One of the most common questions we get is simply: how high should a wall sconce go? The honest answer is that it depends on the room and the job the light is doing — but there are reliable starting points that work in almost every home.
The general rule
For most living spaces and hallways, mount a sconce so the centre of the fixture sits roughly 152–167 cm (60–66 in) from the floor — about eye level for a standing adult. This keeps the glow in your sightline without the bulb shining directly into your eyes.
Bedside sconces
Beside a bed, height is measured from the mattress, not the floor. Aim for the bottom of the sconce to sit around 50–70 cm (20–28 in) above the mattress so light falls onto a book without glare when you are sitting up. Mounting a matching pair either side of the bed frees up the nightstand entirely — our sets of two are made for exactly this.
Hallways and staircases
In a hallway, keep sconces at eye level (around 152–167 cm) and space them 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft) apart for even, rhythmic light. On a staircase, follow the slope and keep each fixture at a consistent height above the steps.
Bathrooms and mirrors
Flanking a mirror, mount a pair at about 165–170 cm (65–67 in), roughly at eye level, so the light is cast across the face rather than down from above (which creates shadows).
A quick note on wiring
Your mounting height may be limited by where the wall box sits. If you do not have wiring in the right place, a plug-in or cordless model lets you hang the sconce wherever it looks best. We cover the trade-offs in our guide to plug-in vs hardwired sconces.
Every SOKO sconce is handmade in Poland and ships with a mounting kit. Browse the full range of wood wall sconces to find a shape and finish for your space.