Wall Lights Guide: How to Choose the Right Wall Lighting for Your Home
Wall lights are a versatile way to add practical illumination, atmosphere and style to your home. From subtle bedside lighting to statement hallway fittings, the right wall light can transform a room while making the most of your available space.
1. Choose the Right Type of Wall Light
Wall lights come in many styles to suit different lighting requirements:
Up and down wall lights – Create attractive beams of light on the wall and work particularly well in modern interiors.
Picture lights – Designed to highlight artwork, mirrors and decorative features.
Bedside wall lights – A space-saving alternative to bedside table lamps.
Reading lights – Provide focused illumination for reading or working.
Bathroom wall lights – Designed specifically for use in suitable bathroom zones.
Outdoor wall lights – Ideal for illuminating entrances, patios, pathways and exterior walls.
2. Think About Where the Light Will Be Used
Consider what you want your wall light to achieve. For general illumination, choose a fitting that provides a wider spread of light. For accent or decorative lighting, a directional or up-and-down fitting can create a more dramatic effect.
3. Consider the Height
The ideal installation height depends on the fitting and its purpose. Wall lights should generally be positioned so they provide useful illumination without shining directly into people's eyes. Bedside and reading lights may need to be positioned lower for comfortable use.
4. Match Your Interior Style
Wall lights can become a feature in their own right. Choose finishes and shapes that complement your existing décor, such as:
Brushed brass
Chrome
Matt black
Glass
Polished finishes
Traditional decorative designs
5. Choose the Right Bulb and Colour Temperature
The bulb you choose can significantly affect the atmosphere of your room. Warm white light is ideal for creating a cosy, relaxing environment, while cooler white light can provide a cleaner, brighter feel for functional areas.
Always check the fitting's specifications to make sure the bulb type and wattage are compatible.
6. Wall Lights for Bedrooms
Wall-mounted bedside lights can free up valuable space on bedside tables. Adjustable fittings are particularly useful if you like to read in bed, while softer shades can create a relaxing atmosphere.
7. Wall Lights for Living Rooms and Hallways
In living rooms, wall lights can provide additional layers of lighting alongside ceiling lights and lamps. In hallways, they can brighten darker areas while adding an attractive decorative feature.
Using several wall lights together can also create a balanced lighting scheme along a long wall or corridor.
For bathrooms, always choose a light specifically rated and suitable for the intended bathroom location. Check the manufacturer's IP rating and installation requirements, and use a qualified electrician where appropriate.
9. Outdoor Wall Lights
Outdoor wall lights can improve visibility around doors, garages, patios and pathways while enhancing the appearance of your home's exterior. Look for fittings with an appropriate IP rating for outdoor use.
10. Think About the Overall Lighting Scheme
The best results usually come from combining different types of lighting. Use wall lights alongside ceiling lights, pendant lights, table lamps and floor lamps to create layers of light that can be adjusted for different activities and moods.
-Tamsin @thelightingconsultant
Comments