Bathroom Sconces: The Ultimate Guide [2024]

In this guide, we will talk about *everything* there is to know about bathroom sconces. From brightness and color temperature to positioning and installation, there are many things to consider before buying and installing bathroom wall sconces.

However, we hope that you will have no questions left unanswered after reading this article. The purpose of this guide is to help you make your choice and light up your bathroom with our sconces easily and perfectly.

Also, keep in mind that you can check out our wide selection of bathroom sconces here. Feel free to reach out to us if you have more questions or need further assistance!

Now, let's start with the basics:

1. Do I need bathroom sconces?

Yes, you absolutely do! Sconces are possibly the best option for lighting up your bathroom. They work great as standalone pieces but they can also be combined with other vanity lights or an ambient light source, such as a semi-flush mount light.

The reason why they work great in bathrooms is that they provide both ambient and task light while not creating harsh or unflattering shadows (if you choose the right ones and place them correctly!).

Bathrooms are usually smaller than the other rooms and they require more light in the vanity area. That's why sconces installed on each side of the mirror work so well.

2. Should bathroom sconces point the light upwards or downwards?

This is the second question that comes to mind when considering installing bathroom sconces. Should the light be directed upwards or downwards?

Well, this is a tricky question and the answer depends on a few parameters.

First of all, these are not the only two options. Wall sconces can direct the light in all directions depending on their design. The Ena wall lamps that we saw earlier do just that!

With two lamps - one pointing upwards and one downwards - and with a glass shade, they direct light 360 degrees.

The Portia wall sconce also points the light outwards in all directions thanks to its unique design - perfect for bathrooms!

But if your preferred sconces point light only in one direction, keep in mind the following:

Uplighters are best used for ambient light as they reflect light off of the ceiling and provide a warm ambiance to the room. Downlighters are best used for task lighting, i.e., light used to perform specific activities, as they point the light to a specific area.

3. How bright should bathroom sconces be?

The brightness of your bathroom sconces depends on their placement and the size of your bathroom. As a general rule, sconces used for task lighting, especially near mirrors, should provide at least 75-100 watts equivalent of light (around 800-1,600 lumens, depending on your space). That means about 30-40 lumens per square foot (300-400 lumens per square meter) of your task area.

If you’re using LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient, look for bulbs that offer a brightness of at least 600-1,000 lumens.

For a softer, more ambient effect, sconces placed around the room (not for task lighting) can be dimmer, offering around 400-600 lumens. Always ensure that your lighting is adjustable, so you can tweak the brightness based on your needs - dimmable bulbs or fixtures are a great option for creating different moods.

4. What color temperature should I choose?

Color temperature is the property of bulbs that determines how blueish or yellowish the light is, with higher color temperatures (4000-5500K) being cooler or more blue, and lower color temperatures (2700-3500K) being warmer or more yellow.

Choosing the right color temperature for bathroom sconces is essential for creating a comfortable and functional lighting environment. For task lighting, especially around the vanity mirror, select bulbs that have a color temperature of around 2700K to 3000K. This warm, soft light mimics natural sunlight and is flattering for skin tones, making it ideal for applying makeup or shaving.

If you prefer a more modern, crisp look in your bathroom, you might consider a cooler light, around 4000K. However, avoid anything higher than 5000K, as it can appear too harsh and clinical, which isn’t ideal for creating a relaxing bathroom atmosphere.

The Ninette wall sconce is ideal for bathrooms with not much space on either side of the mirror, and it comes in two color temperatures. We suggest selecting the 3000 K.

5. Where should I install my bathroom sconces?

For the most flattering and even light, place sconces on either side of your bathroom mirror, ideally at eye level (about 60-66 inches from the floor). This eliminates shadows on your face, making it easier to perform daily grooming tasks.

If you can only install one sconce above the mirror, make sure it's centered and positioned about 75-80 inches from the floor to ensure adequate lighting. For ambient sconces installed throughout the bathroom, place them approximately 65-70 inches from the floor for consistent light distribution.

6. How to install bathroom sconces

Please always consult an electrician if you’re unfamiliar with electrical work.

Tools and materials you’ll need:

• Sconce fixture(s)
• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Electrical tape
• Voltage tester
• Wire nuts
• Measuring tape
• Drill (if needed)
• Mounting hardware (usually provided with the sconces)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn off the power
   • Locate your home’s electrical panel and turn off the circuit that powers the bathroom. Use a voltage tester to confirm there’s no electricity running through the wires.
2. Mark the placement
   • Use a measuring tape to determine the proper height for your sconces. For task lighting, it’s typically 60-66 inches from the floor and on either side of the mirror. Mark the positions on the wall.
3. Prepare the wall
   • If there is no existing electrical box, you’ll need to install one where you want the sconce to be. Drill the necessary holes for mounting, and if needed, run electrical wiring to the new locations.
4. Connect the wiring
   • Expose the wires in the electrical box by stripping about half an inch of insulation. Match the wires from the sconce to the wires in the box (black to black, white to white, and green or copper to ground). Secure the connections with wire nuts and wrap them with electrical tape.
5. Mount the sconce
   • Attach the mounting bracket that comes with the sconce to the electrical box. Then, mount the sconce fixture to the bracket using the provided screws. Ensure it is securely fastened.
6. Install the light bulb
   • Once the sconce is mounted, install the appropriate light bulb, making sure to stay within the recommended wattage for your fixture.
7. Turn on the power
   • Return to the electrical panel and switch the power back on. Test the sconces to ensure everything is functioning properly.

With these steps, your bathroom sconces should be installed and ready to enhance both function and style in your bathroom!

Wrapping up

Bathroom sconces are not just functional; they are stunning pieces that can be used decoratively to improve your bathroom's design and overall feel. From selecting the right brightness and color temperature to choosing the perfect placement, there are several factors to consider when deciding on the best sconces for your space.

Whether you prefer a soft, warm glow for relaxation or bright, focused lighting for grooming tasks, there’s a sconce style and setup to fit your needs. Remember, proper installation is key to both safety and aesthetics, so if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional electrician.

Now that you have all the knowledge, it’s time to light up your bathroom with the perfect sconce to fit your style!