How to Decorate With Sconces Above a Sofa

Choose sconces that go with your chosen decorating style. For example, if you've chosen Tuscan-style decorating, the sconces can be made of wrought iron. For a modern room, choose white ceramic sconces. To decorate a room so that it looks like an Art Deco movie theater, pick sconces that are made in a geometric style.

Look for sconces that have multiple arms and lamps. Although you can find single sconces and sconces without candles, these types of sconces not only give you more light, they bring visual variety to the area above your couch. Additionally, look for sconces that have decorative elements between each arm, such as chains that connect the arms to one another. This type of element creates visual interest.

Choose a couple of different kinds of sconces. Sometimes sconces come in sets. They feature a common decorative pattern, but have slight variations. Adding these to your above-the-couch sconce display will add interest to the wall.

Hang a series of candle sconces below a large mirror. Pick sconces that have pretty glass bulbs for this task; the light that the burning candles gives off casts a glow in the mirror and the walls around the couch. Hang this high enough so that people's heads won't hit the sconces or the mirror as they're sitting on the couch.

Dress up the sconces by adding some fabric backing or lacing a ribbon around the arms. Choose fabrics, such as velvet, brocade or satin. Choosing fabric or ribbon that matches the upholstery on your couch helps tie the wall display to the couch below.

Select colorful candles for the sconces instead of plain white tea lights. Choose the colors that are in the couch's upholstery as well as the ones on any decorative throw pillows you've placed on the couch.

Find picture frames that match the sconces to create a gallery above the couch. The sconces fill in the negative dead space between pictures and mirrors, giving the walls interesting visual lines.