Raw and Reimagined: Industrial-Style Wall Lights and Sconces
We handcraft beacons of character, each wall light or sconce a testament to rugged artistry and timeless industrial design. Forged to defy the expected, turning bare walls into bold statements and forgotten corners into focal points. They are best complemented by warm, ambient lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
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Industrial Wall Sconce - The Ward
From $245.00
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Rustic Industrial Bathroom Vanity Lighting - The Joker
From $395.00
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Outdoor wall sconce - Vintage porch light - The Pavilion
From $260.00
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Industrial Wall Torch Sconce - The Castle Torch
From $275.00
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Bare Bulb Minimalist Sconce - Industrial Chic Wall Light - The Emberstone
From $225.00
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Upward Retro Wall Sconce - Industrial Cage Light - The Harold
From $245.00
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Black Pipe Light - Double Cage Industrial Wall Sconce - The Ironforge
From $495.00
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Industrial Candle Single Edison Bulb Sconce - The Chamberlain
From $195.00
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In the world of industrial design, it’s the wall sconce that does the quiet heavy lifting—subtle yet striking, functional yet fiercely artistic. At MillerLights®, our handcrafted sconces are more than accents; they’re anchors. Forged from raw steel and finished with grit, every curve, bolt, and burn mark tells a story of craftsmanship and rebellion against the disposable.
These aren’t lights that fade into the background. They cast mood. They shape atmosphere. They play off textured walls, brick, concrete, timber, drawing out the soul of the space. Whether mounted beside a mirror, down a dim hallway, or flanking a doorway, each piece becomes a part of the architecture itself.
Rooted in hands-on tradition and designed to stir the senses, my sconces balance the raw with the refined. No shortcuts. No fluff. Just unapologetically bold lighting that transforms the wall from surface to statement.
What is the difference between a sconce and a wall light?
Here’s the scoop: all wall sconces are wall lights, but not all wall lights are sconces.
Wall sconces are decorative fixtures designed to cast light mostly up, down, or both—creating cozy, focused pools of glow that add warmth and atmosphere. They’re the stylish rebels of wall lighting, often handcrafted and built to make a statement while softly illuminating your space.
Wall lights, on the other hand, cover the whole spectrum of wall-mounted lighting. That includes flush mounts, swing-arm lamps, adjustable fixtures, and anything else attached to your walls. Wall lights are versatile players, ranging from purely functional task lights to bold, artistic accents.
So in short: sconces bring the style and mood; wall lights bring the function and variety. Each one plays its part, with purpose and presence.
Interior and Exterior Wall Sconce Placement Guide
The Art of Placement
Beside a Bathroom Mirror
For even lighting, mount our handcrafted rustic cage sconces slightly above eye level—about 60" to 65" from the floor to the center of the backplate.
Over a Bathroom Mirror
Select a linear light at least 3/4 the width of your mirror, avoid extending beyond the edges. For larger mirrors, think about mounting two evenly-spaced.
Along a Passageway
For a balanced light spread, leave 8'-10' between wall sconces in hallways or dining rooms.
Next To The Bed
Position the sconce switch for easy access from bed. Maintain 55-60 inches from floor to top for optimal placement.
Single Side Entryway Door
Position light fixture by doorknob for better visibility of visitors. Mount center at eye level or 60-65" from ground.
Both Sides Entryway Door
Position exterior wall lights at eye level or 60"-65" from the ground beside a door. Fixture should be at least 1/4 the door's height for best light spread.
Additional sconce concerns?
Yes, for that perfect rustic industrial feel, sconces should be centered on the mirror. It creates symmetry and ensures even, flattering lighting—especially around those rough-hewn, industrial mirrors with metal frames or distressed wood. Centering the sconces gives the space a balanced, cohesive look, while the light will enhance the mirror’s reflection, adding both function and rustic charm. Read More..
For a rustic industrial bathroom, both uplight and downlight can work, depending on the vibe you want:
- Uplight: Opt for fixtures that direct light upwards, casting a warm, ambient glow that bounces off the rough textures of exposed brick or reclaimed wood—perfect for a relaxed, cozy feel.
- Downlight: Go for industrial-style sconces with exposed bulbs that direct light downward to highlight the rugged charm of the space, especially around mirrors or above sinks. It gives a more focused, utilitarian vibe while still looking stylish.
For a balanced look, a combination of both can give your bathroom that perfect rustic industrial edge. Read More..
For a industrial bathroom vanity, you’ll want enough light to highlight the raw materials and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Typically:
- Two sconces: One on each side of the mirror is the classic approach, providing even, flattering light on both sides of your face. This setup is perfect for most vanity spaces, offering great functionality and that industrial charm.
- Three lights: If you have a larger vanity or a wide mirror, three lights (or a larger fixture above the mirror) can provide even coverage. It works well with exposed bulbs or a simple metal fixture to maintain that industrial edge.
The key is ensuring the light is bright enough for tasks while still maintaining the rustic industrial look—think raw metal, exposed bulbs, and warm tones.
No, wall sconces don’t have to match the chandelier. In a rustic industrial setting, mixing and matching can actually add more character and depth to the space.
- Match the Vibe, Not the Exact Style: You can have a bold, vintage-style chandelier with exposed bulbs and pair it with simpler, industrial sconces made of raw metal or distressed wood. The key is keeping a consistent feel—think of the materials and tones (metal, wood, iron, etc.) aligning, even if the designs aren’t identical.
- Play with Contrast: In rustic industrial spaces, contrasting styles between sconces and chandeliers can add visual interest. Just make sure they complement each other in terms of finish and overall mood.
The goal is balance, not exact matching! Keep it cohesive, and let your fixtures work together to enhance the rustic industrial vibe.
For a timeless rustic industrial look, these colors for light fixtures never go out of style:
- Matte Black: Sleek and modern, matte black adds a bold, understated edge that complements industrial materials like steel and concrete.
- Brushed or Aged Brass: Warm and vintage, brass has that classic industrial charm while still feeling fresh. It pairs beautifully with exposed bulbs and distressed wood.
- Antique Bronze: Darker than brass, antique bronze has a rich, weathered appearance that works well in rustic and industrial spaces, adding depth without being too flashy.
- Iron or Steel: Raw metal finishes like wrought iron or steel add texture and authenticity to any space, providing a rugged yet refined look.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze: With its deep, matte finish, oil-rubbed bronze exudes warmth and timeless elegance, perfect for vintage-inspired industrial designs.
These finishes not only stay relevant over time but also blend seamlessly with other materials, making them a staple for rustic industrial interiors.
Yes, you can plug in a wall sconce! If you need a cord, ask and I will build the fixture with a cord. Plug-in wall sconces are a great option if you don’t want to deal with hardwiring. They’re easy to install—just mount the sconce to the wall, plug it into an outlet, and you're good to go.
For a rustic industrial vibe, look for plug-in sconces with exposed bulbs, vintage metal finishes, or distressed wood accents. The flexibility of plug-in sconces makes them perfect for renters or anyone looking for an easy, no-fuss lighting upgrade. Plus, they’re easy to move around, making them great for changing up your space! Ask me, I can build any of my light fixtures to hae a cord.
For a industrial look, the placement of wall sconces is key to both functionality and style:
- Beside Mirrors: In bathrooms or entryways, place sconces on either side of the mirror at eye level (about 5-6 feet high) to provide balanced, flattering light. This highlights the raw materials of the mirror’s frame and the space’s rugged charm.
- Hallways & Corridors: Space sconces about 6-10 feet apart for an even, ambient glow. Position them slightly higher on the wall to avoid bumping into them in narrow hallways.
- Reading or Task Areas: For reading nooks or workspaces, place sconces close to seating (around 30-36 inches from the seat) and consider adjustable swing-arm sconces for flexibility.
- Accent Walls: For visual interest, place sconces on walls with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, or industrial elements to highlight texture and bring focus to the feature.
- Above or Beside Beds: Wall sconces can replace bedside lamps. Mount them about 24 inches above the bed frame, or slightly above the nightstand height, for both lighting and style.
The goal is to create balance, enhance the space's character, and ensure the light serves a functional purpose—while keeping that rustic industrial vibe. Read More..