How High To Hang Wall Sconces Next To Bed: Essential Guide

To hang wall sconces next to your bed, aim for the bottom of the sconce to be about eye-level when you’re sitting up in bed, typically between 50-60 inches from the floor. This height provides comfortable reading light and creates a balanced, inviting atmosphere in your bedroom.

Creating a cozy and functional bedroom sanctuary is all about the details. One of the most stylish and practical updates you can make is adding wall sconces next to your bed. But where exactly should they go? Getting the height just right can transform your space. Too high and they might feel awkward; too low and your light source could be in the way. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think! We’ll walk through exactly how to find that perfect spot for your bedside sconces, ensuring both great style and perfect readability. Get ready to elevate your bedroom’s ambiance and comfort with this easy-to-follow guide.

Why Sconce Height Matters: Style, Comfort, and Function

Finding the perfect height for your wall sconces isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a truly functional and comfortable bedside area. When sconces are mounted at the right height, they offer several benefits:

Optimal Task Lighting: For reading in bed, the light source needs to be positioned so it illuminates your book or device without casting harsh shadows or being directly in your eyes. The right height ensures focused, glare-free light.
Ambiance Creation: Sconces are excellent for setting a mood. Correctly placed, they provide a soft, inviting glow that enhances the overall feel of your bedroom, making it more relaxing and intimate.
Visual Balance: The height of your sconces plays a crucial role in the visual composition of your bedroom. Properly placed sconces can balance the wall space, complementing your bed and other decor elements.
Space Saving: Compared to table lamps, wall sconces free up valuable nightstand space, which is a huge win for smaller rooms or anyone who likes to keep their surfaces clear.

The Golden Rule: Eye Level (When Seated)

The most common and effective guideline for hanging wall sconces next to a bed is to position them at eye level when you are sitting up in bed. Think about how you normally sit to read or scroll on your phone. You want the light to fall comfortably on your lap or book, not shine directly into your face or be too high to be effective.

For most adults, this translates to a height where the bottom of the sconce is typically between 50 and 60 inches from the floor.

Factors Influencing Sconce Height

While the “eye level” rule is a great starting point, a few factors can slightly adjust where you place your sconces:

Bed Height: A lower bed frame might mean you sit at a slightly different eye level compared to someone with a very tall, four-poster bed.
Mattress Thickness: A thick mattress can raise your seating position, so always measure from your usual seated eye level.
Sconce Design: The style and size of your sconce can influence the perceived height. For instance, a sconce with a very large shade might look better slightly higher than one with a small, minimalist design.
Ceiling Height: In rooms with very high ceilings, you might opt to hang sconces a little higher to better suit the scale of the room. Conversely, in a room with a lower ceiling, keeping them within the 50-60 inch range prevents them from overwhelming the space.
Adjustable Arms: If your sconces have adjustable arms, you have more flexibility. You can hang them slightly lower, knowing you can extend the arm for brighter light.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hang Your Wall Sconces Perfectly

Ready to install your beautiful new sconces? Follow these simple steps for a successful DIY project.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This will make the process much smoother.

Wall Sconces: Your chosen light fixtures.
Drill and Drill Bits: For making pilot holes and potential larger holes for wiring.
Screwdriver Set: To attach the sconce to the wall.
Level: Essential for ensuring your sconces are straight and look professional.
Measuring Tape: To get the exact height and spacing.
Pencil: For marking measurements on the wall.
Stud Finder: Crucial for securely mounting your sconces.
Wire Strippers and Pliers: If you are doing a hardwired installation.
Electrical Box/Wire Connectors: For hardwired installations.
Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes when drilling.
Drop Cloth: To protect your flooring and furniture from dust.
Ladder or Sturdy Step Stool: For reaching the mounting area safely.
Patching and Painting Supplies: If you need to fill old holes or touch up paint.

Step 2: Decide on the Sconce Location

Think about where you’ll be spending most of your time when sitting up in bed. The ideal spot is usually above and slightly to the side of where your head rests on the pillow, allowing light to fall forward.

Center Placement: Generally, you’ll want to center the sconce over your nightstand or an imaginary point next to your nightstand.
Symmetrical Look: Most people hang one sconce on each side of the bed for a balanced and pleasing symmetry.
Consider Your Bedding: If you have a headboard, your sconces might attach to it directly, or you’ll hang them on the wall behind it. If your sconces are wall-mounted, ensure they don’t interfere with the placement of your headboard.

Step 3: Measure and Mark Your Height

This is where the “eye level” rule comes into play.

1. Sit Up in Bed: Get into your usual comfortable, upright reading position. Have a helper hold a measuring tape vertically against the wall, or mark where your eye level is with a pencil.
2. Determine Bottom Sconce Height: Measure from the floor up to your eye level. A good starting point is about 55 inches. You can go slightly lower (50 inches) or higher (60 inches) based on your personal comfort and the factors mentioned earlier.
3. Mark the Sconce Bottom: Use your pencil to make a light mark on the wall at the determined height for the bottom of the sconce.
4. Mark the Mounting Point: Refer to the instructions that came with your sconce. Each fixture has a specific mounting point. Measure from the bottom of the sconce up to this mounting point and mark it on the wall. This second mark indicates where the bracket or mounting plate will align.

Step 4: Locate Wall Studs

This is a critical safety step. For wall sconces, especially those with some weight, securing them into wall studs is highly recommended. This prevents them from pulling away from the wall over time.

Use a Stud Finder: Electric stud finders are easy to use. Run the stud finder horizontally across the wall where you plan to mount the sconce. It will beep or light up when it detects a stud.
Mark Studs: Mark the edges of the stud(s) where you intend to drill.
If No Stud: If there isn’t a stud in the perfect spot, you’ll need to use heavy-duty wall anchors designed for your wall type (e.g., drywall, plaster). Toggle bolts or Molly bolts are good options for supporting weight. Consult the anchor’s packaging for its weight rating. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers great advice on avoiding home improvement scams, which is a good reminder to use quality materials and methods for any home project.

Step 5: Rough-In Wiring (If Hardwired)

If your sconces are hardwired (connected directly to your home’s electrical system), this step needs to be done before you mount the sconce. If you are not comfortable with electrical work, it’s always best to hire a qualified electrician for this part.

Turn Off Power: Crucially, turn off the power to the circuit at your electrical panel. Double-check that the power is off using a voltage tester.
Drill Hole for Wire: Drill a hole at the marked mounting point, large enough to feed the electrical wire through.
Install Electrical Box: Mount a proper electrical box in the wall for safe wire connections. Always ensure the box is rated for the type of fixture you are installing.
Pull Wire: Carefully pull the electrical wire from the wall through the electrical box.
Connect Wires: Strip the ends of the wires and connect them according to your sconce’s instructions and local electrical codes, typically using wire nuts. Black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), and green or bare copper to ground.

Step 6: Mount the Sconce Bracket

Now you’ll attach the mounting hardware to the wall.

1. Align Bracket: Hold the sconce’s mounting bracket or plate against the wall, aligning it with your pencil marks and ensuring it is level.
2. Mark Screw Holes: Use your pencil to mark where the screw holes on the bracket meet the wall (and ideally, the studs).
3. Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes for your screws. If using wall anchors, follow the anchor manufacturer’s instructions for drilling and inserting them.
4. Attach Bracket: Securely screw the mounting bracket to the wall. Ensure it’s tight and flush against the surface.

Step 7: Install the Sconce and Bulb

The final assembly is usually straightforward.

1. Attach Sconce: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the sconce fixture to the mounted bracket. This might involve screwing it in, clipping it on, or sliding it into place.
2. Install Bulb: Insert the appropriate light bulb. It’s often best to use LED bulbs, as they are energy-efficient and don’t generate as much heat, which is safer for lampshades and prolongs bulb life. Check your sconce’s wattage limitation.
3. Add Shade (if applicable): If your sconce has a separate shade, attach it now.

Step 8: Test Your New Sconces!

1. Turn Power Back On: Go back to your electrical panel and turn the power back on for the circuit.
2. Test the Light: Flip the switch or pull the cord for your sconce. Your beautiful new light should illuminate your bedside!
3. Check Functionality: Sit in bed and check the light coverage for reading. Does it feel right?

Step 9: Finishing Touches and Troubleshooting

If you had to patch any old holes or touch up paint, do that now. If your sconce isn’t working:

Check Power: Ensure the breaker is on.
Check Bulb: Make sure the bulb is screwed in properly and isn’t burnt out.
Check Wiring: If hardwired, double-check all connections (remember to turn off power first!).

Sconce Height Cheat Sheet

To make things even simpler, here’s a quick reference table. Remember, these are guidelines, and personal preference plays a big role!

Measurement Point	Typical Height Range (From Floor)	Notes
Bottom of Sconce	50″ – 60″	Ideal for seated eye-level reading light.
Center of Sconce	55″ – 65″	Approximate if measuring to the middle of the fixture.
Top of Sconce	60″ – 70″	Consider if sconce has a large shade or decorative element.
Mounting Bracket Hole	Varies widely (check fixture)	Measure from bottom of sconce to bracket center.

Considerations for Specific Sconce Types

The type of sconce you choose can also subtly influence the ideal height.

Adjustable Arm Sconces: These offer the most flexibility. You can mount them slightly lower (around 50-55 inches for the bottom) and then extend the arm when you need light for reading.
Plug-In Sconces: These are fantastic for renters or those who don’t want to deal with hardwiring. Installation is simpler, but you still need to consider power outlet placement and cord management. The height guidelines remain the same.
Hardwired Sconces: These offer a cleaner look but require more advanced installation. The height is crucial because you can’t easily adjust the position once wired.
Sconces with Large Shades: If your sconce has a significant lampshade, you may want to hang it slightly higher (perhaps the bottom at 55-60 inches) so the shade visually fits the space better and doesn’t hang too low over your head when sitting up.
Small, Minimalist Sconces: These can sometimes be hung slightly lower (starting around 50 inches for the bottom) as they don’t take up as much visual space.

Lighting Techniques for Bedside Sconces

Beyond height, how your sconces cast light is just as important for comfort and ambiance.

Uplighting vs. Downlighting: Some sconces direct light upwards, creating a soft, diffused glow across the ceiling. Others point light downwards, which is excellent for reading. Many offer a combination. Consider your primary use when choosing.
Bulb Choice:
Warm White Light (2700K-3000K): This is ideal for bedrooms, creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
Dimmer Switches: Installing a dimmer switch (if hardwired) gives you ultimate control over brightness, perfect for switching from reading light to mood lighting.
LEDs: They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce less heat, which is safer for lampshades. You can find many LED bulbs in warm white tones.
Shade Material: Opaque shades provide softer, more diffused light, while clear or glass shades offer brighter, more direct light.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bedside Sconce Height

Here are answers to some common questions beginner decorators have about hanging bedside sconces:

Q1: How high should I hang wall sconces if I have a very tall bed?

For taller beds, always measure from where your eye level hits when you are sitting up in bed. This might mean the bottom of the sconce ends up being slightly higher than the typical 50-60 inches from the floor, but it will still be at your comfortable eye level.

Q2: Should sconces be higher if I have a low ceiling?

No, generally you should keep sconces within the 50-60 inch range (bottom of fixture) even with low ceilings. Hanging them too high can make a low ceiling feel even lower. Keeping them at eye level ensures they function well without dominating the wall.

Q3: I have a headboard. How does that affect sconce height?

If your sconces mount directly onto the headboard, use the bed’s seating height as your guide. If the sconces mount on the wall behind a headboard, ensure they are high enough not to be blocked by the headboard when you’re sitting up, but still within the eye-level range. Typically, they’ll be mounted either just above the headboard or at the standard eye level on the wall.

Q4: Can plug-in sconces look as good as hardwired ones?

Absolutely! Plug-in sconces have come a long way and offer a stylish look without the need for electrical work. The key is neat cord management. You can use cord covers, clips, or channel them behind furniture to achieve a clean, professional finish. The mounting height principles remain the same. For more on electrical safety and best practices, resources like Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) are invaluable.

Q5: What if my sconce has a long arm that extends?

If your sconce has an adjustable or extending arm, you have more leeway. You can aim for the base* to be slightly lower (e.g., 48-55 inches from the floor) knowing that you can extend the light source closer to you when needed. This can also create a more dynamic visual effect.

Q6: How far apart should the sconces be from the center of the bed?

A good rule of thumb is to center the sconce over your nightstand. So, if your nightstand is 20 inches wide and located 3 inches from the edge of your mattress, the sconce might be about 10-15 inches from the edge of the mattress. This spacing should feel balanced with the width of your bed.

Q7: Do I need to use dimmer switches for bedside sconces?

Dimmer switches are highly recommended for bedroom sconces as they provide versatility. You can dim them for a soft, ambient glow while relaxing or brighten them for focused reading. If your sconces are plug-in, look for smart bulbs or in-line dimmer controls designed to work with them.

Conclusion: Lighting Your Way to a Dreamier Bedroom

Hanging wall sconces next to your bed is a fantastic way to boost both style and functionality. By using the “eye level when seated” guideline, typically placing the bottom of the sconce between 50-60 inches from the floor, you’ll ensure comfortable reading light