Design wall lights: how to choose the right one for your home
For accent lighting, choose a design with direct light and an adjustable head that you can position as needed, for example when reading or illuminating pictures, shelves or kitchen worktops (3).
The right wall light for your bedroom should provide direct light for reading or by the bed, with continuously adjustable height to suit how you use it and your own height (2).
"In small rooms, a wall light can be a practical alternative to a floor lamp. Mounted beside the sofa and fitted with swivel arms, it can provide anything from reading light to a softer atmosphere, without taking up valuable floor space." – Viktoria, interior expert
2. Different installation options
A cordless rechargeable wall light (2) with a separate charging system gives you more freedom over placement, as it does not need a lighting point or socket.
Other wall lights with a switch (4) come with a plug-in cable. The switch may be on the cable or the light itself. These also give you more freedom of placement, limited only by the need for a socket.
3. Mounting height and light distribution
For a wall light that provides indirect light as general lighting, choose a height to suit the space and its furnishings. In a room with a ceiling height of 3 m or more, you could also use the proportions of the golden ratio as a guide.
The same principle applies to combined lighting that mixes direct and indirect light. If the direct light needs to illuminate something specific, such as a picture, base the mounting height on that instead.
For wall lights that provide direct light, for example in a hallway or entrance, choose a mounting height that avoids glare. As a guide, position the light slightly above eye level, or higher than your own height if the model is adjustable.
4. Colour temperature and light bulbs
With most wall lights, you can choose between three types of bulb, whether or not the light is dimmable: LED, halogen or traditional incandescent bulbs. Some LED wall lights have integrated LEDs. These can last for 15,000 to 50,000 hours, which is equivalent to 14 to 45 years if used for three hours a day.
5. Summary: what to consider when buying a design wall light
- For general lighting, choose a dimmable wall light that provides indirect light.
- For reading or working, choose a flexible wall light with direct light and adjustable arms or joints.
- Wall lights with direct light are useful as bedside lights. If they have an adjustable head, they can also provide accent lighting. A continuously adjustable height can make them suitable for reading, too.
- Many wall lights offer different connection options. Most require a lighting point in the wall. Rechargeable or plug-in wall lights give you more flexibility over placement.
- The right mounting height depends on how you will use the light, where it will go, and the light's distribution and adjustability. Your own height can be a useful guide.
- Most wall lights work with LED, halogen or traditional incandescent bulbs. An LED wall light with an integrated light source can be particularly practical, as the LEDs can last for many years.
- Colour temperature has a strong influence on a room's atmosphere. Cool white light can support concentration, while neutral and warm white light create a cosy feel in living rooms and bedrooms.
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