Skip to content
Alabaster Wall Sconces: How to Choose One and How High to Hang It
- by zhanglei
Alabaster Wall Sconces: How to Choose One and How High to Hang It
The right height is the difference between a sconce that glows and one that glares. Here are the measurements we use for bedsides, hallways and pairs, and how to pick the right alabaster sconce for each wall.
Hang most wall sconces 60 to 68 inches (152 to 173 cm) above the floor, measured to the center of the fixture. Beside a bed, go lower, around 60 inches, so the glow sits near pillow height. In a hallway, go a little higher, around 66 inches, and repeat every 8 to 10 feet. For a pair, match the heights exactly and space them 28 to 48 inches apart center to center, depending on the size of the sconce and what sits between them.
Wall sconce heights, drawn to scale
Each drawing below is to scale against an 8 ft ceiling. Heights are measured from the finished floor to the center of the sconce. Use them as a starting point, then adjust a few inches to line up with your headboard, mirror or art.
“A sconce should glow at eye level, not shine into it.”
Five rules for placing wall sconces
-
01
Start at eye level
For most rooms, 60 to 68 inches to center keeps the light source near eye level. Alabaster diffuses the bulb, so the stone reads as a soft glow rather than a hot spot.
-
02
Go lower beside the bed
Around 60 inches puts light where you read and wind down. Mount to the side of the headboard rather than above it, so the fixture never sits over your head.
-
03
Keep hallways rhythmic
Choose one height, about 66 inches, and repeat it every 8 to 10 feet. An even rhythm makes a long hallway feel calm and intentional.
-
04
Match pairs exactly
A pair should share one height and frame what sits between them. Let the mirror, art or headboard decide the spacing, usually 28 to 48 inches center to center.
-
05
Plan the wiring first
Hardwired sconces need a junction box at the right height, so mark the height before the electrician arrives. Use a solid, flat wall, and keep alabaster out of bathrooms and damp rooms.
The wall is wide
- You are lighting a painting, mirror or console from above
- The wall is wide and you want one centered fixture
- You want a slim line that sits low and quiet on the wall
- Try the Lamelune, 19.1″ wide and 4.7″ tall
The wall is narrow
- You are flanking a bed, mirror, sideboard or fireplace
- The space beside the headboard is tight
- You need a shallow profile in a hallway
- Try the Veraune (25.6″ tall, 4.3″ deep) or the Larmelle teardrop
Four alabaster lights and where each one belongs
Every piece is cut from natural alabaster, so no two have the same veining. Each listing below includes the mounting height and placement from our own product specifications.
Lamelune
Alabaster stacked bar wall sconceTwo alabaster bars stacked on a brushed brass half-moon mount, so the stone appears to float off the wall. Built for lighting art, mirrors and consoles from above.
Veraune
Alabaster brass bar wall sconceAlabaster panels glow behind slim brass bars that cast fine shadow lines, an Art Deco idea in a calm, modern form. Only 4.3″ deep, it suits bedsides and hallways.
Larmelle
Alabaster teardrop wall sconceA natural alabaster teardrop hangs from a woven metal cord on an antique bronze backplate. Choose Small for bedsides and narrow halls, Large for stair landings and fireplaces.
Trelune
Alabaster triple column floor lampThree alabaster columns at three heights, on a stepped metal base. It plugs in, so it brings the same stone glow to rooms where you cannot add wiring.
A short checklist
Do
- Mark the center height with tape and live with it for a day
- Confirm a junction box at that height for hardwired sconces
- Use a licensed electrician and a solid, flat wall
- Choose warm white bulbs (2700–3000K) where bulbs are needed
- Dust alabaster with a soft, dry cloth
Avoid
- Mounting above 68″, where the glow drifts away from the room
- Mismatched heights on a pair
- Bathrooms, showers and other damp rooms
- Water, sprays and cleaners on the stone
Wall sconce height FAQ
How high should wall sconces be mounted?
Most wall sconces are mounted about 60 to 68 inches (152 to 173 cm) above the floor, measured to the center of the fixture or its backplate. That puts the glowing alabaster near eye level, where it softens the light instead of shining into your eyes.
What is the right height for bedside wall sconces?
Mount bedside sconces about 60 inches (152 cm) from the floor to the center, to the side of the headboard, so the glow lands near pillow height. Keep both sconces at exactly the same height.
How far apart should a pair of wall sconces be?
For a pair flanking a mirror, bed or artwork, a spacing of about 28 to 36 inches center to center suits smaller sconces, and 36 to 48 inches suits larger ones. Let the mirror or headboard width set the final spacing so the pair frames it evenly.
How far apart should hallway sconces be?
Mount hallway sconces at one consistent height, about 66 inches to center, and repeat them every 8 to 10 feet for an even rhythm of light along the wall.
Can alabaster wall sconces be used in a bathroom?
These alabaster sconces are made for dry indoor rooms. Alabaster is a soft natural stone that should be kept away from water and high humidity, so they are not recommended for bathrooms or showers.
Do I need an electrician to install a wall sconce?
The Lamelune, Veraune and Larmelle sconces are hardwired to a wall junction box, so a licensed electrician is recommended. If you cannot add wiring, a plug-in floor lamp such as the Trelune gives a similar alabaster glow with no installation.
Is every alabaster sconce unique?
Yes. Each sconce is cut from natural alabaster, so the veining and tone vary from piece to piece and will not match the photos exactly. When lit, the veining warms from white through grey to amber.
Find your alabaster sconce
Natural alabaster, free shipping and duties for US orders, 30-day returns and a 730-day warranty.
- Posted in:
- Alabaster
- Lighting Guides
- Wall Sconces
