Choosing the right wall lights can feel overwhelming. With endless styles, sizes, and technical terms, it's easy to get lost. But the perfect wall lighting does more than just illuminate a room; it adds depth, creates atmosphere, and turns a simple space into a beautifully designed interior. Forget harsh overhead glare; wall lights are the secret to a warm, inviting, and functional home.
As specialists with over a decade of experience in handcrafted lighting, we've helped thousands of customers transform their spaces. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing wall lights, making the process simple, straightforward, and even enjoyable.
Why Wall Lights are a Game-Changer for Your Home
Wall lights, also known as wall sconces, are one of the most versatile tools in an interior designer's toolkit. They are essential for creating a layered lighting scheme, which is the foundation of any well-lit room. Unlike a single ceiling light, wall lights work in harmony with other light sources to build a rich and balanced ambience.
Step 1: Understand the 3 Layers of Lighting
Before picking a single fitting, it's crucial to understand the three types of lighting and the role wall lights play in each. According to [a leading interior design publication], a successful lighting plan incorporates all three.
1. Ambient Lighting
This is the overall illumination of a room. While often provided by a central pendant or ceiling light, wall lights contribute to the ambience by washing walls with a soft, diffuse glow, reducing shadows and making the space feel larger and more welcoming.
2. Task Lighting
This is focused light for specific activities, such as reading, cooking, or getting ready. Wall lights are perfect for task lighting. Think of adjustable sconces by a bedside for reading or lights flanking a bathroom mirror for grooming.
3. Accent Lighting
This type of lighting highlights specific features, such as artwork, architectural details, or houseplants. Uplighter or downlighter wall sconces can create dramatic shadows and draw attention to the things you love.
Expert Tip: The most successful rooms use wall lights for at least two of these layers, often providing both general ambient light and specific task or accent illumination.
Step 2: Consider the Room and Its Function
The perfect wall light for a bedroom won't necessarily work in a kitchen. Here’s how to choose wall lights for each key area of your home.
Living Room & Hallway
Goal: Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Function: Primarily ambient and accent lighting.
- Placement: Install sconces in pairs to frame a fireplace, a sofa, or a piece of art. In hallways, space them evenly along the wall to guide the way and eliminate dark corners.
- Our Recommendation: The Finberry Fabric Shade Lupin Wall Light offers soft, diffused light perfect for creating a cosy living room ambience.
Bedroom
Goal: Create a relaxing and functional sanctuary.
- Function: Task lighting for reading and soft ambient light.
- Placement: Flank the bed with a pair of wall lights. This frees up space on your bedside tables. Ensure they have individual switches for convenience. Adjustable-arm sconces are ideal for directing light right where you need it.
- Our Recommendation: Explore our curated collection of Bedroom Wall Lights for stylish and practical options.
Kitchen
Goal: Bright, clear task lighting for functional spaces.
- Function: Task lighting over worktops and accent lighting in dining nooks.
- Placement: Use wall lights under cabinets to illuminate work surfaces or place a stylish sconce above the sink. They can add a touch of personality to a primarily functional room.
- Our Recommendation: Our range of Kitchen Wall Lights includes durable and elegant designs perfect for the heart of the home.
Bathroom (The IP Rating Rule)
Goal: Functional, flattering light that is safe for a wet environment.
- Function: Task lighting around the mirror is essential.
- The Rule: This is the most important part! Bathroom lights require an IP (Ingress Protection) rating to ensure they are safe from moisture and steam. The bathroom is divided into zones, each requiring a different minimum IP rating.
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- Zone 0 (Inside the bath/shower): Requires IP67.
- Zone 1 (Above the bath/shower): Requires IP65.
- Zone 2 (Around the sink and bath): Requires a minimum of IP44.
- Our Recommendation: All our Bathroom Wall Lights are at least IP44 rated, ensuring safety without compromising on style. The Bodium Bathroom Wall Light is a best-seller for its timeless elegance and certified safety.
Step 3: Perfecting Placement and Height
Correct placement is crucial for maximising the effectiveness of your wall lights. Here are some general rules of thumb from our installation experts:
- General Height: A good starting point is to place the centre of the fitting at eye level, typically around 152-170cm (60-66 inches) from the floor.
- Hallways: If you have standard 8-foot ceilings, place sconces about 180-200cm apart.
- Flanking a Mirror or Art: Mount them slightly above the horizontal centreline of the object, spaced a few inches to each side.
- Bedside: Position them low enough to be reached from bed and to cast light down onto your book, not into your eyes.
Step 4: Matching Lights to Your Interior Style
Your wall lights should complement your home's decor. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or industrial, there's a light to match.
- Modern & Minimalist: Look for clean lines, simple shapes, and finishes like matte black or polished nickel.
- Traditional & Classic: Ornate details, warm metals like antique brass or bronze, and glass or fabric shades work beautifully.
- Industrial & Rustic: Think exposed bulbs, raw materials like copper and steel, and functional, utilitarian designs.
- Handcrafted Excellence: For a truly unique touch, consider pieces from our Cranbrook Collection. Each light is handmade in the UK, offering unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that elevates any interior.
Step 5: Practical Considerations
Finally, think about the practical side of installation and use.
- Hardwired vs. Plug-in: Hardwired lights are wired directly into your home's electrical system by an electrician for a seamless look. Plug-in wall lights are a great DIY-friendly option for tenants or for adding light without electrical work.
- Switches & Dimmers: Do you want the switch on the wall, on the fitting itself (a switched sconce), or none at all? We highly recommend installing a dimmer switch. It allows you to control the brightness and completely change the mood of a room with a simple adjustment.
- Bulb Type: LED bulbs are the standard now for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Choose a 'warm white' bulb (around 2700K) for a cosy, inviting glow similar to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Ready to Illuminate Your Space?
Choosing the right wall lights is about blending function, safety, and personal style. By understanding the layers of lighting and considering the specific needs of each room, you can select fittings that not only illuminate your home but also enhance its beauty and comfort for years to come.
Ready to find the perfect fit? Browse our curated collections of wall lights, from handcrafted British designs to stunning contemporary pieces.
