Wireless wall lights are the trend we're seeing everywhere on Instagram – these 6 pretty battery-operated designs need no hardwiring
The must-have to upgrade your home's lighting
![A bedroom with wall covered in a blue striped wallpaper, a sign above the bed reading 'believe' and wall lights on either side of the bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pfa2r8Y5wYvqoKz9jz7hog-415-80.jpg)
Wall lighting and wall sconces are one of the must-have sources of light when creating a lighting layering effect in a room. And as ambient lighting is increasingly paid more attention to, wall sconces are also becoming more and more popular in homes. But if you don’t want to (or can’t if you’re renting) hardwire a light with the help of a professional electrician as is recommended, you will love the new wireless wall sconce trend we’re seeing everywhere.
Light layering has always been a trusted tool of interior designers and stylists. But combining multiple sources of lighting at different spots and heights of a room - which is what lighting layering stands for - has become a more mainstream lighting trend over the last couple of years.
Wireless, battery-operated and rechargeable, wireless wall sconces can easily be incorporated into any room of the house and combined with table lamps, pendant lights, floor lamps and any other sources of light. So we've rounded up our favourite options that need next to no effort to install in your home.
Our top picks
Not only does this set of wall sconces come with a dimmable remote control, we also love this battery-operated design for its classic look.
Pooky knows exactly how to make a stylish light. The brand never disappoints us. Not even with this newer rechargeable wall design in trendy antique brass with a pleated lampshade finish.
There is something about spherical wall sconces that reads luxurious and high-end. And this Amazon dimmable, battery-powered set is no exception.
This lighting fixture is fitted with a rechargeable battery and a touch dimmer. So practical! But we're mostly looking at the sleek brown finish.
Why should you buy wireless wall sconces?
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – this is the year of beautiful and cool lighting. As fun and clever lighting trends emerge, be it the decorative wiggle lamps or practical wireless table lamps, we don’t think we’ve ever been as excited about lamps and lighting fixtures as we are now.
And pretty wall sconces are another style we’ve been seeing a lot of.
‘Wall sconces create a warm, inviting atmosphere with indirect lighting, act as stylish decorative elements that complement the decor, and provide space-saving lighting solutions where floor or table space is limited,’ Alex says.
She adds, ‘Wall sconces are beneficial in various rooms. In the living room, they can frame a fireplace, highlight artwork, or provide reading light near seating areas. Bedrooms benefit from bedside sconces, freeing up nightstand space and creating a calming ambiance, while hallways feel more welcoming and well-lit. Sconces in bathrooms offer flattering light around mirrors, adding a spa-like feel, and in dining rooms, they add elegance and sophistication.’
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
But given the extra headache of hardwiring that living room wall light ideas come with, many brands have spotted a gap in the market for wireless wall sconces which have been enjoying a lot of attention on social media like Instagram as influencers like Toby Perryman-Payne of @tobyshome have been sharing their wireless wall light finds.
What is the difference between wall sconce and a wall light?
If you’re wondering what exactly is the distinction between a wall sconce and a wall light, think of a wall sconce as one style of the overarching wall light category. But the two are very often used interchangeably. Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist, offers a further explanation of the differences between the two.
‘A wall light is a broad category that includes any light fixture mounted on a wall. In contrast, a wall sconce is a specific type of wall light designed to mount flush against the wall, often featuring decorative elements that project light either upwards, downwards, or both, adding ambience or highlighting architectural features.’
Battery-operated wall sconces still need to be attached to the wall with screws which might not be ideal for every renter. But if you can or are willing to fill the holes in and paint over them at the end of your tenancy, these wireless wall lights are the easiest way for you to light up your home’s walls.
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. Sara brings the Ideal Home’s readership features and news stories from the world of homes and interiors, as well as trend-led pieces, shopping round-ups and more, focusing on all things room decor, specialising in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices and dining rooms. Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others. She feels that fashion and interiors are intrinsically connected – if someone puts an effort into what they wear, they most likely also care about what they surround themselves with.
-
How to soundscape a garden – 8 ways to create a peaceful sanctuary
Whether you're looking to mask noises from a neighbouring road or property or simply want to create some relaxing vibes, here's how...
By Ellis Cochrane
-
I discovered The Minimalists' "out-in-the-open" rule and it helped me declutter my wardrobe in less than an hour
It's the only method that's actually made a dent in the number of clothes I have
By Jullia Joson
-
Do you really know the difference between pruning and deadheading? How to ensure you're doing the right one
They both involve cutting, but have very different results
By Holly Reaney
-
Signs you need a dehumidifier – 6 things to look out for, from condensation on windows to musty odours
When is it time to finally invest in a dehumidifier? These tell-tale signs are the biggest indicators
By Jullia Joson
-
Shark's FlexBreeze fan is on sale for £50 off – here's why we're adding it to our basket in time for Bank Holiday weekend
Quiet, powerful, and easy to switch between modes – what's not to love?
By Jullia Joson
-
Our latest obsession, the M&S Lola lamp, currently has 40% off – here's why you'll want to act fast
You can snap it up for under £30
By Thea Babington-Stitt
-
How to use a dehumidifier in the winter months – 4 tips to keep in mind when temperatures drop, according to experts
Get the most out of your appliance in the coming winter months with expert-led advice
By Jullia Joson
-
Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec's Home Truths - their homeware addictions and why they never buy mugs
The professional dancers let us in on some of their home secrets
By Gemma Calvert
-
Air purifier vs air filter – experts explain the differences and which is the right choice for your home
For a home, the choice for improving air quality is clear
By Jullia Joson
-
The 4 trending shades of green you need to know about this summer – and how to style them like a pro in your home
Green has been dominating all colour trends this summer – these are the shades we’ve been seeing everywhere
By Sara Hesikova
-
Trends come and go, but this is how to give the prairie style look timeless appeal
Prairie style is trending, but if you get the styling right this isn't just a flash-in-the-pan look
By Charlotte Boyd