You’ve selected the perfect wall sconces to match your decor—whether it’s a sleek modern fixture or a rustic farmhouse lantern. But buying the light is only half the battle. The secret to professional-looking interior design lies in placement.
Install a sconce too high, and it feels disconnected from the room. Place them too close together, and the wall looks cluttered. To help you get it right, we have compiled the essential rules for hanging wall lights in hallways, bedrooms, and over artwork.
1. Hallway & Living Room Sconce Placement
Best for: General ambient lighting and architectural rhythm.
Ideally, hallway sconces should be mounted 60"-65" from the floor and spaced at least 8 feet apart.
When installing multiple wall sconces to accent a hallway, dining room, or living space, the goal is to create a "balanced spread of light." You want to guide the eye down the corridor without overcrowding the visual space.
The Rules of Thumb:
- Mounting Height: The center of the fixture should be approximately 60" to 65" from the floor. This places the light source at roughly eye level for most people, which is the most flattering position for ambient light.
-
Spacing: Leave a minimum of 8' to 10' between each fixture.
- Why? This spacing ensures the pools of light overlap slightly for consistent illumination but remain distinct enough to avoid a cluttered "runway" look.
- Pro Tip: If you have high ceilings (over 9 feet), you can mount the fixtures slightly higher to maintain proportion, but try to keep them under 72" to ensure they remain effective for human-scale lighting.
2. Bedside Sconce & Reading Light Placement
Best for: Task lighting and freeing up nightstand space.
For bedside reading, position swing arm lamps so the top of the fixture is 55"-60" from the floor.
Replacing bedside table lamps with wall sconces or swing arm lamps is a fantastic way to free up nightstand space and create a luxury hotel vibe. However, placement here is functional—you need to be able to read by it and reach it easily.
The Rules of Thumb:
-
Mounting Height: Install the fixture so that the top of the sconce is approximately 55" to 60" from the floor.
- Why? This height ensures the light casts downward onto your book or tablet, rather than shining directly into your eyes while you are sitting up in bed.
- Switch Accessibility: If your sconce has an integrated on/off switch (on the backplate or cord), ensure it is mounted where it can be easily reached from a sitting position in the bed. You shouldn't have to get out of the covers to turn off the light!
3. Picture Light Sizing & Placement
Best for: Accenting artwork and creating focal points.
Choose a picture light shade that is about 1/2 the width of the artwork for a balanced aesthetic.
Lighting artwork is an art form in itself. A dedicated picture light draws attention to your favorite pieces and adds drama to the room. The key to getting this look right is proportion and angle to avoid glare.
The Rules of Thumb:
- Sizing the Fixture: Do not let the fixture overpower the art. As a general rule, the width of the picture light shade should measure approximately 1/2 the width of the frame or artwork below.
- The Angle: To minimize glare on glass or canvas texture, position the light at a 30-degree angle from the illuminated artwork. This directs the light across the surface of the art rather than bouncing it back at the viewer.
Quick Reference: Wall Light Placement Chart
| Fixture Type | Ideal Height (from Floor) | Spacing/Sizing Rule |
| Hallway Sconce | 60" - 65" (to center) | Space 8' - 10' apart |
| Bedside Sconce | 55" - 60" (to top of fixture) | Switch must be reachable from bed |
| Picture Light | Center above frame | Shade width = 1/2 width of art |
Let Bees Lighting Help You Plan Your Layout
Every home is unique, and sometimes standard rules need to be broken to fit a specific architectural quirk. At Bees Lighting, we know that perfect placement makes all the difference. If you are unsure about the sizing or positioning of your new wall lights, our team is here to help you achieve a professional result.
Call our Bees Lighting specialists at 855-303-0665 for expert advice on your installation.
