Wall Lights 101: Why Your Home Needs Them

Wall lights come in a plethora of styles and fulfill many purposes. In addition to providing extra safety by lighting up darker areas, wall lights can also highlight architectural features or artwork, provide light for specific tasks, or be used as part of the decoration itself.

Why do I need wall lights? 

Wall lights are commonly referred to as sconces, which are primarily used for ornamental purposes rather than providing useful lighting. Wall lights are not only used as a decoration, but they also serve many other functions such as reading light, task lighting, and general safety. Not only do wall lights add an aesthetic appeal to a room, but they are also key players in providing proper and efficient lighting.

Where should I use wall lighting? 

In addition to providing supplemental light, wall-mounted fixtures can also be used in place of overhead lights to create a more atmospheric effect and reduce glare. One of the best ways to light a bathroom is by layering different types of lights. A common way to do this is to put vanity lights on either side of a mirror. This will help get rid of any shadows that are cast on your face from overhead lights.

If you have an office or a craft room, then a wall-mounted swing arm light is much more practical than a traditional desk lamp. This type of lighting source will take up less horizontal surface space so that you can utilize your surfaces for your tasks. To better display artwork, use a picture light. If you want to showcase niches, sculptures or other architectural details, opt for wall-mounted spots instead. Not only do outdoor wall lights serve as a security measure, but they can also add a touch of decoration to your porch or exterior walls.

While rooms with overhead lighting and lamps will be well-lit, wall lights are great for adding warmth and brightness to shadowy corners. Adding wall sconces near large windows can help create the appearance of natural sunlight coming in, while placing a light next to a dark corner or by a doorway will brighten up your space and make it more welcoming. By having each light on its own switch, you can then adjust the brightness and create desired atmospheres by utilizing dimmer switches for wall lights.

How many wall lights do I need? 

Hanging your wall lights might seem like a daunting task, but we promise it's not. The height at which you place them is key to getting the most out of them — usually around eye level (5.5 to 6 feet) is a good guideline to start with. That being said, the size of the fixture and ceiling will also come into play when deciding on placement. Always keep in mind that when you hang your wall light, the exposed light bulb should never be at eye level (unless it is part of a stylish fixture that includes decorative bare bulbs on purpose).

Although wall lights are often used in hallways, too many can make the space feel more like a runway than a welcoming entryway. Depending on the lumen output and size of your room, you will want one fixture every 8 to 10 feet. More or less space may be necessary depending on your specific needs. If you stagger the hallway lights so they don't line up perfectly, it will look more natural. Plus, you can arrange for fewer or more fixtures depending on your desired aesthetics.

Before you purchase a fixture, make sure to double-check how much it will stick out from the wall. In hallways, stairwells and rooms with lots of foot traffic near walls, it's best to go with a fixture that won't protrude too much. ADA-compliant fixtures optimize space because they’re no more than 4″ deep—and often much slimmer thanks to LEDs.

What types of wall lights are there? 

Though there are many types of wall lights, only a handful are basic enough for everyday use.

• Uplights brighten up a room and create an ambiance, perfect for special occasions or simply to relax in
• More often than not, downlights are used to highlight an area on the ground for a practical purpose. However, they can also be used to accent walls.
• Our reading and swing arm lights have adjustable components, so you can bring the light to you.
• Bath and vanity lights provide even, gentle light without any harsh glare.
• Picture lights help show off pictures and artwork, making them the focal point.

Plan ahead: Some wall sconces provide both uplighting and downlighting, so you can get the most out of your investment. Some designs come with switches to control each light individually, while others can be plugged into any outlet, obviating the need for difficult wiring. Although most wall sconces don't give off enough light to serve as a room's only source of illumination, installing several around the perimeter or as a focal point can create a stunning effect.

What if I don’t have a wall box where I want a wall light? 

If you're a renter or don't want to pay for the work of an electrician, there are still ways you can hang wall lights in your home. With plug-in wall sconces, you can hang the fixture anywhere you’d like without needing a wall box. All you need is a standard outlet to plug it into. On one side of a bed, in a reading nook, or home office; these pieces are mostly decoration with a little bit of functionality. Just like their more installation-involved comrades.

How do I coordinate wall lights with the rest of my room design? 

To easily integrate wall lights into your décor, start by determining their purpose. For example, if you want a reading light, first consider where your sofa or favorite chair is placed in the room. Though an ambient light may be nice, a downlight is much more practical to use over stairs.

You should also decide if you want your wall light to be more decorative or useful. Even though there are many options that balance form and function, it'll be easier to pick one if you know which area is more important to you. You're not limited to just classic choices like a white or ivory-glass metal finish. There's a wide range of wall lights available that include vintage and ultra-modern styles in every color imaginable. You don't have to be afraid to mix up different colors and styles of sconces and chandeliers.