How to position wall lights

Looking for knowledgeable guidance on wall lights? This is BENWEI's guide to these gorgeous, adaptable lighting fixtures.

A fashionable and adaptable addition to any lighting plan are wall lights. They may provide wonderful functional task lighting in addition to lovely ambient and accent lighting. They may also stand alone and create a dramatic design statement. We discuss the most popular wall light designs and placement ideas, as well as some advice for picking the best wall lights for your room. But first, a typical query...

Which wall lamp height is ideal?

The optimal height and spacing for your wall lights will depend on a number of factors, including the size and design of the wall light fitting, the dimensions of the space, and the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

As a general guideline, single wall lights should be spaced around 250-300cm (or 8-10ft) apart, while multiple wall lights should be situated roughly 152-170cm (or approximately 5-5.5ft) above floor level. To prevent glare from the exposed bulb, position the top of the wall light so that it is at eye level.

This is merely a basic suggestion, so you may want to change these heights if the area has exceptionally high ceilings (let's say more than 10 feet), or if you're installing wall lights in a bathroom or bedroom. For instance, wall lamps are ideal for lighting a bathroom mirror. Try installing two wall sconces on each side of the mirror, with the centers resting slightly lower, at around eye level, for a pleasing, even, and glare-free light. (We offer a selection of lovely wall lights that are IP44 certified and ideal for use near the washbasin.) The lights should be positioned at around shoulder height if you're replacing a bedside lamp with wall lights above the bed so you can simply switch them on and off from the bed.

What kinds of wall lights are most popular?

Wall lights come in a wide variety of forms and sizes and may be used for a variety of tasks, such as enhancing the primary light in a living room, adding more atmosphere to gloomy places, or serving as a lovely substitute when a main ceiling light is not an option. Additionally crucial to the layering of lighting in a space are wall lights. They are excellent ambient lighting sources and are perfect for adding softer accent lighting for evening relaxation or entertaining. They also provide depth and ambiance. Additionally, they may be utilized to draw attention to and add drama to a favorite element, such a fireplace or a piece of art.

Which is more pointed: up or down?

Uplights, as the name implies, are intended to send light upward along the wall and towards the ceiling, which may help make a living room or corridor seem more open. In contrast, downlights direct most of the light downward, creating a cozier and more tranquil ambiance in a larger living area.

Wall lights

A wall sconce is a kind of light fixture that is mounted on the wall rather than the ceiling or the floor. Wall sconces are a wonderful way to illuminate a hallway or corridor, add ambiance to a living room or bedroom, and create a focal point. Traditional candle sconces, lantern sconces, which provide a more rustic feel, contemporary flush-mounted sconces, which lie flush against the wall and disperse light across it, and vertical torchiere style lights, which may add an additional decorative element, are just a few of the several types of wall sconces available.

Swiveling lights

Swing arm wall lights feature a concertina arm that can be drawn away from the wall for the utmost in flexibility. Swing arm lights are wonderful because you can point the light precisely where you want it, which makes them ideal for an office or reading area and frees up space on your desk or table. Swing arm lights may be both functional and an eye-catching aesthetic element.

LED reading lamps

Wall lights may be great reading lights, whether they are placed above the bed or in a cozy living room nook. Traditional wall lights may also be a terrific alternative to a bedroom lamp, and some are adjustable for further flexibility. Some wall lights are expressly made to be bedtime reading lights. For instance, a pair of modern Mo wall lights (also available as a double hood) would look great next to the bed. Put a chic swing arm lamp over your favorite couch or chair in the living room if you want to make a dramatic statement there.

Picture spots and lighting

These long, thin wall lights are ideal if you want to highlight a painting or other work of art or even set up a chic gallery. The ideal background will be a picture light—or a group of picture lights—artfully hanging above your selected items. (See our instructions here for additional information on utilizing picture lighting.) Try selecting a pair of wall lights with more of a highlighting effect for focused job lighting, such as above a table or a kitchen island.

Selecting the ideal wall lights for your room

Wall lights are available in a broad variety of forms, from classic ornamental styles to sleek contemporary and ultra-modern industrial affairs. They are also available in a range of materials and finishes, including brass, metal, fabric, and ceramic. Along with considering their purpose, it's crucial to consider the sort of statement you want to make when picking your wall lights.

Achieving equilibrium...

A group of coordinating transparent wall lamps placed throughout a living area or hallway can attractively disperse the light, and utilizing colored glass may provide a softer appearance. Try using candle sconces for a more traditional look or a pair of neutral wall lights if you want your lighting to flow seamlessly with the rest of your décor. A pair of complementary wall lights may also be a chic way to balance a room by drawing attention to a feature like a fireplace or alcove. In the meanwhile, placing several wall lights at random intervals throughout a hallway or corridor may provide a warm, natural atmosphere.

Or expressing an opinion

Try mixing and matching your lighting to create a more dramatic effect, such as by using various colored shades or positioning a stunning industrial design wall light directly over a couch or console table.

Wall-mounted lighting in the bedroom

Wall lights may be a stunning decorative element as well as a softer, more soothing alternative to the primary ceiling light in the bedroom. An extending or swing arm wall light is a great alternative to a bedroom lamp, while a general wall light will provide a nice ambient glow. Add a dimmer to achieve the ideal degree of light for added atmosphere. Here, you can see a variety of lovely bedroom wall lights. More advice on picking the ideal designer wall lights can be found here.