From the Wall Sconce to the Bathroom Vanity Light: A Look at 4 Types of Wall Lights

Wall lights are purposeful lights. Sconces add light to spots where it’s lacking, like halls, doorways and bedside tables. The bathroom vanity light gives light to your face as you get ready in the morning and wash up in the evening. Wall lamps bring more focused light to work areas and reading nooks. Picture lights illuminate art and photos, giving them the attention they deserve.

These four types of lights have a lot in common with one another. They follow similar design patterns, but they also stand on their own. Here’s a closer look at what makes these wall lights similar and what sets them apart.

The Ultra-Versatile Sconce

From the Wall Sconce to the Bathroom Vanity Light: A Look at 4 Types of Wall Lights - LightsOnline Blog
Photo credit: @plankandpillow

Sconces might very well be the most versatile light fixture out there. They look good in practically every room! They work as wall lights in large rooms, in halls, in kitchens and on porches. They even work as bathroom vanity lights. Install a sconce on either side of the vanity mirror (as seen above) and you’re good to go!

Today, when you shop for sconces, you’ll find fixtures in every style under the sun. Fixture designers and manufacturers, like Savoy House Lighting, know that people love options. When you get the style of light you want, you create a space you love.

The Utilitarian Bathroom Vanity Light

From the Wall Sconce to the Bathroom Vanity Light: A Look at 4 Types of Wall Lights - LightsOnline Blog

In a sense, the bathroom vanity light is a type of sconce. Vanity lights can also be wall lamps if they feature a covered shade design that focuses the light downward or if the light arms are adjustable.

However, the number of bulbs is what sets the bathroom vanity light apart from typical sconces or wall lamps. A standard bathroom vanity light features a row of two, three or four lights, though you will also see some that have more than four lights.

Finding the right bathroom vanity light comes down to the size of your bathroom. Smaller spaces do well with a two-bulb setup, while larger areas need more light. You might need a pair of two-bulb lights (one over each sink, for example). Or you may need one long row of bulbs, which is ideal for a bathroom with a wide mirror.

The Cozy Wall Lamp

From the Wall Sconce to the Bathroom Vanity Light: A Look at 4 Types of Wall Lights - LightsOnline Blog

The wall lamp can function as a sconce, a bathroom vanity light or as a picture light. Wall lamps usually feature a lampshade-like design. They’re adjustable and made to direct light where you want it, so they make for great bedside lamps and are a great alternative to traditional table lamps. They also provide great supplemental lighting in living rooms, offices and nooks.

Because they’re mounted onto the wall, they take up less space than a floor or table lamp, but you still get plenty of light to read. In many ways, wall lamps are just about the coziest wall-mounted light fixture you can get.

The Picture Light

From the Wall Sconce to the Bathroom Vanity Light: A Look at 4 Types of Wall Lights - LightsOnline Blog

Picture lights are straightforward, wide lamps with a thin profile that are made to be placed directly above wall art, photos, collectibles and more. You’re welcome to install them elsewhere, but above art is where they truly shine. Many picture lights are made with cool-to-the-touch LEDs, which means they won’t damage anything they illuminate. They come in various configurations and styles, so your favorite framed collectibles can be paired with a just-right light.

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