As a long-term renter who is currently apartment hunting yet again, I am a big proponent of no-fuss, versatile, renter-friendly design. While hardwired lighting is by no means inadvisable for renters (my fellow EHD comrades will attest to that), I’m currently not in a place where I want to invest in it. As I said, my husband and I plan to move to a larger place soon so buying and installing new hardwired lighting in my current apartment feels like an unwise investment. This is a personal choice that stems, in part, from my fear of spending big money on temporary things–a topic for another day or perhaps a therapist :). As much as I love customizing my home, I can be quite noncommittal when it comes to lighting and at this time in my life I am okay with creating ambiance and style through plug-in lighting. Is anyone else with me?? I hope so, because today is all about non-hardwired lighting and where to buy it if you are in the market.
Wait, What Are The Benefits Of Non-Hardwired Lighting?
Before we go any further, I must admit that there are many pros to hardwired lighting. It makes your home look custom and intentional and as design lovers we want our homes to look as good as possible. But sometimes it’s not the most practical, budget-friendly, or even a possibility if you don’t have the ability to remodel. It’s important to know there are other options out there. It also should be noted that I personally like the relaxed look of a swagged cord and find no offense to it (to each their own–I know it’s not for everyone). That said, there are some pros to non-hardwired lighting, too:
- You have more freedom where you put the light. Hardwired lighting needs to be wired to a junction box, and unless you are renovating, you don’t have control over where that junction box is located.
- While a hardwired light is often specifically tailored to fit a space, non-hardwired lighting is more versatile and can easily be moved from room to room. If you are a renter this is especially helpful if you move or plan to move eventually.
- You don’t have to hire an electrician. This saves money and time thus making the plug-in options more budget-friendly.
Along with those pros, I think that plug-in lighting can be just as stylish as its hardwired counterparts. Especially now that there are so many great companies that make high-quality non-hardwired lighting, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. For example…
In Arlyn’s bedroom, she flanked her headboard with two gorgeous plug-in sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting to provide stylish bedside lighting. Hanging sconces is a great way to add height to your lighting plan as the light from lamps and floor lamps can only go so far. But since Arlyn is a renter, she didn’t have the option to hardwire the sconces. Instead, she opted for these plug-in sconces and the impact is really special and looks more custom than if she would have gone with table lamps. If you are not a fan of the hanging cord look (as I know many of you are not ;)), placing it behind a nightstand or another piece of furniture is a simple hack to make the cord less obvious. You also get more nightstand real estate which is very nice.
Can I direct your attention to the above sconce in Emily’s basement guest room at her last LA house? This “sconce” is actually a vintage table lamp that Emily retrofitted and attached to the wall. Genius! It’s a really simple and unexpected trick that adds a lot of personality.
Now hopefully I have done my job in convincing at least some of you that plug-in lighting is not so bad after all (and maybe preferable in some cases:)). If you are in the market or just want to see what options are available, here are some of our favorite places to shop for them:
1. Zig-Zag Task Sconce: Here’s a sleek modern swing arm sconce that would be a great addition to any room.
2. Accordion Sconce: I love the vintage-inspired lampshade and the accordion-style arm adds a ton of personality.
3. Mixed Shape Multi-Arm Sconce: The mixed shade shapes add a really cool touch to this multi-arm sconce.
1. Leggero Black Pole Sconce: This long and slim sconce will add height and visual interest to your walls.
2. Mantis Swivel Wall Sconce: The shape of this elegant brass sconce is really lovely (reviewers say it’s bigger than expected so make sure to check out the measurements before buying!).
3. Swing Arm Sconce: I love the simplicity of this black swing arm sconce with an exposed bulb, and the attached cord has a stripe pattern that adds a little flair.
1. Plug-In Industrial Copper Pendant Light: This copper zigzag pendant is really unique.
2. 1970s Vintage Crystal Clear Glass Ceiling Light Swag Pendant Lamp: This 1970s vintage glass ceiling pendant would instantly add charm to a space.
3. Mark D. Sikes 1 Light Hampshire Plug In Wall Sconce: This vintage Hudson Valley Lighting sconce has a lovely aged brass finish.
1. Seguin Burnished Brass 2-Light Plug In Wall Sconce: This traditional double light sconce has a nice brass finish and an elegant shape.
2. Pixi Rose Metal and Wood Swivel Plug-In Wall Sconce: Add a pop of color with this wood swivel sconce!
3. Morgan Black Adjustable Arm Plug In Wall Sconce Light: Modern and cool and you know we are big fans of the accordion arm style.
1. Edvin Plug-in Wall Sconce: Reviewers rave about the quality and style of this sconce. The seller also offers hardwired options!
2. Pendant Light Ceramic Shade Brass Ceiling Light: I am obsessed with these and think they would look so cute in a vintage farmhouse-style kitchen.
3. KRINOLIN Mid-modern Plug-In Wood Pendant: This handmade wood pendant is really special and affordable.
1. Noah Wall Light: Gantri is known for design forward plug-in lighting that is made from plant-based materials. This oversized bulb light wall light was inspired by the designer’s son and recalls the shape of a pregnant belly. How cool is that?
2. Carve Wall Light (Right): This light would add a sculptural element to your walls.
3. Gio Wall Light: This one is 70s inspired and comes in a variety of colors.
1. Navin: Simple, elegant, and could work with a ton of styles.
2. Cranbrook: There are so many lovely details on this one that really stand out and make a quiet statement.
3. Fifi: The scallop detail on this picture light is really special.
1. Level Wired: This minimal wall light is 44″ long and would add architectural interest to a room.
2. LAHM 04+ Pendant Wired: The geometric shade on this pendant creates a warm and diffused light.
3. Otha Sconce Wired: How cool is this asymmetrical cube light?
1. Alameda Plug-In Sconce: The twisted arm is so cool and modern and I like that it is paired with a traditional shade for a balanced look.
2. Dellon Double Plug-In Sconce: I LOVE this modern take on the accordion-style sconce.
3. Sereno 2-Light Plug-In Sconce: This sconce has rotating slim brass arms so you can angle the light in different ways.
1. Nelson Cigar Bubble Wall Sconce: A true classic that will never go out of style! Remember when Em had the ball version in her primary bedroom??
2. Vernon Picture Light: A picture light that’s a plug-in is such a dream. No commitment to sconces or art placement needed. These also come in a couple of other sizes.
3. Platet LED Cone Wall Sconce: A cool, modern statement wall light!
1. “Potence” Style Otis Light: This long arm sconce is incredible and the wood ball handle is a really nice detail.
2. Double-Jointed Swing Lamp: You can customize this double-jointed swing lamp and mix and match the finishes.
3. Night Shelf: A shelf and a sconce! This would be perfect for a small space.
1. Darcie Sconce: This French Midcentury-inspired sconce has an articulating arm so you can direct the light as you please. I love the wood detail, too.
2. Carson 12″ Plug-In Indoor/Outdoor Pendant With Cage: I am a sucker for vintage lighting. I would love to see this in a retro kitchen!
3. Cypress Double Swing Arm Pin-Up Sconce: I want to see this double swing arm sconce in an MCM-style home immediately!
1. Isaac Plug-In Sconce: I have always loved this bright red Schoolhouse sconce. The color is intense but looks VERY cool in the right space.
2. Apartment Plug-In Pendant: There are so many customizable options available for this pendant.
3. Gantry Pivot Plug-In Sconce: This sconce reaches over 36″ and provides great direct light.
1. Looped Rope Convertible Pendant: This rope pendant would add texture and warmth to any room.
2. Cyrus Arched Swing Arm Sconce: This one is vintage industrial-inspired and I love the aged finish.
3. LED Gooseneck Reading Light: Simple, modern, and perfect for bedside lighting!
1. Modern Swing Arm Wall Lamp: This sleek swing arm wall lamp comes equipped with a full range dimmer switch.
2. Swing Arm Adjustable Wall Lamp: The rattan shade adds softness add warmth to this modern wall lamp.
3. Cleo 1-Light Matte Black Plug-In Sconce: If you are looking for an affordable modern wall sconce this is a great option.
1. Fatboy® Bolleke Indoor/Outdoor Pendant: This battery-operated light can be used both indoors and outdoors and the silicone loop can be twisted however you’d like.
2. UO Fabric Cord Kit: With this pendant light cord kit, you can find the perfect shade to complete the look.
3. Bradley Sconce: I love the color and finish on this one.
Are there any other lighting roundups you would like to see from us? Sound off in the comments below. xx
Opener Image Credit: Design by Brady Tolbert | Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Brady’s Bedroom Makeover With Parachute
While I’m not personally a fan of crunkled-up cords, ziggy-zagging across a wall from an outlet to a wall-fitted light (be it sconce or other), the way Arlyn did it, with the cord running behind the bedside tables works much better. An intentional swag from an imbalanced ‘centre’ point, like for a dining table, can look nice too – as long as the cord is smoothly installed and not crunkled and awkward. The crunkled, ziggy-zag does not look intentional or ‘at peace’ in a room. It looks like the light fitting has just been removed from a box, cord unrolled and put up, without due attention paid to the cord, which is then an unsightly, jarring element; especially when it hangs in front of something like a chair or piece of furniture. In Australia, the majority of homes have double brick exterior walls and single brick internal walls – which means we need to be verrrrry sure of where we drill holes as misplaced holes are a whole lot harder to repair than in drywall! (or plasterboard as we call it). Therefore, if we’re going to have to drill into brick to screw up a temporary sconce as a renter,… Read more »
Yes, I have the exactly the same response to the cords. Some of these fixtures are pretty, but the messier the cord looks, the less I am able to focus on anything but that cord.
Ditto on cords being visual chaos. There are products in the marketplace that are paintable. The recent post of Emily’s friend’s basement media room was lovely w/ the exception of the sconce cords hanging down. I would corral the cords into a straight line down and paint the wall color or put into a paintable plastic tubing created to corral cords.
So it must be awful to be a renter there, not able to hang a wall shelf or a picture either? It can’t be patched or fixed? How sad. It lowers the quality of life if one cannot make simple changed to make their homes prettier as well as functional. So everyone has brick walls as opposed to smooth and painted?
I live in Perth too and every house I’ve lived in has double brick. The walls are smooth and painted – they stick the plaster on over the bricks. You can definitely do shelves/lights it’s just harder to install in brick – I save up until I have a whole bunch of things that need installing and call a handyman (you can also DIY if you have a hammer drill but I’m very bad at it!) That said, you’d be surprised how many things can be hung with Command strips – I only bother with a proper hanger if it’s too heavy for them. And yes, you can absolutely patch over holes in the walls – it’s just a pain in the butt as it’s a bit harder than dry wall, but I have done it – in a previous house I managed to accidentally drop and IKEA bed frame down a stairwell when I was trying to move it upstairs and it made a mess of the plaster on the way down! Installing lighting is harder though because there is not always a cavity in the wall so it’s expensive to install as they need to cut a cavity… Read more »
It’s also important to note that you can cover the cord rather than having floppy wires on the wall. Some scones have matching metal brackets to go over the cord, or you can get a silicon-y cover that is paintable to blend with the wall. I have our bedroom sconces behind our nightstands (so loose cords), the living room sconces covered with the matching metal cover, and our Sonos speaker wire covered with the paintable cord cover. They all work in their specific situations.
In my old house I have used little transparent adhesive cord guides to run the cord straight down, then I use an extension cord run along the floor that the straight cord plugs into, with that arrangement hidden behind the furniture or even a curtain. I think there are many ways to avoid the jaggly black wire look.
I love a plug in sconce when it’s done right. In the past I have covered the plastic cord with fabric or thin rope and it makes it hang so nicely and look much more intentional. Barring that, the silicone covers painted to match the wall are quite inoffensive. I like the option of changing out the fixture in the future and having it mounted also allows saving table top space taken up by a lamp.
That is a great idea to cover the cord w rope or fabric! I have used a few plug ins and I have always used metal cord covers -sometimes painted to match the wall.
I think the swagged cords can look very nice in certain settings, especially a dark cord in a room with pale walls. The cord draws your eye past the sconce and elongates it visually. The cord also adds history to a room. I read it as saying “This space was built for someone who needed light against a certain wall, but I live here now, and this is where I want a light.” And as Ryann said, it’s a more relaxed look. I greatly appreciate the listing of plug-in options at all price points, thank you for all the choices.
Hi! Okay, I have a design agony: my kitchen overhead light ends up behind me when I cook on the stove, which means it casts a shadow. I’m not interested in swagging a light from that junction box, but I am curious about a plug in sconce that would have the cord run out to the side so I can bring it down to a plug and thus have task lighting at the range! Do you have any recommendations for items easy to clean and available to be shipped up to Canada that would work?
Gantri was a happy find in this article. I love the artist-first approach and the simple lines of the wall lights. Thanks!!!
I was thinking about mounting sconces on a wall without hardwiring, and came across this genius hack. Use Wireless LED Puck Lights that are rechargeable instead of lightbulbs. Just stick them on the socket part that holds the bulb. Voilà, no cords!
Yes this is awesome especially when you don’t need to use the light often. Another thing I’ve done when the lighting is not really functional but aesthetic is not even bother to plug it in. I love the look of table lamps but frankly the light they give off is a bit useless and I’m lazy and can’t be bothered turning individual lights on and off when I can just use overhead lighting – I have at least 3 table lamps which don’t even have globes in them as they are not plugged in but look great as styling piece.
“I love the look of table lamps but frankly the light they give off is a bit useless” is an interesting take I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. We use the table lamps in our home all the time to great effect. All have 3-way or dimmable bulbs so they are good for ambience, reading, taks lighting, et al.
Lots of good info here — thanks. Also, the format of this post is WONDERFUL — showing thumbnails of just three items and having the descriptions below is SUCH a nice way of reading about each item. I can see the item AND read the description at the same time. Very nice!
Thank you for naming this! It’s so much better but i hadn’t clicked why! Great not to be scrolling back and forward, or skipping over things.
I will second the comment about the CB2 mantis style light being giant. I loved the style and ordered two for our bedroom. Somehow even reading the proportions and measuring didn’t help me understand that they would really be so huge and not functional over a bed. This would be great as a single lamp over a reading chair or dining nook but I think it would be hard to do two of these next to each other over a bed or couch anywhere and have it be functional.
These lighting fixtures look great and I bet some of them would work outdoors. I have a room that is half indoors and half outdoors and so some of these should work. You should check out https://www.larixlandscape.com/landscape-lighting for premium outdoor lighting fixtures.