I live by the rule of, if it’s a wall it needs art on it, preferably multiple pieces, so I don’t understand you ruling out the most obvious choice of what to hang. But I will say, a lone sconce on a wall , not lighting or highlighting or accompanying anything else would look very lonely. Besides art, and sconces and mirrors, there’s myriad choices…pretty baskets, metal work, textiles, plates…and I’d just do something on the wall by the door, not the wall with the little table. (That’s a lie, I’d fill up everything, but I mean if I were doing it for you)

Sconces could be nice.

Picture light over art above the small console table would be my vote. Leaving some walls bare for breathing room might make sense if you like that suggestion.

Proportionally - the art above the table should be tall and skinny (no wider than the table) with the picture light positioned as so….Hardwired looks best but if you have an outlet below the table there are plug in options (use the floral arrangement under the table to hide the cord below).

There is a small space behind the sofa, just enough for a walkway so a console table is not possible.

Freedomplace- thanks for the mock up. I really like how that looks! I usually see sconces surrounding a mirror or picture frame, but not as often see then more ‘scattered’ like this. Does this work?! At first glance I think so, but would love other confirmation…

Not a fan. Can the seating be moved down a bit (if you have to, move side table next to other couch). The couch will now be centered under the 4 prints which will help balance that wall. It will also provide better traffic flow behind the other couch.

I’d skip sconses, as I think they will feel too busy. Less is more, so I’d remove the small table/vase and just use art with a light. Ground that wall and add complementary cushions to create a connection.

Sconces are too small to be a realistic solution for these walls.

Use a series of 3 D objects and attach them to extend across the three walls. Eliminate the too small demilune table.

I'm sure you could assemble something far more interesting than what I have attempted to assemble below but you get the idea of incorporating all three walls to support some type of collage of objects.

Another possible idea is to mount a narrow (re: depth) shelf ladder and have sconces on those side walls. That would be nicely functional for books/decor, and would look nice, intentional, and purposeful.

Or a sconce over the shelf ladder and art on the side walls.

Examples over bookcases and shelves:

It would have a very cozy (and maybe useful) vibe for a family room.

I don’t know what’s in the rest of the room, though, you might already have bookcases or shelves.

Hi Valerie K,

You’re welcome! I think the sconces are fine by themselves. You don’t need to add “stuff” to make them work.

Sconces are sconces and provide light and ambience. They are purposeful by themselves. Plus, they can also work as decor by themselves. I think your idea of using them, and the placement you have in mind, is actually brilliant.

it’s an interesting balance to the art on the other wall. And not the ho-hum everyday.

imo, this is the kind of thing that comes down to personal preference. You can use sconces with art, etc. - or you can just use them by themselves.

No rules. :)

I agree that sconces are fine on their own. I was just giving another idea.

ETA: Funny because I was drooling over this Boutique Retreats rental an IG account posted … I was noticing they have sconces in every room, some just for ambience. :)

(The bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen have them, too, but more for task lighting.)

Love these, too, I found in my saved folders:

So charming!

The sconces aren't going to be functionally an asset to lighting the room, not add much decor punch

For functionality and style you might consider something like this in the corner, which is a plug in sconce. The arms are fully rotational

Or there are a number floor lamps that would give you similar coverage

Tivat 2-Light Floor Light, Matte White · More Info

If none of that appeals, consider doing small recessed or pin lighting above the entire sectional, and fill in at eye level with table and floor lamps.

Thanks mytwo cents, but not digging the lamp. The space is only around 32-34” wide, so barely a hallway & I really cannot put anything on the floor behind the sofas—- other than that small, thin console table I have now. And maybe that ladder idea- I did like that!

Thanks for the sconce approval, Freedomplace1 ;) I loved all the photos you shared with random sconces throughout the rooms. I never thought of my the idea of sconce placement as “brilliant” but I thought it could definitely work😊. I’m going to have to measure to make sure the sconce I choose will be large enough to fill up the space. I like the scones with the lampshade, but if I keep the lamps on the table (which I want to) would probably be too many lampshades in once space. Please send any specific sconce suggestions my way!

Also, I’m not as worried about sconce functionality, more aesthetics and what looks nice!

Hi Valerie K,

You’re welcome!

I posted a couple sconce pics, but @Jilly is the one who posted all those great sconce pics from Boutique Retreats, etc.

I understand what you are saying about the shaded sconces plus your shaded table lamps. I used that shaded sconce in the visual, because it looks similar to the one you show in your post/description - as one you were considering. Shaded sconces and other shaded lamps can work together - again a matter of preference. But I understand you wanting to mix it up, in general - and in a case where sconces and lamps are in close proximity can sometimes be good to mix it up.

It‘s funny that you ask about other types of sconce options. I saw these earlier and thought they could be amazing in your room - picking up on the black in your picture frames and art/photos. These sconces are bold, yet at the same time subtle, somehow, I think.

I know you are using battery operated, so you can look for similar in that style, if you like it. Lighting is a very personal thing; go with what you like. There are so many options in unshaded. Plus, another option for mixing it up might be to use black shaded sconces - which would also pick up on your black frames, etc.

It‘s a brilliant idea; I was serious about that. :) It can definitely work in your space.

Thanks so much, love these sconces you sent!

My pleasure ! :)