The Best Plug-In Sconces for the Prettiest Lighting — No Electrician Needed

updated Feb 22, 2024
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Credit: Lauren Kolyn

Sconces are a great way to layer lighting throughout your space — especially if you refuse to turn on the overhead lights. In the case of bedroom design, there’s nothing more polished than two sconces flanking a bed. And it’s a vibe that’s not just stylish, but practical, too — having lighting so close to your bedside makes for a convenient wind-down routine, so you don’t have to get up to turn off the lights after you’re done reading or journaling.

That being said, achieving this coveted lighting isn’t always easy. Most traditional sconces require hardwiring, meaning you’ll have to call an electrician. Needless to say, whether you’re a renter, the proud owner of an old home (opening those walls is scary!), or someone who just doesn’t want to spend extra money, the complicated installation can quickly crush your sconce dreams.

Enter the perfect solution: a plug-in sconce. Instead of hiring a local pro to install and hang your lighting, utilizing plug-in sconces can be as easy as whipping out your screwdriver, attaching the fixture to the wall, and plugging it into a traditional outlet. And get this — they can be just as stylish as their more traditional counterparts. Below, we’re rounding up 14 plug-in sconces that will instantly upgrade your room’s lighting scheme — no electrician required.

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Nathan James
$79.99
was $99.99

Classic in shape and appearance, this timeless plug-in sconce from editor-favorite Nathan James is an ideal pick for the tried-and-true traditionalist. The installation is renter-friendly, as is the price point. But the best part? The arm height is adjustable to fit any space, and the brass-covered cord disguises part of the fabric cord too.

2 / 14
Amazon
$39.99

Tiffany lamps — aka vintage-inspired designs with colorful stained glass shades — are a go-to look for anyone who likes Grandmillenial design. This gooseneck sconce teams antique touches with an oh-so-modern plug-in hookup for a fixture that adds a layer of patina to any space.

3 / 14
Home Depot
$23.95

This industrial sconce provides a graphic twist to any decor scheme, allowing you to add a bit of edge to your bedroom or living room. Because this pick forgoes a traditional shade, the light will be bright — if you're sensitive, you may want to opt for a dimmer bulb to help balance things out.

4 / 14
Target
$41.49

With mid-century modern sensibilities, this matte brass globe sconce is bold and stylish in all the right ways. It provides a big pop of metallic shine, making it a great option for a room with lots of softer finishes, like a bedroom. Even better, the shade pivots slightly, so you can angle it towards a book or journal to provide more light.

5 / 14
Article
$89.00

How cute is this guy? Realized in a soft sage green hue and modern matte finish, these petite plug-in sconces from Article typify the brand's mid-century modern ethos. You can even angle them slightly up and down if you want to control the amount of light flooding into the space.

6 / 14
Lamps Plus
$149.99

What's better than one sconce? Two, of course! The perfect pick for any spot that requires symmetry (like either side of your bed or sofa), these adjustable arm sconces pair black and brass for a look that's equal parts sleek and modern.

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Lights.com
$116.10
was $129.00

This is a great gooseneck sconce that can either be hardwired or plugged in. The frosted globe that covers the bulb would diffuse any direct light in case you want this one next to your bed.

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Anthropologie
$198.00

One of the pricier picks on our list, this chic sconce from Anthropologie has plenty of high-end design features that make it worth the money. From the textured ceramic shade to the twine covering part of the arm, every inch of this piece is well thought out. Bonus: It's available in a hardwired version as well.

9 / 14
Amazon
$59.88

If color is the name of your design game, look no further than these Nordic-inspired metal sconces. Each is finished in a durable matte powder-coated color (there are seven different hues) that adds the perfect punch to your living room, bedroom, or office. The cords themselves are covered in an inconspicuous brown fabric and are 6 feet long, which is great if your plug is a bit further away from their location.

10 / 14
Lamps Plus
$99.99

Sophisticated and timeless, this sconce from Barnes and Ivy can complement any traditionally designed space. The flexible swing arm allows you to extend it into your space or move it out of the way if you need. The shade itself is made from soft ivory fabric and features textural pleats, providing the room with diffused light.

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West Elm
$199.00

West Elm is known for modern and fresh designs, and that ethos certainly extends to this graphic linear sconce. With a sprawling shape (it's over 40 inches tall) and two frosted globe lights, it's basically a piece of jewelry for your room. Bonus: because of the long and lean shape, you won't notice the cord hanging down as much.

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Wayfair
$46.99

Lighting with glass shades is a great option if you're looking to bring a little illumination to your space without adding too much visual clutter. This swing arm sconce from Wayfair is sleek and modern, with a delicate triangular glass shade that allows light to flood your room. Choose from a dark bronze or chrome metal finish to suit your design scheme perfectly.

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West Elm
$399.00

Quintessentially mid-century modern in style and shape, this oversized plug-in sconce from West Elm will draw all the eyes in your room. It is on the pricier side, but because it's also quite large, it's a great way to illuminate your space without turning on the overhead lights.

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Schoolhouse
$399.00

Double the illumination with this double-armed sconce from Schoolhouse. It takes a classic shape and modernizes it, thanks to the exposed bulbs that add an industrial edge. Choose from a matte black metal finish or natural brass for a subtle shine.