Switched Wall Lights

Choosing wall lights with a switch

Choose a switched wall light you will enjoy looking at even when it’s off, whether you love the detail of ribbed glass, the familiar softness of linen or the shape of a ceramic shade. Explore our swan neck wall lights if you like a curved arm, or consider adjustable wall lights with articulated or gooseneck arms if you want extra control.

All of our Cranbrook Collection wall lights can be supplied with a switch as they are made to order. On our switched Cranbrook fittings, a discreet push switch sits on the baseplate, giving you on/off control at the light. Simply select the switched option on the product page before adding to basket.

Bedroom wall lights with a switch

Plan your bedside lighting from the bed. Sit against your pillows as you would when reading, then work out where you can comfortably reach. A switch that looks neatly placed beside the headboard may be surprisingly awkward once you are tucked in.

We would give just as much thought to the shade. From your reading position, can you see straight into the bulb? Will the arm project into the space where you sit up or get out of bed? The mattress, headboard and bedside furniture all play a part, so there is little value in choosing a height from the floor alone.

A switched fitting on each side puts a control within each person's reach and leaves the bedside tables free. For more styles to compare, explore our bedroom wall lights.

Switched wall lights for reading corners and small spaces

Give your favourite chair its own light. It is a simple addition, but it means you can settle down with a book without relying on the overhead lighting alone. We particularly like a switched wall light beside a window seat, where there may be nowhere convenient to put a lamp once daylight fades.

Choose the fitting around what you enjoy doing there. If you read, sew or work at a small desk, an adjustable design can help you direct the light where you need it. Compare spotlight wall lights for more directional designs, or browse our study wall lights for saving space on your desk.

Before fixing the position, pull up the chair and sit down. Can you reach the switch comfortably? Is the bulb in your eyeline? Allow room for curtains, shelving and opening cupboards too. For other designs to sit alongside your reading light, explore our living room wall lights.

Questions about switched wall lights

Can switched wall lights be dimmed?

Yes, provided a dimmable bulb is used, but with some caveats. While some individual lights may include an integrated dimmer switch, most include a simple on/off switch. While they can be connected to a dimmer switch on the wall, this of course means that, unless the dimmer switch is installed directly beside the light, you cannot control the brightness as conveniently as you can turn the light on and off. You must also bear in mind that if the light is turned off at the dimmer switch, this will override the built-in switch, and power must be restored via the dimmer before it can be turned on with the integrated switch. You can also explore our LED wall lights, checking each design’s dimming and switch options.

Can I use the fitting’s switch as well as a wall switch?

No, not in the sense that you can equally turn the light on and off via the wall switch or the integrated switch, as you would with multiple wall switches. While a switched wall light can be connected to a wall switch, turning it off at the wall switch will cut power to the light completely so that it can’t be turned back on with its own switch.

Will a bedside wall light disturb someone sleeping beside me?

A separate switch gives you individual control, but it does not stop light reaching the other side of the bed. However, it does mean the light is primarily on your side, which may be enough to be tolerable for somebody sleeping beside you. Consider the shade, brightness, and general design of the light to help minimise the disturbance – a more directional light can be focused on your page with less light leakage elsewhere.

For more help with choosing and positioning your lights, read our wall lights FAQ guide.

Does a wall light with a switch need wiring?

Yes, a switched wall light requires power just like any other wall light. If this may be an issue, you might instead like to check out our range of rechargeable wall lights, which can be installed with no mains power source using only basic DIY skills.