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When we think of all the exciting ways to illuminate a space, sconces wouldn’t typically grace the top of our list. Compared to their pendant counterparts, the wall-bound fixtures are often considered practical additions to a hallway, bathroom, or kitchen—not statement-making focal points. But don’t let their limited reach fool you: Sconces may be tiny, but the right light can leave a huge impression on a room.
Drawing inspiration from ancient talismans, supernatural shapes, and everywhere in between, designers are blazing the way for fixtures with serious impact. Here are 15 sconces that will outshine overhead lighting any day.
This acrylic mint fixture may not feel like a stretch in terms of shape, but its retro form and happy hue promise to deliver a much-needed punch to a whitewashed bathroom or entry.
If we were going to go all-out on just one sconce, this mobile-like fixture—originally inspired by Victorian balancing toys—would definitely be it.
Swathed in the perfect shade of pastel pink, this unglazed clay pick would look stunning in the kitchen overlooking a series of open shelves.
Cast an ethereal glow with a sconce that blurs the line between ornamentation and extraterrestrial.
Inspired by fine details found on statues at the ancient city of Persepolis, semiprecious stones light the way for this beaded and leather-bound brass structure.
All it takes is one bold ray to light up a room. This luxe-looking piece would look at home in an art gallery or a living room with an industrial edge.
Designed by Paavo Tynell in 1947, this metallic marvel is the perfect marriage of sculptural intrigue and minimalist simplicity.
Crafted from brushed brass and white glass, the silhouette of this alluring fixture channels the delicate nature of feathers while still maintaining its punctuating edge.
Basket fixtures are on our watch list for 2019, and this mixed-material find is just what we need to kick off the trend.
Prepare to be floored: Each segment of the stone fringe that hangs from this sconces’ half-moon structure is cut from Serpentine marble and finished in jade. One day (when the stars align) we hope to call this splurge-worthy sconce our own.
A similar celestial presence punctuates this layered piece. The combination of the mirror-polished plate and acrylic disk will catapult you into a new dimension.
Mount this cylindrical sconce, which was handcrafted in Mexico from Cantera rosa rock and copper, in a room in need of a soft, indirect glow.
The careful layering of the geometric compositions that make up this modernist sconce is designed to mimic the work of Russian avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich.
While its structure may feel simple, this low-profile light shines by way of color.
A touch of wood can feel refreshing in a bathroom with too few textures or by a front door with little character.
See more lighting we love:
Affordable Lighting That Still Looks Chic
13 Unexpected Ways to Use Christmas Lights After the Holidays
The Only Lighting Trends You Need to Know, According to Top Interior Designers