17. Scalloped Cardboard & Plaster Wall Sconce

Concept & Aesthetic Appeal

Playful yet sophisticated. Scalloped edges are a major design darling right now. This lightweight sconce uses thick corrugated cardboard and joint compound to mimic high-end carved limestone.

Materials Needed

  • Thick corrugated cardboard or foam board
  • Scallop pattern template and utility knife
  • Joint compound and putty knife
  • Matte white acrylic paint
  • LED puck light

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Draw and cut out a series of scalloped arches from your thick cardboard or foam board to form a curved wall sconce shell.
  • Assemble the cardboard pieces using hot glue to form a semi-cylindrical wall sconce shade with a scalloped bottom edge.
  • Coat the entire cardboard structure in a thick layer of joint compound to hide all paper ridges and create a solid plaster shell. Let dry and sand smooth.
  • Paint the finished scalloped sconce with matte white paint.
  • Mount over an LED light source attached to the wall.

Styling Tips & Variations

  • Variation: Paint the scalloped edges in a contrasting pastel pink or soft butter yellow.
  • Styling: Charming in nursery rooms, powder rooms, or playful dressing areas.