an ideal choice for clean and design-focused spaces.
The importance of sustainable materials and authentic finishes
In 2025, sustainability and authenticity are at the core of interior decoration concerns. Wall sconces are no exception to this trend:
- Natural materials: Raw wood, ceramic, blown glass, or stone bring an organic and timeless touch.
- Artisanal finishes: Every imperfection becomes a mark of authenticity, whether it’s an irregular texture or a refined patina.
- Eco-responsibility: Sconces made from recycled or renewable materials appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
👉 A striking example: a woven bamboo or recycled metal wall sconce can transform a room while telling a story of responsible and sustainable design.
Our different wall sconce styles for every room in the house
Wall sconces do more than just light up a room: they enhance spaces by adding a unique touch of style.
Depending on the needs and desired ambiance, each room can benefit from models specifically designed to combine aesthetics and functionality. Here are our recommendations for choosing the perfect sconce for every corner of your home.
In the living room: designer or retro sconces for a warm atmosphere
The living room is the heart of your home, a place where conviviality and relaxation meet.
Wall sconces play an essential role here, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.
Designer sconces : with sculptural shapes and modern finishes (brushed metal, smoked glass), they add a contemporary touch to your decor.
Retro models : ideal for fans of vintage ambiance, they combine brass, copper, or glass lampshades for timeless charm.
Decor tip : place a sconce above a painting or next to a sofa to highlight certain elements of the room while providing a soft, diffused light.
In the bedroom: wall sconces for a cozy space
The bedroom is a sanctuary for rest and relaxation, and wall sconces fully contribute to this with their soft, soothing light🏮.
Bedside wall lamps : mounted on either side of the bed, they free up bedside tables while providing perfect lighting for reading or relaxing.
Fabric or ceramic models: with shades made of natural materials, they create diffused lighting ideal for an intimate atmosphere.
Decor tip: Choose adjustable sconces to adapt the lighting to your needs, whether for reading or resting.
In the bathroom: resistant and safe sconces
In a humid environment, the choice of sconces must meet specific criteria to ensure safety and durability.
Water-resistant models: opt for sconces certified IP44 or higher, suitable for wet areas.
Minimalist designs: sconces in metal or opal glass offer a clean aesthetic while diffusing even lighting.
🚿Decor tip: Install sconces on either side of a mirror for ideal lighting during daily routines.
In hallways and staircases: directional sconces for safety
Hallways and staircases require lighting that is both practical and aesthetic to ensure smooth and safe navigation.
Directional wall sconces: pointing upward or downward, they subtly illuminate passage areas.
Recessed models: ideal for staircases, these sconces blend into the wall while diffusing soft light.
Decor tip: Choose sconces with motion sensors to combine practicality with energy savings.
👉 A light fixture for every space!
Wall sconces are excellent allies for personalizing your interior. By playing with styles, materials, and positioning, they adapt to your needs while adding character to every room.
How to choose the right wall sconce?
Choosing a wall sconce isn't just about an aesthetic crush. This choice must meet your specific lighting needs while blending harmoniously with your space.
👉Here are the main criteria to consider to make the right choice.
Room size
The size of your room plays an important role in choosing your wall sconce.
Large rooms: In a spacious living room or a large bedroom, opt for sconces with generous dimensions or models with multiple light sources. This ensures good light diffusion and a strong visual impact.
Small spaces : In a hallway or a compact bathroom, prioritize minimalist and unobtrusive sconces to avoid overcrowding the decor while optimizing the space.
Tip : Also consider the height of the wall where the sconce will be installed to visually balance the light fixture with the rest of the room.
Type of light: soft or bright?
The choice of lighting type depends on the main function of your wall sconce:
Soft lighting: Ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere in a bedroom or living room. Sconces with fabric or frosted glass shades diffuse soft and soothing light.
Bright lighting: Perfect for functional spaces like a kitchen or office. Models with direct light sources, such as sconces equipped with LEDs, ensure better visibility.
👌Decor tip: Pair bulbs with an appropriate color temperature (3000K for warm light, 4000K for neutral lighting).
Materials and finishes: wood, metal, ceramic, etc.
The material of your wall sconce influences both its style and durability:
Wood: For a warm or Scandinavian interior, sconces made of raw wood bring a natural and authentic touch.
Metal: Wall sconces in chrome or matte black metal are perfectly suited to industrial or contemporary settings.
Ceramic: Ideal for a bohemian or artisanal style, ceramic offers unique textures and irregular finishes that evoke craftsmanship.
Crystal or glass: For an elegant and luxurious look, opt for sconces with transparent or textured glass shades.
👌Practical tip: If the sconce is intended for a bathroom, choose materials resistant to humidity, such as stainless steel or tempered glass.
Wall sconce materials: find the one that matches your style
🌳 Wood
For a warm or Scandinavian interior, sconces made of raw wood bring a natural and authentic touch.
🛠️ Metal
Wall sconces in chrome or matte black metal are perfectly suited to industrial or contemporary settings.
🍶 Ceramic
Ideal for a bohemian or artisanal style, ceramic offers unique textures and irregular finishes that evoke craftsmanship.
💎 Cristal or glass?
For an elegant and luxurious look, opt for sconces with transparent or textured glass shades.
👉 Practical tip: For a bathroom, choose materials resistant to humidity, such as stainless steel or tempered glass, for enhanced durability.
Compatibility with decor style
Your wall sconce should match the rest of your interior decor for a harmonious look. Here are some inspirations based on styles:
🏙️ Modern style
Opt for clean lines and metallic or minimalist finishes for a contemporary and elegant look.
⚙️ Industrial style
Wall sconces in black metal, with details like rivets or grilles, bring a raw and authentic touch.
🎞️ Vintage style
Sconces in brass or with smoked glass shades evoke an irresistible retro and timeless charm.
❄️ Scandinavian style
Choose light tones and natural materials, like wood or linen, for a bright and soothing atmosphere.
👉 Decor tip: Mix styles by playing with contrasts. An industrial wall sconce in a modern interior or a vintage model in a minimalist setting can become the centerpiece of your decor.
In summary, match your sconce to the size of the room, the type of lighting needed, and your interior style. A well-thought-out choice will illuminate your space while enhancing its charm. ✨