WALL LIGHTS
Wall lights change how rooms feel and function. Instead of cluttering up your surfaces with lamps or facing those annoying lamp cords snaking around the floor, why not just mount those lights right where you actually need the light? They eliminate unwanted shadowing, draw your eye to architectural details, and provide targeted task lighting. Whether that's bedside lamp for nighttime reading, flanking your bathroom mirror, or curating that ideal living room lighting that gives your home a cozy and timeless ambiance.
Wall lights or wall sconce serve many different purposes depending on where they are placed and the design of the fixture, in general, wall lights provide layering of lights:
- Ambient Wall Light: Reduces harsh overhead lighting when placed over fixtures.
- Accent Wall Light: Works well for highlighting architectural elements.
- Task Wall Light: Used for specific activities like reading or grooming.
This guide walks you through all the essentials of indoor and outdoor lighting considerations, helping you make confident choices that improve both your lighting and your space.
Technical Specifications
Installation Height: Mount sconces 60-66 inches from floor (eye level)| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Lumens Output | Bathroom vanity: 500-800 lumens Hallway accent: 200-400 lumens Bedroom reading: 300-500 lumens |
| Color Temperature | Warm/cozy: 2700K-3000K Task lighting: 3000K-4000K |
| Energy Efficiency | LED wall lights use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs Lifespan: 25,000+ hours (vs. 1,000 hours for incandescent) Lower electricity bills and reduced maintenance costs |
| Spacing Guidelines | Hallways: Space sconces 6-8 feet apart for even light distribution Mirrors/Artwork: Position 24-36 inches apart to eliminate shadows Pro Tip: Consistent spacing prevents random, unprofessional appearance |
Wall Lighting in Low Ceiling Rooms
Rooms with ceilings 8 feet or lower benefit tremendously from wall lights fixtures with no hangings. Wall sconce lighting that are upward directed “visually” give the appearance of a higher ceiling by bouncing off the surface above.
When installing in rooms with ceilings at 7-8 feet high, the wall lights should be mounted at 66-72 inches off the floor instead of the typical 60-66. Choosing fixtures that have a slim profile that only extends 4-6 inches into the room makes them less intrusive and easier to maintain space.
Using linear wall-mounted lights in the room is ideal since they also produce horizontal lines to reduce the width of the room and evenly distribute light. Avoid downward facing wall lights in adjacent to very low ceiling room.
Hardwired vs. Plug-In Wall Sconces:
Hardwired fixtures are integrated into your home wiring and provide a clean, integrated look, as the cord is invisible. They usually require professional installation and have electrical knowledge, but they are aesthetically pleasing. Plug-in wall sconces are simpler to install; you put up the wall bracket and plug it into a nearby electrical outlet. These are great for renters or those that have environments where a hardwired installation is not possible.
Indoors vs Outdoors:
Indoor wall lights usually use standard electrical ratings; outdoor wall lighting must have rated construction for weather resistance, IP44 or higher. Outdoor sconces need to be corrosion resistant materials and sealed electrical connections to protect against rain, snow, and temperature variation.
Wall Lights by Room
The right light fixture depends entirely on its location and purpose. Browse through our collection of wall lights by space, and you'll actually find what works instead of guessing!
Bathroom Vanity Lights: For task-based lighting, we recommend 500-800 lumens. Look for moisture-rated lighting, which produces even and bright light across mirror surfaces.
Bedroom: Reading and ambient lighting uses 300-500 lumens, is typically height adjustable, and uses warmer color temperatures for relaxing visual comfort.
Outdoor Space: Weather-resistant fixtures with IP ratings from IP44 to IP66 for superior water and dust protection. Choose from photocell-equipped dusk-to-dawn models for automatic operation.
It is also important to understand the three types of lighting—ambient, task and accent lighting —because the success of lighting in the room usually involves all three. The best case is if we can find lighting that fulfills multiple purposes, layered lighting offers perfect illumination.
Illuminate Your Home with Wall Lighting
Smart choices in design, quality fixtures, and professional installation ensure not only performance but also visual interest. Wall lights have endless opportunities to augment your living space, from modern wall lamps to bold statement pieces for both indoor and outdoor living. From handcrafted brass sconces to sleek LED architectural fixtures, from dimmable reading lights to smart outdoor security lighting - discover lighting solutions when you shop with Residence Supply.