Designer wall lights – how to find the right model for your home
- Models and flexibility
- Mounting options
- Mounting height and light distribution
- Light colour and bulbs
- Summary
1. Wall lights: models and flexibility
Depending on where you want to use your wall light, there are different types to choose from. For general lighting, models with a fairly large illuminated surface (1) work particularly well, creating cosy indirect or diffused light. Dimmable models are a big plus here, as they let you adjust the light intensity to suit the mood.
For working or reading, models that give direct light and have swivel arms or joints are ideal (4), as they offer maximum flexibility in positioning the light and its head. A flexible head can also be turned towards the wall or ceiling, using it as a reflective surface to complement your general lighting.
For accent lighting, a model that gives direct light and has a swivelling head for fine adjustment – for reading or lighting up pictures, shelves, kitchen units and the like – is a good choice (3).
The perfect wall light for reading in the bedroom or as a bedside light gives direct light and is infinitely height-adjustable – depending on how it's used and the height of the person using it (2).
"In small rooms, a wall light can be a convincing alternative to a floor lamp. Mounted on the wall next to the sofa and fitted with swivel arms, it can handle any task, from reading light to atmospheric lighting, without taking up valuable floor space." - Viktoria, interior expert
2. Mounting options
Depending on the room and how you want to use the light, there are various ways to install wall lights. If there's a wall outlet, you can install wall lights with a switch on the light itself (1) or lights operated by a separate switch, for example by the door (3).
With a cordless, rechargeable wall light (2) that is charged separately, you're completely free to choose where it goes, without being tied to wall outlets or sockets.
Other wall lights with a switch (4) come with a plug-in cable, with the switch either on the cable or on the light. Here, too, you can choose the position freely – all you need is a socket.
Many designer wall lights are available with different connection options, so you don't have to be limited by the room. Combined wall and ceiling lights or wall and table lamps allow not only flexible installation but also flexible use.
3. Wall light mounting height and light distribution
The mounting height basically depends on three factors: how you'll use the light, from general to accent lighting; where it goes – whether something stands or hangs in front of or next to it; and the light itself, in terms of flexibility and light distribution.
For a wall light that gives indirect light and serves as general lighting, the mounting height depends on where it's placed. With a ceiling height of 3 m or more, you can also use the proportions of the golden ratio to find the right height.
The same rule applies to combined light, i.e. a mix of direct and indirect light. However, if the direct light is meant to illuminate something specific, such as a picture, the mounting height should be based on that.
For wall lights with direct light intended to light up a hallway or entrance area, for example, make sure the mounting height doesn't cause glare. So mount it either slightly above eye level or, with adjustable, flexible models, slightly higher than your own height.
4. Light colour and bulbs
When buying an indoor or outdoor wall light, the light colour and the bulb are also important. For reading and working, it's best to use cool light, as it's closest to daylight and helps you concentrate. Warm white light, on the other hand, is the right choice for relaxing, for mood lighting or in the bedroom, as it helps you unwind and creates a cosy atmosphere.
With most wall lights, regardless of whether they're dimmable, you can choose freely between three types of bulb: LED, halogen or classic incandescent. Some LED wall lights have integrated LEDs. That's because LEDs last 15,000 to 50,000 hours – a lifespan of 14 to 45 years at three hours of use a day.
5. Summary – what to consider when buying a designer wall light
- For general lighting, dimmable models that create indirect light are perfect.
- For reading or working, wall lights with direct light are recommended – ideally with maximum flexibility and swivel arms or joints.
- Models with direct light make good bedside lights. If they have a swivelling head, they also work well as accent lighting. If they are infinitely height-adjustable, they also make good reading lights.
- Many wall lights are available with different connection options. The most common requires a wall outlet. With rechargeable wall lights or wall lights with a plug-in cable, on the other hand, you can choose the position freely.
- The mounting height depends on how you use the light, where it's placed and the light itself in terms of light distribution and flexibility. Your own height is a useful guide.
- With most wall lights, you can choose between LED, halogen or classic incandescent bulbs. A wall light with integrated LEDs, which last for decades, is particularly practical.
- Light colour has a strong influence on the atmosphere in a room: cool white light is ideal for concentration, while neutral and warm white bulbs create a cosy mood in living and sleeping areas.
Buy designer wall lights online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- high-quality original wall lights from top design brands
- personal support from our customer service team
- fair delivery costs
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Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy designer wall lights online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
