The AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce is the kind of light fixture that makes design lovers sigh happily. Designed by the legendary Arne Jacobsenyes, the same Danish mastermind behind the Egg Chair and the SAS Royal Hotel interiorsthis sconce blends effortless Scandinavian minimalism with functional brilliance. Whether you’re designing a cozy hallway, upgrading a bathroom, or simply trying to make your living room less gloomy than a mystery movie set, the AJ Eklipta promises both beauty and purpose.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce: its origins, design details, ideal placement, styling tips, installation ideas, and what makes it so beloved in modern homes. Plus, at the end, you’ll find a 500-word personal experience-style section that dives deeper into what it’s like living with this iconic fixture.
What Makes the AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce So Special?
The AJ Eklipta isn’t just a light; it’s a mood-setter. Created in the 1950s for stairwells and outdoor areas of the Copenhagen Town Hall, the design was later adapted for residential interiors. Its frosted glass disc creates a soft, even glow that feels warm without being overly dramatic. Think of it as the lighting equivalent of a Danish pastrysimple, subtle, and occasionally life-changing.
Iconic Scandinavian Design
One reason this wall sconce has gained cult status is its clean, circular form. There are no unnecessary lines, gimmicks, or embellishments; just a glass dome gently floating over its mounting base. This purity of form makes the AJ Eklipta an easy match for almost any interior styleMid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Japandi, contemporary, minimalist, or even traditional spaces that need a modern twist.
Designers often choose it because it doesn’t scream for attention. Instead, it whispers sophistication. If your goal is “quiet luxury,” this sconce basically invented the concept before it was trending on TikTok.
A Soft, Diffused Glow
Good lighting transforms a home, and the AJ Eklipta excels at it. The fixture uses layered glasstypically an inner milk-white glass and a clear outer glassto soften harsh brightness and create a calming halo effect. The result: even illumination without hotspots, shadows, or areas that make you question whether you should invest in more skincare.
This makes it perfect for:
- Hallways and corridors requiring gentle, widespread light
- Bedrooms where soft evening lighting is a must
- Bathrooms needing flattering, diffuse illumination
- Entryways that need a welcoming glow
- Staircases requiring safety lighting without glare
Sizes and Variants
The AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce typically comes in multiple size optionsoften around 8.7-inch (220mm), 13.7-inch (350mm), and 17.7-inch (450mm) diameters. The smaller version works beautifully in compact spaces or grouped in pairs, while the larger versions are perfect for dramatic entryways or long hallways.
Most models feature LED compatibility, and many designers install dimmers to enhance its ambient charm. Whether you’re going for bright task lighting or “late-night Netflix glow,” this sconce adapts easily.
Where to Use the AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce
If you think a simple circular light can only go in one location, think again. The AJ Eklipta is a chameleonquiet, adaptable, and capable of elevating nearly any space.
1. Hallways and Corridors
This is its natural habitat. Install multiple sconces evenly spaced along your hallway walls to create a soft, inviting path of light. No more stumbling around at night like you’re exploring a haunted mansion.
2. Staircases
Jacobsen originally designed this fixture for stairwells, and it still excels there. The even glow helps increase safety, visibility, and aesthetic appeal. Bonus: no harsh shadows that make it look like an independent horror film.
3. Bathrooms
The AJ Eklipta’s diffused light is ideal for vanity areas because it minimizes unflattering shadows. Many homeowners mount one on each side of a mirror or choose the medium size overhead. Its moisture-friendly glass design makes it especially practical in steamy bathroom conditions.
4. Living Rooms and Bedrooms
A large AJ Eklipta placed above a sofa creates a warm halo that softens the entire room. In bedrooms, the smaller version makes a chic alternative to bedside lampsno more knocking your lamp over while reaching for your phone.
5. Entryways
First impressions matter. Installing an AJ Eklipta near your front door creates a balanced, welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Why Designers and Homeowners Love the AJ Eklipta
Interior designers frequently refer to the AJ Eklipta as a “timeless staple.” That’s not an exaggeration. Here’s why it continues to win hearts across generations:
Timeless Aesthetic
The minimalist silhouette never feels outdated. Even homes designed in 2025 still treat it like a fresh trendwhich says a lot about the staying power of Scandinavian design.
Quality Materials
The combination of acid-etched glass and a sturdy metal base ensures durability and premium feel. This isn’t a flimsy plastic light you’ll swap out in two years.
Easy to Maintain
Because the glass surface sits flush and has no complicated grooves, cleaning it is as satisfying as wiping down a freshly installed glass cooktop. A simple microfiber cloth is all you need.
Bright But Not Harsh
Thanks to the diffused glow, the AJ Eklipta lights a room without making it feel like you’re under interrogation. It’s bright enough to illuminate a staircase yet gentle enough for relaxation zones.
How to Style the AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce
You can use this sconce as a statement piece or blend it into your existing decor. Here are a few styling ideas:
Pair with Clean Architectural Lines
Homes with white walls, smooth surfaces, and natural woods look incredible with the Eklipta’s subtle circular form. It echoes the serenity of Scandinavian simplicity.
Mix It into Eclectic Interiors
Surprisingly, this sconce also pairs well with bold wallpaper, vibrant textiles, or modern art. Its quiet presence balances out busy visual elements.
Create a Layered Lighting Plan
Use the Eklipta alongside floor lamps, table lamps, or pendant lights. This creates a flexible lighting scheme that suits both bright tasks and cozy evenings.
Use Dimmer Controls
A dimmer switch dramatically changes how the AJ Eklipta performs. Lower settings bring out its warm halo, perfect for late-night relaxation, while higher settings offer bright, clear illumination for everyday tasks.
Installation Tips
- Hire a professional electrician if you’re not comfortable with hardwired installations.
- Consider the height carefullyeye level or slightly above tends to work best.
- If mounting in bathrooms, confirm the sconce’s wet or damp rating.
- Use LED bulbs to minimize heat and maximize longevity.
500-Word Experience Section: Living With the AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce
When you first unbox the AJ Eklipta, you immediately understand why design lovers rave about it. The glass feels weightyin a good, “this isn’t going to fall apart in a year” kind of way. The matte finish on the inner glass layer diffuses light even before you install a bulb. You could set it on a table without the wiring and it still looks like a museum piece.
The first time I installed one in a hallway, it completely transformed the space. Before, the hallway felt narrow and a little too much like something out of a budget apartment building: shadows everywhere, uneven lighting, and the occasional flicker that made visitors mildly concerned about ghosts. After switching to the AJ Eklipta, the space suddenly felt designedintentional, clean, and surprisingly warm for a simple white fixture.
What stands out most after living with the AJ Eklipta is the quality of the light itself. Most wall fixtures blast light forward or downward, creating hotspots. But the Eklipta gives you a gentle 360-degree glow. It’s like the sun decided to shrink down, put on a frosted glass coat, and take up residence on your wall. This even glow is especially noticeable in the evenings; the light feels calm in a way that makes you want to sip tea and listen to Danish jazz (if that’s a thing).
I later installed one in a bathroom, and the difference compared to typical vanity lighting was shocking. No weird face shadows. No harsh beams. Just soft, balanced illumination that made the room feel more like a boutique hotel and less like the backstage area of a high school theater.
The maintenance has been surprisingly easy too. Because of the smooth glass surface, dust doesn’t cling aggressively. A quick wipe every so often and it looks like new. Even after years of use, the fixture hasn’t yellowed, scratched, or shown weara testament to Jacobsen’s original vision of creating lights meant to withstand everyday life.
If there’s a downside, it’s this: once you install an AJ Eklipta somewhere, you’ll want them everywhere. Living room? Sure. Bedroom? Obviously. Staircase? Why didn’t you think of that earlier?
Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just someone who wants to feel happier walking through your hallway, living with the AJ Eklipta is like living with a piece of design historyone that continues to serve a purpose every single day.
Conclusion
The AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce is more than a lighting fixtureit’s an enduring symbol of Scandinavian design philosophy: functional, simple, and quietly beautiful. Whether you’re renovating a modern loft or refreshing a cozy home, this iconic sconce offers versatility, ambiance, and timeless elegance.
