Collection: Wall Lighting

How to Choose the Right Wall Lighting

Wall lights are the quiet workhorses of a lighting plan. They soften shadows from overhead fixtures, add accent light where needed and often become design features in their own right. This guide covers the decisions that matter when picking wall-mounted fixtures.

Hardwired vs Plug-In vs Battery

Hardwired wall lights offer the cleanest look and strongest connection but need an electrician and an existing junction box. Plug-in models give flexibility when rewiring is not an option, with the cord often concealed by a decorative sleeve. Battery-powered and rechargeable wall lights are the easiest to install, with no wiring needed at all, ideal for renters or quick updates.

Placement Guidelines

• Beside the bed: mount 24 to 36 inches above the mattress so light falls on a book without hitting your eyes
• In hallways: space fixtures 8 to 10 feet apart, mounted 60 to 66 inches from the floor
• Beside a bathroom mirror: at eye level, 60 to 66 inches from the floor, to reduce shadows on the face
• Flanking a fireplace or art piece: mount the centers at 60 to 66 inches

Styling with Other Fixtures

Wall lighting does not have to match your overhead fixtures exactly but should share a design language. If you have brass ceiling pendants, a brushed brass sconce in the same room feels cohesive. Pair wall sconces with table lamps of a similar finish for bedside harmony.

Indoor vs Outdoor Rating

For any wall light going outside or in a wet bathroom zone, check the IP rating. IP44 handles splashes, IP65 handles direct rain and dust. Using an indoor-only fixture outdoors risks corrosion and short circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What height should wall lights be mounted?

The general rule is 60 to 66 inches from the floor to the fixture center for most wall lights. Bedside sconces can be higher at 24 to 36 inches above the mattress, and bathroom vanity sconces should be at eye level.

Can plug-in wall lights be hardwired later?

Most plug-in sconces can be converted by an electrician if there is a junction box nearby. The cord simply gets removed and wires connected to the box.

How bright should bedside wall lights be?

Aim for 450 to 800 lumens per sconce for bedside reading. Dimmable models let you drop to ambient light for evening relaxation.

Are LED wall lights worth it?

LED wall lights use far less power and last 15 to 25 years on average. Most modern fixtures have integrated LEDs that are designed to outlast the fixture itself.