Wall lights are the quiet heroes of a well-lit home. They soften shadows, add depth and bring light down to eye level, where it feels most natural. Chosen well, they turn a plain wall into a feature and a functional room into one you want to spend the evening in.
1. Start with what the light needs to do
Before thinking about style, decide on the role of the light. Most wall lights fall into one of three categories:
- Ambient: soft, diffused light that fills the room, often with a fabric or opal glass shade.
- Task: focused light for reading beside a bed or a favourite chair.
- Accent: sculptural designs that highlight texture, artwork or architecture, and are as much about the object as the light.
2. Get the height right
Height makes the difference between a light that feels intentional and one that feels awkward. As a guide:
| Room | Recommended height |
|---|---|
| Living room and hallway | 150–170 cm from the floor |
| Bedside | around 120–140 cm from the floor, or roughly 60 cm above the mattress |
| Staircase | 150–170 cm above the step, following the line of the stairs |
| Either side of a mirror | at face height, around 155–165 cm |
The aim is to keep the light source just above eye level, so it glows without glaring.
3. Think about spacing and symmetry
Pairs create calm. A wall light on each side of a bed, sofa, fireplace or mirror instantly makes a room feel balanced. Along a corridor, space lights roughly every 2–3 metres so the light flows evenly without dark patches.
4. Choose the direction of the light
Uplights wash light across the ceiling and make a room feel taller. Downlights create intimate pools of light. Designs that shine both up and down add drama to a plain wall, while sculptural LED designs, such as spiral or ribbon forms, trace a line of light that becomes a decorative feature in itself.
5. Match the finish to your interior
- Brushed gold and brass bring warmth to neutral and classic interiors.
- Matte black adds definition to Scandinavian, industrial and contemporary spaces.
- Fabric shades soften the light and suit bedrooms and living rooms.
- Opal or frosted glass gives an even, glare-free glow, perfect for hallways.
6. Hardwired or rechargeable?
Most wall lights are hardwired to your home's electrics and controlled by a wall switch. This gives the neatest result, and we recommend installation by a qualified electrician. If there is no wiring where you want light, a rechargeable wall light is a simple alternative, with no cables and no electrician needed.
A note on bathrooms: only use lights with a suitable IP rating (IP44 or higher, depending on the zone). Check the Technical Information on each product page before choosing.
The essentials
Decide on the role of the light, place it just above eye level (150–170 cm in living spaces), use pairs to create balance, and choose a finish that echoes the other metals and materials in the room.
