These Home Office Wall Lighting Ideas Are Simply Luminous

Home office lighting can be overwhelming to say the least. From floor lamps to chandeliers to desk lamps, you may feel unsure as you ponder all of these fixtures for your workspace. This is why it can be helpful to look at the different types of lighting, one by one, to decide which category fits your lifestyle and needs the best. One good place to start: wall sconces.

First of all, think through the areas of your office that could use some extra light. You will, after all, need plenty of functionality when it comes to your home office lighting, to read and do your work effectively. Begin by determining how many wall sconces you will need. Will a single lamp next to your computer be enough? Or will a pair illuminate the area even better? Do you have bookshelves that need to be illuminated? How about a reading nook?

No matter where you place them, the general rule of thumb is that wall sconces should be installed 60 to 72 inches from the floor to the middle of the junction box. Unless you're replacing existing wall lamps, keep in mind that you'll need to hire an electrician to hardwire your new fixtures. Otherwise, for tons of versatility, plug-in lights are an excellent option, and no electrician is required.

From different types of wall sconces to favorite styles, here are eight wall light ideas that will surely inspire you.

If you have a specific spot in mind for a wall sconce, but you don't want to go through the trouble of hardwiring it, look to a plug-in lamp. This blue office desk selected by Jenny of Juniper Home is illuminated thanks to a reading light with a chic clear glass shade that shows off the light bulb.

​Get the look:​ World Market Glass Globe and Brass Wall Sconce, $59.99

The nice thing about hardwired wall lights is that you'll have a clean, minimalist look without any wires getting in the way. This wall lamp chosen by Shea of Studio McGee works beautifully with the rest of the home decor, and it's even adjustable, acting as a tasteful task light.

​Get the look:​ McGee & Co. Gale Library Wall Light, $695

Picture lights might just be the task lighting you need, yet never considered. Many options are dimmable, so you can customize your ambient lighting. Oftentimes they call for an LED light bulb as well, so you'll save energy to boot. In this office belonging to Katie of Adorned Homes, picture lights beautifully illuminate the framed photographs and prevent eyestrain, too.

​Get the look:​ Hudson Valley Lighting Ridgewood Picture Light, $718

As you peruse design ideas for your home office, you should know that a swing arm lamp works flawlessly in most office designs. As a task lamp, it can be moved around easily and looks spot-on in farmhouse, industrial, and traditional spaces. Sporting a matte black lampshade, this swing arm lamp in Amy's office of White Cottage Home & Living is both functional and stylish.

​Get the look:​ Lamps Plus Wray Bronze Metal Plug-In Wall Lamp (set of 2), $149.99

For modern lighting in your workspace, seek out geometric shapes and streamlined details. It's a look that Kristin of Hunted Interior has perfected in her home office by placing practical sconces alongside the computer.

​Get the look:​ Blueprint Lighting Ludo Wall Sconce, $795

If you're dreaming of contemporary wall sconces in your home office, search for ones that have an artistic look and can stand alone as visual conversation pieces. That's exactly what Lindi and Russel of Love Create Celebrate have accomplished in their workspace with these cool sconces.

​Get the look:​ Mitzi Emma Wall Sconce, $138

Traditional wall lights work in a wide variety of spaces, but we're partial to showcasing them in on-trend offices that spotlight the most popular wall colors around. For example, this dark and moody workstation styled by Aymee and Molly of Light & Dwell looks complete with a timeless brass wall sconce.

​Get the look:​ 1 Lt Single Adjustable Armed Wall Sconce in Brass, $77.49

If your home office resides in a basement, or a windowless room that doesn't get natural light, a wall light is a must. Chelsea and Logan of Making Manzanita heeded this advice and went with an industrial-style light fixture that would certainly work in a rustic design, but as proven here, also works with bohemian surroundings, too.

​Get the look:​ Home Decorators Collection Pulley 1-Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconce with Bulb, $64.97