Everything you need to know about natural wall sconces
Key takeaways:
- A natural wall sconce is a light fixture mounted on the wall and made from a natural material such as wood, rattan, wicker, bamboo or raffia.
- Rattan, which is flexible, lends itself to woven shapes, while bamboo, which is more rigid, suits clean, simple designs. These materials go well with bohemian, Scandinavian, rustic and contemporary styles.
- A warm-light LED bulb shows off these materials, and the electrical connection should be entrusted to a qualified electrician.
A natural wall sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture whose shade or structure is made from a natural material, such as wood, rattan, wicker, bamboo or raffia. The word "natural" refers here to the look and the material of the fixture, which bring a touch of warmth and authenticity to your home. Often fitted with an integrated LED, these sconces are perfect for creating a soft, natural atmosphere in every room of the house.
Why choose a natural wall sconce?
The natural materials used for wall sconces have several advantages: they are durable, they age well, and they bring a warm aesthetic that makes every room feel welcoming. Their grain, knots or woven strands add depth to a wall, by day and by night.
These materials also need very little upkeep, and they most often stand up well to wear. Natural wall sconces are therefore ideal for those who want a nature-inspired decor without giving up the comfort of modern lighting.
The different materials of natural wall sconces
Wood
Wooden wall sconces, in oak for example, are appreciated for their sturdiness and their natural beauty, which the grain makes different from one fixture to the next. They come in several styles, from rustic to modern.
It is a material that brings warmth and elegance to your space, and our wooden wall sconces range from the most understated model to the bedside reading light.
Rattan and wicker
These two materials are light and flexible, which allows for creative, airy designs. Sconces in rattan and wicker add a bohemian touch to your decor, while giving a soft, diffused light.
The weave lets light pass between its strands, and casts a play of shadows on the wall that brings the room to life in the evening. Discover our rattan wall sconces and our wicker models.
Raffia
Raffia, a fiber taken from the leaves of a palm tree, is ideal for creating an exotic, relaxed mood. It is easy to maintain and durable.
A raffia wall sconce above all adds an interesting element of texture to your walls, thanks to its fringes or its slightly irregular weave. Like any plant fiber, it should only be fitted with an LED bulb, which gives off very little heat.
Bamboo
Bamboo is appreciated for its durability: its stem, hollow but rigid, can be worked into thin slats or strips. It is perfect for minimalist, clean designs, to which it brings a natural touch without weighing them down.
Its blond, slightly golden shade goes with light walls as well as with the darker colors of your interior decor. Discover our bamboo wall sconces.
| Material | Character | Recommended style |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Sturdy, warm | Rustic, modern |
| Rattan and wicker | Light and flexible, woven shapes | Bohemian |
| Raffia | Textured, exotic | Relaxed, exotic |
| Bamboo | Rigid and durable | Minimalist, clean |
The different styles of natural wall sconces
Bohemian
Bohemian wall sconces stand out for their woven materials and their organic shapes, round, fan-shaped or corolla-shaped. They create a relaxed, artistic mood.
They are readily paired with linen textiles and a few green plants, in a living room or bedroom where you want a subdued light rather than bright lighting.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian style favors clean lines and natural materials. Scandinavian wall sconces in light wood or rattan are perfect for a minimalist decor.
Their shape stays simple, a cylinder, a cone or a straight arm, and our Scandinavian wall sconces fit just as well on either side of a bed as above an office desk.
Rustic
Rustic wall sconces often use raw wood or aged metal, for a warm, authentic touch. The wood keeps its knots and irregularities, and the metal a dark patina.
This style suits country houses, stone walls and exposed beams, but it also warms a more recent apartment, simply by contrast.
Contemporary
Natural materials also fit into modern, elegant designs, whose rigor they soften. Contemporary sconces in bamboo or rattan thus bring a touch of natural refinement.
Wood is sometimes paired with black metal, glass or stone, and the light source can be an integrated LED.
How to bring a natural wall sconce into your home
Choosing the location
Natural wall sconces suit the living room, the bedroom and the hallway, and the choice of location depends on the mood you want to create. A black wood sconce, for example, goes in a hallway for soft, welcoming lighting, like our hallway wall sconces, while a pair of bedside wall sconces frees up the nightstands.
In a bathroom, the rule is stricter: the NF C 15-100 standard sets out safety zones around the bathtub and the shower, and only a model designed for damp rooms, with an IP rating of IP44 at minimum, may be installed there, like a bathroom wall sconce designed for this use.
Installation
To install a natural wall sconce, you need a few basic tools, such as a drill, screws and wall plugs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for a secure fixing, placing the fixture between 1.50 m and 1.70 m from the floor in most rooms.
The electrical connection must be entrusted to a qualified electrician, who switches off the power at the panel before working, and who checks that the power cable and the connections are in good condition.
Lighting
Use LED bulbs, for energy-efficient lighting that lasts a long time: they give off very little heat, which makes them the only source to use under a shade made of natural fibers, paper or fabric. Warm light bulbs, between 2700 and 3000 kelvins, are ideal for a welcoming atmosphere.
Some natural wall sconces have an integrated LED, which gives a soft, pleasant light intensity. On models with a lamp holder, respect the base and the maximum wattage shown on the product page. Discover our LED wall sconces.
Examples of natural wall sconces
Wooden wall sconce
Solid wood and woven bamboo lead to two very different moods:
- Example 1: a solid oak wall sconce with a natural finish, which brings warmth and elegance to your decor.
- Example 2: a woven bamboo wall sconce, for an exotic touch and a natural, restful atmosphere.
In both cases, the shade of the fixture is best echoed elsewhere in the room, through a frame or a shelf, so that the sconce does not look isolated.
Wicker wall sconce
Wicker also lends itself to two registers, one bohemian, the other more airy:
- Example 1: a woven wicker wall sconce, for a bohemian atmosphere, ideal in the living room or bedroom.
- Example 2: a natural wicker wall sconce, for a light, airy decor, with a soft, diffused light.
Its visual lightness means it can be placed as a pair, on each side of a mirror or a sofa, for a symmetry effect that structures the wall.
Raffia wall sconce
Raffia, finally, plays above all on texture, alone or combined with another material:
- Example 1: a woven raffia wall sconce, for an exotic touch and a relaxed, warm atmosphere.
- Example 2: a raffia and wood wall sconce, for a natural pairing, ideal for lighting a reading nook or a living space.
This fine fiber is best suited to dry rooms and holiday-spirited decors, in a sunroom as well as in a guest bedroom.
Conclusion
Natural wall sconces are a very good choice for adding a touch of authenticity and warmth to your home. Whether you opt for wood, rattan, raffia or bamboo, these materials blend perfectly into your decor.
Explore the different options, and choose the one that best matches your tastes and your lifestyle. You can then extend the mood with other natural light fixtures.
Frequently asked questions about natural wall sconces
What are the best natural materials for a wall sconce?
Wood, rattan, bamboo and raffia are the most popular, and the right choice varies with the desired mood and the room where the sconce will be placed.
Each material has its own texture and aesthetic, and brings warmth and character to your home.
How do you care for a wall sconce made of natural material?
With simple dusting, adapted to each material: for wood, a dry soft cloth is enough to remove dust.
Rattan and bamboo may need more delicate cleaning, with a slightly damp cloth, once the fixture is switched off and cooled down. Avoid harsh chemicals, to preserve the natural materials.
Rattan or bamboo: which wall sconce lasts longer?
Both hold up well over time, and their durability depends above all on their treatment and how they are used. Rattan, which is more flexible, is often used for woven designs, with a basketry look.
Bamboo, which is more rigid, is ideal for sturdier structures and modern designs.
Which colors go with a natural wood wall sconce?
Neutral colors, such as white, beige and earth tones, go well with natural wood, and create a restful, warm atmosphere.
Touches of bright color, on a cushion, a vase or a section of wall, bring energy and contrast.
What light intensity for a natural wall sconce?
It depends on how the room is used and the mood you want: for soft ambient light, choose a low-intensity bulb or an adjustable-intensity LED, which must be marked "dimmable" if a dimmer controls it.
In spaces that call for functional lighting, such as an office, choose a brighter light. Discover our dimmable wall sconces.
Are natural wall sconces suitable for outdoor use?
Only if the model is designed for this use: some sconces made of natural materials can be used outside, when they are treated and protected against the weather.
Check on the product page that the sconce is intended for outdoor use and that it has a suitable IP protection rating, like our outdoor wall sconces. Its connection should also be entrusted to a qualified electrician.
Where should you place a natural wall sconce for a nice decorative effect?
Next to a bed in the bedroom, in a hallway for a warm mood, or in a living room for a decorative touch.
Place the sconce at eye level, between 1.50 m and 1.70 m from the floor, for good light distribution.
Why choose a wall sconce made of natural material?
Because wood, bamboo and rattan are materials of plant origin, warm to the touch and to the eye, which give a wall a depth that a smooth surface does not have.
With an LED bulb, which gives off very little heat and is gentle on these materials, the sconce also uses little electricity.
What are the trends in natural wall sconces?
In 2026, minimalist designs, organic shapes and textured finishes dominate, with the material alone making the decor.
Wall sconces made of natural materials, with clean lines and neutral colors, are particularly popular in modern and Scandinavian interiors.
How does a wall sconce made of natural material improve the atmosphere?
It brings a warmth and authenticity that artificial materials do not reproduce, because its fibers and grain catch the light unevenly.
It thus creates a restful atmosphere that feels welcoming, ideal in living areas, bedrooms and relaxation corners.
Can you install a natural wall sconce in a bathroom?
Yes, provided you choose a model designed for damp rooms, with an IP44 rating at minimum, and respect the safety zones that the NF C 15-100 standard defines around the shower and the bathtub.
Since wood and woven fibers do not tolerate water splashes well, place the sconce away from water points, and have it installed by a qualified electrician.
Turn to a lighting specialist
Discover Lustria, your online store dedicated to light fixtures, where every product is carefully selected. Also explore our collection of natural pendant lights, to better light your home.
Each product page details the dimensions, the materials and the compatible bulb type, so you can compare models. Do not miss our new arrivals, which regularly complement the selection.