How High Do You Hang A Candle Sconce?

Candle sconces are decorative wall-mounted light fixtures that hold candles. They have been used for centuries to provide beautiful ambient lighting in homes. Unlike chandeliers or floor lamps, sconces are attached to walls, illuminating hallways, entries, bedrooms, bathrooms, and more. The flickering flame of a candle in a sconce creates a cozy, romantic ambiance. Candle sconces come in a wide range of classic and contemporary styles to match any home decor.

Table of Contents

Height Considerations

When hanging a candle sconce, one of the most important factors to consider is the height. There is a recommended height range that is considered ideal both functionally and aesthetically.

The standard recommended height to hang a candle sconce is between 60-66 inches from the floor to the bottom of the sconce. Hanging a sconce in this height range will position the candle at a level that provides good illumination in the space without being too high or too low.

At this height, the sconce light will be accessible and the candle can be lit easily. It also prevents the sconce from shining directly into people’s eyes as they walk past it or stand near it. Additionally, this height range creates a pleasing eye-level focal point on the wall.

Factors That Determine Height

The ideal height for a candle sconce depends on several key factors related to its function and placement. The most important considerations are:

Function of the Sconce

Think about the primary purpose of the sconce and where you need the light directed. For example, sconces flanking a mirror should be placed at eye level for optimal lighting. Sconces lighting a hallway can be mounted lower since they simply need to illuminate the path.

Light Source

The type of bulb or candle used impacts ideal placement. Flameless battery-operated candles allow more flexibility than open flames. Smaller bulbs like candelabra bulbs concentrate light in a tighter radius than larger bulbs. Consider the light spread.

Space Dimensions

The height, width and length of the room all factor in. Smaller spaces may require sconces placed a bit lower to distribute light effectively. Vaulted ceilings can handle sconces mounted considerably higher than 8-foot ceilings before seeming overwhelming.

Above Furniture

The ideal height to hang a candle sconce above furniture like beds, couches, and tables depends on the size and style of the furniture and the look you’re trying to achieve. In general, most design experts recommend hanging candle sconces 24-36 inches above furniture.

Here are some more specific height recommendations for hanging candle sconces above common furniture pieces:

Beds: Hang candle sconces 24-30 inches above the mattress on each side of the bed. This creates symmetrical lighting that feels cozy but not too low.
Couches: For optimal light over a couch, hang sconces 32-36 inches above the back cushion. Hang them closer to 24 inches above a short loveseat.
Dining tables: To highlight the tabletop, hang candle sconces about 30 inches above the table. For ambient light, go closer to 36 inches.
Desks: Hang sconces 24-28 inches above a desk to provide good task lighting. Go slightly higher for a standing desk.
Side tables: Position sconces 24-30 inches above side tables next to beds, couches, and chairs.

The exact height depends on the size of your furniture and the look you want. In general, hanging candle sconces 24-36 inches above furniture provides attractive, useful lighting.

On Staircases

When hanging candle sconces along a staircase, consider placing them at eye level both while standing and while ascending the stairs. For a clean, uniform look, aim to hang each sconce at the same height on each step. Start by holding a sconce up on the wall at your eye level while standing on the bottom step. Mark this height on the wall. Then walk up to the next steps, holding the sconce at your eye level as you ascend. Mark the spot on the wall that aligns with the previous mark. Continue marking the same height along the staircase. Use these markings as a guide when installing the sconces. Typically, recommended heights fall between 5-6 feet from the nose of each step to the base of the sconce. This keeps the light at eye level while on the stairs without it shining directly in the face. Centering sconces on each stair riser also creates visual balance. Consider the style and size of the staircase and sconces when deciding on placement.

In Bathrooms

When hanging candle sconces in bathrooms, you’ll want to consider the height relative to the bathroom mirror and visibility. Generally, sconces should be mounted 60-68 inches from the floor, with the bottom of the sconce about 60 inches high and the top around 68 inches. This will position the sconce above the standard height of most bathroom mirrors (which are usually 40-48 inches from the floor to the bottom of the mirror).

You want the sconce to be high enough so that it is visible above a person’s reflection in the mirror. Placing sconces too low will block the reflection and lighting. But don’t mount it too high either or the light and ambiance from the candle may be lost. Mounting a sconce 60-68 inches high, centered over the mirror or on each side, will allow the sconce to enhance visibility and provide attractive lighting while still being visible in the reflection.

Consider the location of the light switch as well – you’ll want to be able to easily turn the sconce on/off when entering the bathroom. But avoid mounting right over the switch. Allow enough clearance so you can access the switch without obstruction from the sconce.

In Hallways

When hanging candle sconces in hallways, it’s important to consider the visibility needs of the space. Hallways tend to be long, narrow areas that serve as passageways between rooms. The primary purpose is walking through the space, so lighting needs are focused on illuminating the path. Candle sconces can provide a warm, ambient glow to complement overhead lighting in a hallway, but visibility should still be a priority.

Aim to hang sconces low enough that their light reaches the floor. Positioning them too high on the wall risks creating dark areas lower down that could be hazardous when walking through. Most design experts recommend hanging hallway sconces 5-6 feet from the floor, which provides sufficient visibility for safe passage. This height also enables the sconces to be appreciated by anyone walking by. Hang them any higher and the lovely ambiance they provide gets lost.

Proper placement also depends on the width of the hallway. In very narrow spaces, sconces may need to be hung closer to 5 feet for optimal illumination. Wider hallways allow hanging them a little over 6 feet high while still lighting the full width sufficiently. Consider the overall proportions of the hallway when deciding on the perfect height for candle sconces.

The style of the sconce also impacts ideal positioning. Those with uplighting direct more glow upward, allowing them to be placed a bit higher. Sconces without uplighting need to be lower for the candle’s light to reach the floor. Take into account the directionality of illumination when determining height.

In summary, visibility and safety should drive the height placement of candle sconces in hallways. Stick to 5-6 feet for best visibility, factoring in the proportions of the specific space. Proper height will make the sconces both functional for lighting and visually appealing as hallway décor.

Over Mantels

When hanging candle sconces over mantels, it’s important to consider balance and symmetry with any other decor on the mantel. The height of the sconces will impact the overall aesthetic. You generally want an odd number of sconces evenly spaced over the mantel so there is one focal point sconce in the center.

Make sure to take into account the size of the mantel itself – a larger or more ornamental mantel can handle larger sconces that extend farther down the wall. More simple, plain mantels look better with smaller sconces positioned closer to the ceiling. Sconces should be hung so the bottom aligns about 2/3 of the way down the mantel or in line with artwork frames.

The style of sconce should also match the room decor. For traditional mantels, opt for classically styled sconces with curved arms or decorative details. Clean-lined modern sconces pair best with contemporary mantels. Go for a cohesive look where the sconces complement but don’t clash with the rest of the decor.

Measuring and Hanging

Properly measuring where to install candle sconces is crucial for getting the height correct. Here are some tips for measuring and hanging candle sconces:

Use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall where you want to hang the sconce. Mark the stud locations with a pencil. Studs provide the most secure mounting surface for heavy wall sconces.

Determine the desired height and use a level to mark a horizontal line across the stud marks at that height. Many experts recommend centering the sconce 60-66 inches from the floor.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the sconce mounting plate. Typically this involves screwing the plate into the studs using wood screws. Make sure the plate is centered at the desired height.

Wire up the sconce according to electrical safety codes and instructions. Ensure the wires are secure and not pinched.

Attach the backplate of the sconce to the mounting plate. There are usually screws, clasps, or tension fittings to secure it.

Check that the sconce is straight using a level. Make any necessary adjustments.

Turn on the light and assess the look. Minor height adjustments can be made by moving the mounting plate slightly.

Take care not to damage the wall surface when installing candle sconces. Patch and touch up paint as needed when finished.

Aesthetic Considerations

When selecting a design style for your candle sconces, consider what will complement your home’s existing decor. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Traditional

Traditional sconces with an ornate, curved shape work well in classically decorated homes. Choose metal finishes like antique brass or nickel for a timeless look. Add crystal accents for a touch of elegance.

Rustic

Rustic, wrought iron sconces suit farmhouse, industrial, or cabin spaces. Black metal finishes give a bolder, grittier look. For softer styling, try brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.

Modern

For contemporary rooms, minimalist square or rectangular sconces offer clean lines. Polished chrome, matte black, or white powder coated finishes keep the look sleek and current.