Choosing a wall light: type of light, height and connection
A wall light does something a ceiling light cannot: it brings light to eye level. That gives a room depth, and makes a hallway or bedroom feel warmer at once. The choice starts with one question: where do you want the light to go?
What type of light?
Light up and down
Two beams along the wall, a calm and architectural effect. Beautiful in the hallway, next to a door or on either side of a mirror or cabinet.
Light downwards
Focused light on a table, sideboard or book. Suitable as a reading light beside the bed or a chair.
Light all around
A glass globe or opal shade gives soft light in all directions. It works as mood lighting and makes the lamp itself an eye-catcher.
Adjustable wall light
With a hinge or arm you direct the light exactly. Ideal at a reading chair or beside the bed.
At what height?
| Place | Height from the floor to the centre of the lamp |
|---|---|
| Hallway and corridor | About 150 cm |
| Beside the bed | 55 to 65 cm above the mattress, usually 120 to 130 cm |
| Reading chair | About 140 cm |
| Next to a mirror | At eye level, about 160 to 170 cm |
More per place in wall lights in the hallway, how high a lamp hangs beside the bed and lighting at the bathroom mirror.
The projection
How far the lamp projects from the wall matters more than the shape in a narrow space. In a corridor about a metre wide, choose a model projecting 4 to 8 centimetres. Beside the bed, 10 to 15 centimetres works well. This measurement is listed for every wall light.
Material and finish
Brass and gold give warmth, matt black draws a line against a light wall, glass adds softness. Look at the other metals in the room, such as door handles and taps, and choose the same tone or a deliberate contrast. See which material to choose.
Connection: hard-wired or plug-in
Most wall lights are connected to a wall connection point. If there is none, a model with cable and plug is a solution. See plug-in wall light: light without a wall connection and connecting a lamp: which wire goes where.
One or two?
Wall lights look best in pairs: on both sides of a bed, a mirror, a cabinet or a painting. Hang them at exactly the same height and measure from a fixed point, not from the ceiling or floor, as these are rarely perfectly level.
Frequently asked questions
How many wall lights do I need in a corridor?
Count on one lamp per 150 to 200 centimetres of wall.
Can a wall light replace the ceiling light?
In a corridor or bedroom often yes. In the living room a combination works best; see why one lamp in the living room is not enough.
View all wall lights. In our showroom in Arnhem there is a whole wall of them, lit.
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