Plug-in wall light: light without a wall connection
The ceiling or wall point is often exactly where you do not want light: not next to the sofa, not beside the bed, not at the reading chair. Adding a new connection means chasing walls, plastering and painting. A wall light with cable and plug solves that without any building work.
How a plug-in wall light works
The lamp hangs on the wall like any wall light, but gets its power through a cable to the socket. There is usually a switch in the cable or on the lamp itself. All you need is two screws in the wall.
What to look for
- Cable length. Measure the distance from the lamp to the socket along the route the cable will follow. Allow a little extra.
- Cable colour. A cable in the colour of the wall stands out less, or looks good when deliberately chosen in fabric or brass tones.
- The switch. On the lamp itself is most convenient, especially beside the bed.
- Dimmable or not. A cord dimmer gives softer light in the evening.
Hiding the cable neatly
The cable is the only drawback. Let it run straight down, not at an angle, so it looks like a deliberate line. A slim cable duct in the colour of the wall makes it almost invisible. Behind a sofa, bedside table or cabinet it disappears by itself.
From hard-wired to plug-in
Many wall lights are made to be hard-wired to a connection point. An electrician can often fit such a lamp with a cable, switch and plug. Not sure whether a wall light from our collection is suitable? Ask us and we will check per model.
Other solutions without a connection point
A floor lamp
No drilling needed, and you move the lamp along with the furniture. See choosing a floor lamp.
Moving a pendant lamp
If the ceiling point is not above the table, the cable can be led in a curve to the right spot with an extra ceiling hook. That looks good with fabric cables and simple shades.
A new connection point
During a renovation a fixed connection point is the neatest solution. Have it installed before plastering; see making a lighting plan during a renovation.
Where it works well
Beside the bed, at a reading chair, next to a cabinet or above a sideboard. For the right height beside the bed see how high a lamp hangs beside the bed, and for the reading corner lighting a reading corner: floor lamp or wall light.
Frequently asked questions
Is a plug-in wall light safe?
Yes, as long as the cable is not trapped and the socket is not overloaded. Do not use an extension lead as a permanent solution.
How much light does such a lamp give?
As much as a hard-wired wall light with the same light source. The only difference is the connection.
View all wall lights or visit our showroom in Arnhem to see them lit.
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