What exactly is a wall light? How does it differ from a wall sconce? The terms 'wall light' and 'wall sconce' are frequently used interchangeably to describe a lamp that is attached to a wall. In technical terms, a wall light typically features a covered light source, often made of glass, whereas a sconce does not have such a covering. However, in modern lighting design and manufacturing, these technical distinctions are often disregarded, and sconces and wall lamps are often considered together as a single category.