6 Best RV Wall Sconces For Reading Nooks That Serve Multiple Needs

You’ve finally settled into your RV’s cozy corner after a long day of driving, ready to crack open a book, but the overhead dome light is casting harsh shadows on the page. A good reading sconce isn’t just a luxury in a small space; it’s a critical tool for creating functional, multi-use zones. Choosing the right one means getting more than just light—it means adding convenience, saving space, and preserving your battery.

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What to Look For in an RV Reading Sconce

The first job of a reading light is to put a focused beam exactly where you need it without blinding your partner sleeping a few feet away. Look for fixtures with an adjustable head or a flexible gooseneck. This directional control is the difference between a useful tool and an annoying glare bomb in a tight space.

But in an RV, every component should pull double or triple duty if possible. The best sconces integrate features that solve other common problems. A built-in USB port, for example, means you don’t need a separate 12V adapter to charge your phone overnight, freeing up a valuable outlet. Dimmers and multiple color modes add versatility, transforming a bright task light into a soft ambient glow.

Finally, consider the technical side. Every light you choose must be compatible with your rig’s 12V DC system. Pay close attention to the power draw, measured in watts or amps, especially if you do any boondocking. A few key things to check for include:

• Power Source: Must be 12V DC compatible.
• Power Draw: Look for low wattage (typically 1-3W for LEDs).
• Features: USB ports, dimming functions, and multiple color modes.
• Adjustability: A gooseneck or pivoting head is essential.
• Switch Type: A physical switch is often more reliable than a touch sensor, but touch sensors offer a cleaner look.

Acegoo Touch-Dimmer Sconce with USB Port

The Acegoo sconce is a modern classic in the RV and van conversion world for a reason. It packs a surprising amount of functionality into a sleek, minimalist package. Its standout features are the integrated USB charging port and the intuitive touch-dimming control, which is built right into the head of the light.

Operation is simple: a quick tap turns it on or off, while a long press smoothly dims or brightens the light. This is perfect for dialing in the exact amount of light you need for reading without disturbing anyone else. The built-in USB port is a game-changer, providing a dedicated spot to charge your phone, Kindle, or tablet right where you’ll be using it.

The light itself is a focused, warm white beam that’s easy on the eyes for late-night reading sessions. The only real tradeoff is the touch sensor itself; it’s sensitive and can sometimes be activated by an accidental brush of a pillow or hand. Despite this minor quirk, its combination of style, dimmability, and charging capability makes it a top-tier choice for most RVers.

Obeaming Gooseneck Light with Blue Mood LED

This Obeaming sconce solves two problems at once: task lighting and night lighting. It features a primary, powerful reading light on a flexible gooseneck, plus a secondary, low-power blue LED integrated into the base. Each light is controlled by its own separate switch, giving you complete control.

The gooseneck design offers maximum directional flexibility. You can twist and turn it to aim the beam precisely at your book, a map, or a small project, keeping the light contained to your personal space. This is far more versatile than a simple pivoting head and is ideal for bunks or tight dinette corners where light spill is a major concern.

The blue mood light is the secret weapon here. It provides just enough of a soft glow to navigate the RV in the middle of the night without having to turn on a bright, sleep-disrupting overhead light. Because it draws a minuscule amount of power, you can leave it on all night without worrying about your battery. It’s a brilliant two-in-one solution for both focused work and ambient safety.

Facoon Dual Sconces: Value and Versatility

If you need to outfit multiple spots—like both sides of a bed or each end of a dinette—the Facoon sconces are an unbeatable value. They are almost always sold in a two-pack for a price that’s often less than a single premium sconce. This makes them a go-to for budget-conscious builders and renovators.

These lights cover all the essential bases without any extra frills. You get a flexible gooseneck for precise aiming, a built-in USB port for convenient charging, and a simple, reliable physical on/off switch. There’s no dimming or color-changing, but they deliver a solid, warm reading light that gets the job done effectively.

The primary tradeoff for the excellent price is build quality. While perfectly functional, they may not feel as robust as more expensive options. However, for the price of one high-end light, you can illuminate two separate nooks with charging capabilities. For those prioritizing function and quantity over premium features, this is the smartest buy on the market.

Kohree 12V Light with Warm and Cool Modes

The Kohree sconce introduces a feature that many people don’t realize they need until they have it: adjustable color temperature. With a simple touch control, you can cycle between a cozy warm white, a bright cool white, and a neutral mode that combines both. This single feature dramatically expands the light’s utility.

Think of it this way: the warm setting is perfect for relaxing and reading before bed, as it mimics the calming light of sunset. The cool, blue-toned setting is ideal for tasks that require focus and color accuracy, like working on a puzzle, planning a route on a paper map, or doing detailed craftwork. It’s like having a dedicated task light and a separate mood light in one fixture.

This versatility makes the Kohree sconce a fantastic all-around choice, especially for multi-use areas like a dinette that serves as an office, dining table, and lounge. It also includes dimming and often a USB port, making it a true multi-tool. The ability to change the light’s "mood" to match your activity is its defining, and most powerful, feature.

Leisure LED: The Low-Wattage Boondocking Pick

For the serious boondocker, every single milliamp of power counts. The Leisure LED sconce is built on a philosophy of extreme efficiency. It forgoes fancy features like USB ports and touch controls in favor of one primary goal: providing usable light with the lowest possible power draw.

These lights are often rated at just 1W or 3W, sipping power from your battery bank at a snail’s pace. While a single light’s consumption seems small, the savings add up significantly over a week of off-grid living when every light, pump, and fan is contributing to the drain. This is the light you choose when you’re meticulously managing your power budget.

The design is typically simple and robust—a metal base, a pivoting head, and a straightforward toggle switch. It’s not trying to be a tech gadget; it’s a reliable tool. If your priority is maximizing your time off-grid, this is the sconce that will help keep your lights on longer than any other.

CZC AUTO Sconce: A Simple, Reliable Choice

In a world of touch controls and complex features, there’s something to be said for simplicity and durability. The CZC AUTO sconce is the workhorse of RV lighting. It’s built with a focus on longevity, often featuring a metal housing and a satisfyingly clicky mechanical switch.

This light is for the person who doesn’t want to accidentally turn on their light in the middle of the night or cycle through modes to just turn it off. The physical switch provides clear, tactile feedback—on or off. There’s no ambiguity, and it’s a component that is far less likely to fail over years of use compared to a sensitive electronic sensor.

While it lacks the bells and whistles of other models, its strength is its straightforward reliability. It provides a clean, bright light in a durable package that you can count on to work every single time. This is the perfect "set it and forget it" option for anyone who values function and durability above all else.

12V Installation and Power Draw Factors

Installing any of these 12V sconces is surprisingly straightforward, even for those with limited electrical experience. In most cases, it’s a simple two-wire job: a positive (red) and a negative (black). The key is to ensure the power to that circuit is off, connect the wires correctly (red-to-red, black-to-black) using appropriate connectors, and securely mount the base.

While all 12V LEDs are efficient, their power draw is not uniform. A simple 1W reading light might draw less than 0.1 amps, while a sconce with a built-in USB port could draw over 2 amps while charging a device. This difference is negligible for someone who is usually plugged into shore power at a campground.

However, for a boondocker, that difference is massive. Running two sconces to charge two phones overnight could consume 4 amps per hour (or more), draining a significant chunk of a standard battery’s usable capacity. Your style of travel dictates how much you need to care about power draw. Weekend warriors can pick based on features, while off-grid adventurers must prioritize efficiency.

The right RV reading sconce does more than illuminate a page; it enhances the functionality of your small space by integrating charging, setting a mood, and conserving precious power. By choosing a light that serves multiple needs, you’re not just adding a fixture—you’re making a smart investment in a more comfortable and capable rig.