7 Plug-In Wall Sconces Under $35 for Bedside Lighting

Bedside table lamps take up precious nightstand space. If you've ever knocked over a glass of water reaching around a lamp base, or just wished your nightstand had room for more than a lamp and your phone, plug-in wall sconces are the answer. They mount on the wall where your bedside table used to hold a lamp, plug into an outlet behind the headboard or along the baseboard, and suddenly your nightstand is clear.

The best part is that plug-in sconces don't require any hardwiring. You don't need an electrician, you don't need to open up your walls, and you can move them when you rearrange furniture or relocate. Most of them have an on/off switch right on the cord or the shade, so you don't even have to reach across to the outlet. Here are the best options under $35.

What to Look for in a Bedside Plug-In Sconce

Prioritize models with an on/off switch on the cord (not just at the outlet), a shade that directs light downward for reading, and a cord length that reaches your nearest outlet without looking stretched.

The cord is the one detail most people don't think about until after installation. Most plug-in sconces come with a 6-foot cord, which is usually fine, but measure the distance from your planned mounting point to the nearest outlet before buying. You can route the cord along the wall and cover it with a cord cover for a cleaner look — several of these come with small clips or have narrow enough cords to work with adhesive channels.

Quick Tips for Installing Bedside Plug-In Sconces

• Mount at shoulder height when sitting up in bed — roughly 48 to 54 inches from the floor works for most bed frame heights
• Use the screw-in wall anchors that come with the hardware, not just a single nail — the sconce and cord weight adds up over time
• Cord covers in white or paintable versions blend the cord into the wall so it looks nearly hardwired
• If you're buying a set of 2, confirm the cord length is the same for both — some sets have slightly different cord lengths which can cause asymmetry issues

Switching to plug-in wall sconces is one of those bedroom upgrades that makes you wonder why you didn't do it sooner. If you found one you love, pin this post before you forget — and save yourself the trouble of searching again when you're ready to order.