How High to Hang Wall Sconces Next to Bed?

Image Source: LIGHTSLUX 

Wondering how high to hang wall sconces next to bed? For most reading applications, a practical starting point is 28–32 inches above the top of the mattress.

That measurement is more useful than simply choosing a height from the floor because your mattress height, sitting position, headboard, and sconce size all affect the final placement.

The key is simple: the light should be comfortable to use, easy to reach, and visually balanced with the bed.

Image Source: LIGHTSLUX 

Quick Answer: How High Should Bedside Wall Sconces Be?

For a bedside reading sconce, start at:

28–32 inches above the mattress

A second useful reference is approximately:

48–60 inches from the floor

But the floor measurement should only be a reference. The mattress is the better starting point because it tells you where the light will be in relation to your body.

LightsLux also gives 28–32 inches above the mattress as a practical installation range for reading in bed.

These measurements are starting points rather than fixed rules.

1. Start With the Mattress

The easiest way to position a bedside wall sconce is to measure from the top of the mattress.

For example, if the mattress is 24 inches above the floor, adding 28–32 inches puts the sconce's functional position roughly 52–56 inches above the floor.

If your mattress is higher or lower, the sconce height changes with it.

This is why copying a standard “60 inches from the floor” rule does not always work.

For more bedroom lighting ideas, see the LightsLux Bedroom Lighting Guide, which recommends directional wall lighting for reading and symmetrical placement on both sides of the bed.

2. Check the Height From Your Sitting Position

After measuring, sit on the bed in the position you normally use for reading.

This is the most important test.

The sconce should:

• Light your book without shining directly into your eyes
• Be easy to reach
• Stay clear of your head and pillows
• Work comfortably with your headboard
• Avoid creating distracting shadows

If you normally sit upright against several pillows, you may need to move the fixture slightly higher.

For a reading-focused setup, an adjustable wall sconce can make this easier because the light direction can be changed without moving the fixture. LightsLux specifically lists adjustable wall lamps as a suitable option beside beds.

3. Should the Sconce Go Above the Headboard?

Not necessarily.

A bedside sconce usually works best beside the bed, with one fixture on each side for a double or queen-size bed.

Whether it sits above or beside the headboard depends on the headboard's height and the fixture's shape.

Low headboard

A standard bedside position usually works well.

Tall headboard

Move the sconce slightly higher if necessary so it does not visually disappear into the headboard.

No headboard

The sconces can become part of the visual frame around the bed, so symmetry becomes more important.

LightsLux's indoor wall lighting collection notes that installation height and spacing are especially important when wall lamps are placed on both sides of a bed.

4. How Far Should Wall Sconces Be From the Bed?

Height is only part of the placement.

The sconce should be close enough to provide useful light but far enough away that you do not hit it when getting into or out of bed.

For narrow bedrooms, look closely at the fixture's projection from the wall.

A slim fixture may work better than a deep swing-arm design when the bed is close to the wall.

For example, the Strata Minimalist Travertine Wall Lamp has a compact wall-mounted design and a 180° rotatable function, making light direction easier to adjust.

5. Choose the Sconce Based on How You Use It

Not every bedside wall light needs to be a reading lamp.

Think about the main purpose first.

For reading, adjustable fixtures are particularly useful. For a softer atmosphere, a diffused globe or glass sconce may be a better fit.

LightsLux's LED wall lamp guide recommends considering brightness, color temperature, adjustability, and switch accessibility when choosing bedroom wall lighting.

6. Match the Sconce Size to the Bed

The fixture should be proportional to the bed.

A small sconce can disappear beside a large bed, while an oversized fixture may dominate a narrow bedroom.

A simple comparison helps:

Small bed → compact sconce

Large bed → medium or larger sconce

Tall headboard → consider a taller or vertically oriented fixture

For example, LightsLux offers both compact bedroom fixtures and larger architectural designs in its wall lighting collection.

A vertical fixture such as the Excelis Modern Vertical Alabaster Wall Sconce can work well when you want the lighting to visually extend upward rather than spread across the wall. 

Image Source: LIGHTSLUX 

7. What Height Works Best for Small Bedrooms?

Wall sconces are especially useful in small bedrooms because they free up nightstand space.

Instead of placing a table lamp on the nightstand, you can mount the light directly on the wall.

This leaves more room for:

• Books
• Phones
• Glasses
• Decorative items
• Charging devices

LightsLux's small bedroom wall lamp guide recommends approximately 28–32 inches above the mattress for reading and also emphasizes compact fixtures and adjustable designs for smaller spaces.

For more options, browse the best wall lamps for small bedrooms.

8. What Color Temperature Is Best for Bedside Sconces?

For most bedrooms, 2700K–3000K creates a warm, comfortable appearance.

If the sconce is mainly for reading, 3000K can provide a little more visual clarity while still feeling warm.

The U.S. Department of Energy explains that lower Kelvin values generally appear warmer, while higher values appear cooler. It also distinguishes lumens as light output from watts as electrical power.

LightsLux offers several bedroom wall lamps in warm 3000K options, including the Arcato Modern Metal Wall Lamp and Vetro Modern Glass Wall Lamp.

9. Don't Choose Brightness by Wattage Alone

If the sconce is for reading, look at lumens, not just watts.

Lumens indicate how much visible light a fixture produces, while watts describe electrical power input. The U.S. Department of Energy provides the same distinction in its consumer lighting guidance.

Also consider the light distribution.

A highly directional lamp may feel brighter where you are reading than a fixture with the same total output that spreads light across the entire room.

For more information, see LightsLux's Essential Tips for Choosing an LED Wall Lamp.

10. Dimmable and Adjustable Sconces Give You More Control

A bedside light may be used for several different activities.

You may want:

• Brighter light for reading
• Medium light for getting ready for bed
• Soft light for relaxing

A dimmable sconce makes those transitions easier.

An adjustable fixture is also useful because you can redirect the beam toward your book instead of your face.

For example, the Strata Travertine & Wood Wall Lamp offers a rotatable design and a dimmable option.

For more placement ideas, see How Swing Arm Wall Lamps Enhance Your Space.

11. Hardwired or Plug-In?

The installation method should be decided before you mark the wall.

Hardwired sconces give a cleaner built-in appearance but require electrical work.

Plug-in sconces are easier to install and reposition, but the cord needs to be managed.

LightsLux's bedroom wall sconce collection includes both the practical considerations of hardwired fixtures and switch options.

For hardwired installation, follow the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical requirements. OSHA states that listed or labeled electrical equipment should be installed and used according to its instructions.

If you're not comfortable working with household wiring, have the installation completed by a qualified professional.

12. Test the Position Before Drilling

This step can save you from unnecessary holes in the wall.

A simple test:

1. Measure the mattress height.

2. Mark 28–32 inches above the mattress.

3. Use painter's tape to mark the approximate fixture position.

4. Sit on the bed in your normal reading position.

5. Check the light direction and glare.

6. Check the headboard and bedside clearance.

7. Repeat on the other side of the bed.

Once the position feels comfortable, you can move on to installation.

Common Bedside Sconce Placement Mistakes

Avoid these simple mistakes:

Mounting only by floor height

The mattress and sitting position matter more.

Ignoring fixture size

A large sconce needs more visual space than a small reading lamp.

Placing the light directly in your eyes

Adjust the height or beam direction.

Installing two sconces at different heights

For symmetrical bedside lighting, keep them aligned.

Forgetting the switch

Make sure you can turn the light off from bed.

Choosing a fixture that projects too far

Check its depth before installation, especially in a narrow room.

For more general placement ideas, LightsLux's wall sconce lighting ideas covers ambient, task, and accent applications.

Bedside Wall Sconce Height Cheat Sheet

FAQ

How high should wall sconces be above a bed?

For reading, start around 28–32 inches above the top of the mattress. Adjust the height based on your sitting position, headboard, and fixture size.

Should bedside sconces be above the headboard?

Not always. They can sit beside or slightly above the headboard depending on the headboard height and the sconce design.

How far should sconces be from the bed?

Keep them close enough to illuminate your reading area but far enough away to avoid hitting the fixture when getting into or out of bed.

What type of sconce is best for reading in bed?

An adjustable or directional wall sconce is usually practical because you can aim the light toward your book instead of directly toward your eyes.

What color temperature is best for bedside sconces?

2700K–3000K is a practical warm range for many bedrooms. LightsLux also recommends warm white lighting for bedroom applications.

Are wall sconces good for small bedrooms?

Yes. They can provide bedside lighting without taking up nightstand space. LightsLux specifically highlights this space-saving benefit for small bedrooms.

Can I install a hardwired wall sconce myself?

Hardwired installation involves electrical connections. Follow the fixture instructions and applicable local requirements; if you're not qualified to perform electrical work, use a professional.