These plug-in wall sconces let you add style and lighting to just about any space with ease.
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The Best Plug-In Wall Sconces for Effortless Lighting
Updated on Mar. 17, 2025
Love the look of wall sconces, but not the idea of electrical work? Most wall sconces require you to hard wire them into your home’s electrical system, which can require the services of a professional. And if you’re a renter, the idea of standard sconces is a complete non-starter. This is where plug-in wall sconces come into play.
A plug-in wall sconce can be installed just about anywhere, as long as there’s an outlet nearby. All you need to do is mount it on the wall, plug it in and turn it on—no electrician required! Here are our favorite plug-in wall sconces to upgrade your home’s lighting.
Bamboo Trap Light
This stunning bamboo trap light is an easy way to add a ton of boho chic to your space. The handmade woven shades are unique and highly flexible, allowing you to adjust them into the perfect shape. These plug-in wall sconces can be easily installed in seconds. The metallic base is available in three different finishes: raw brass, sealed brass or black. We love the raw brass, which will develop a soft patina as it ages.
Dimmable Industrial Wall Sconce
These industrial-vibed plug-in wall sconces feature a dimmer knob switch on the backplate that adjusts the brightness level to give your room the glow you want. The lamp head is rotatable for customizable lighting angles, and the swing arm design moves 180 degrees. The white interior of the black lampshade helps enhance this sconce’s brightness.
This wall sconce is super easy to install, and all mounting hardware is included—all you need to do is screw the sconce into the wall, plug it in, add a dimmable bulb and enjoy the glow.
LED Wall Sconces
As far as rental-friendly lighting goes, it’s hard to beat these modernist wall sconces. They don’t require any nails or screws for installation—simply use the included 3M adhesive stickers to firmly attach them to the wall.
The built-in rechargeable battery eliminates the need for plugging into a wall outlet, staying aglow for up to 20 hours before a recharge. When the lights go out, the batteries can be fully recharged with a USB-C port in less than four hours. Simple button controls adjust between low, medium and high brightness levels, as well as adjust the color temperature between warm white, natural white and bright white light.
Marylou Wall Sconce
Inspired by the sharp golden beauty of Kerouac’s On The Road, the Marylou Wall Lamp from Matt Alford Studio is meticulously handcrafted with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. The natural brass option is lathe spun, lightly polished and finished with a microcrystalline wax; as it ages, it will develop a beautiful patina that adds character and class.
Alternately, you could choose one made of solid steel that’s powder-coated in one of four color options: Pearl-finished white, high-gloss poppy red, matte olive green or black. The articulated head has a 340-degree rotation and a 90-degree pivot for ultimate flexibility, so it lets you position the light precisely where you need it most when lighting a room.
Wire Cage Wall Sconce
Looking for a pair of wall sconces to frame your bed or couch? This set includes two easy-to-install metal sconces with an open cage design, allowing the maximum amount of light to shine through. The installation hardware comes pre-assembled, making it easy to mount. Complete the look with a set of smart light bulbs.
“I’ve never been much to fall in love with an inanimate object,” says verified purchaser Sandra D. “I mainly got them because I wanted to eliminate or minimize what I had on my nightstand. These are so classy and affordable. I added smart plugs to each of the lights so that I can turn on one or the other or both at once. No fumbling for light switches and worrying I might knock something over. I just let Alexa do the work.”
Remote-Controlled Wall Sconces
Chic, modern, affordable and remote-controlled? That’s already enough to get us interested in these adjustable wall sconces, but they just keep getting better. They come in a set of two, so you can decorate a room with them by framing your furniture, providing bedside lighting or splitting them up to illuminate different parts of your home.
Use the remote control to adjust the color temperature and change the brightness between 10% to 100%. Built-in memory function means these lights will remember what settings you like best, so they’ll always deliver the glow you like when you turn them on.
What to Consider When Choosing a Plug-In Wall Sconce
When selecting a plug-in wall sconce, it’s important to consider installation ease, style, functionality and flexibility to ensure it complements your space perfectly​.
Ease of Installation
One of the biggest benefits of plug-in wall sconces is how easy they are to install, especially for renters or those who want to avoid the hassle of hardwiring. Many plug-in sconces just need to be mounted with screws or adhesive, then plugged into a nearby outlet. This makes them a perfect solution if you’re looking for a quick lighting upgrade without needing an electrician.
Style and Design
With so many design options available, plug-in wall sconces can work in any space, whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or vintage and industrial. Choose a style that complements your existing decor. Whether it’s a rustic, dimmable industrial sconce or a minimalist modern piece, there’s something to fit every taste.
Smart Features
If you want more control over your lighting, look for plug-in sconces with adjustable features like dimmers or color temperature settings. Many modern sconces also pair well with smart plugs, allowing you to control your lights via your smartphone or voice assistant like Alexa or Google Home. This is a great way to add some tech-savvy convenience to your home.
Room Placement
One of the advantages of plug-in wall sconces is their flexibility. Since they aren’t hardwired, you can easily move them to different areas of the room or home. Whether you’re using them as bedside lamps or accent lighting in a living room, you can re-position them as your needs and style evolve.
FAQ
Can plug-in wall sconces be installed without an electrician?
Yes. The beauty of plug-in wall sconces is that they don’t require any hardwiring. Most models are designed to be installed easily by mounting them on the wall and plugging them into a nearby outlet. Some models even use adhesive strips for a no-drill solution, making them perfect for renters.
How do I choose the right plug-in wall sconce for my room?
Think about your room’s overall style and what purpose the sconce will serve. For example, if you need task lighting by your bed, a sconce with adjustable arms or dimming features might be a good choice. If you’re looking to add ambiance, consider a sconce with a softer, warmer glow. Also, ensure the length of the cord is suitable for your space.
Are plug-in wall sconces easy to move if I want to redecorate?
Absolutely. Since they aren’t hardwired, you can easily relocate your plug-in sconces to a different area or room. Just move them to the new spot, mount them (or peel off the adhesive backing if that’s the option you chose), and plug them into an available outlet. This makes them ideal for changing up your decor or when you move.
Can I use smart plugs with plug-in wall sconces to control them remotely?
Yes, you can. Many people love using smart plugs with their plug-in wall sconces to control them via voice commands or smartphone apps. You can turn the sconces on or off, adjust the brightness or set a schedule without flipping a switch​.
