Wall sconces

A sconce is a light fixture mounted to the wall rather than the ceiling, casting light up, down, or both. Sconces free up floor and table space and add a layer of light at eye level that overhead fixtures cannot.

About 60-66 inches from the floor to the fixture's center in living areas and hallways. Beside a bed, drop to 30-36 inches above the mattress so light lands on the page, not your eyes.

Along a hallway, every 6-8 feet keeps light even. Flanking a mirror or bed, set each sconce 36-40 inches from the center line.

No - plug in wall sconces mount the same way but run a cord to an outlet, no electrician needed. Battery and rechargeable designs go anywhere, including brick and tile walls.

Switch off the breaker, connect the fixture leads to the wall box wiring (hot to hot, neutral to neutral, ground to ground), secure the mounting bracket, and level the fixture before tightening. No wall box means it is a job for an electrician.

Flank the bed at reading height in place of table lamps to free up nightstand space, or frame a dresser mirror. Swing-arm designs let each person angle light without disturbing the other side.