Below you will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If this page does not answer your query or you feel you need a more in-depth explanation, we are here to help, so please email us at sales@thewalllightingcompany.co.uk or phone us on 01580 712805.

Do you have a showroom where I can view the lights in person?

We have a small showroom that is open for viewing by appointment only. Please email us at sales@thewalllightingcompany.co.uk with a list of products you are interested in seeing, so that we can arrange an appointment for you. You may not be able to see all the lights at once as many of our products are handmade to order.

How do I order?

You can order a light via the website by clicking the green button that says 'Add to Basket' on a product page, and then click on 'View Basket' to be taken through to start the payment process. Alternatively, you can place an order by calling us directly at 01580 712805 between 9am and 5pm.

What do I do if the light I want is not on the website? Do you do bespoke lighting?

If you are interested in a light that does not appear on our website, we can try to source it for you. If you have an idea of a light you'd like but can't find a product that matches your vision, you can email us at sales@thewalllightingcompany.co.uk and we will contact our manufacturers to see if it can be made for you. We have some bespoke wall lights and pendant lights online which can be customised more than others; you can usually pick the shade colour, fitting finish, fitting style, and more. 

Are your lights suitable for use in bathrooms or outdoors?

Yes, we have a selection of bathroom lights and outdoor lights which are IP rated and therefore safe to use in areas where there could be water. Not all of our lights are suitable, however. If a product does not have an IP rating, you should not use it outside or in a bathroom. You can check an item's IP rating by looking at the Technical Information on its product page. More information on IP ratings can be found on the Help page.

Are the lights dimmable?

The majority of our lights are dimmable, but you should check under Technical Information on the light's product page to be sure. If you are using LED bulbs you should make sure your dimmer is LED compatible. 

Do you offer a trade discount?

Yes! We want to take your specific requirements into consideration, so please send an email to sales@thewalllightingcompany.co.uk with a list of products you wish to purchase, and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch to get you the best deal possible and provide you with a unique discount code.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes! Prices vary depending on the number of items and the delivery country, so please send us an email at sales@thewalllightingcompany.co.uk or call 01580712805 for a quotation. More information on shipping and delivery is available here.

Please note that the lights are UK wired as standard. If you need your light to be UL wired, please contact us here or send us an email.

How long will it take for my purchase to arrive?

Depending on whether your lights are in stock, if they are bespoke/hand made orders, or if they are from a different country to your own, delivery can vary but delivery time is clearly marked on each individual product page. If you live in the UK and chose Standard Delivery, your light should be with you within 3-5 working days unless the light's product page states otherwise. More information on shipping and delivery is available here.

How do you pack the products? Do you use recyclable packaging?

We try to make our packaging as recyclable and eco-friendly as possible, but unfortunately this is not always possible due to the fragility of some products (particularly those with glass shades). Usually, our products are sent in cardboard boxes filled with shredded carboard, packing peanuts, and/or air cushions. The cardboard is recyclable and the packing peanuts are made from starch and will dissolve in water. The tape and air cushions are currently not recyclable, but the latter can be repurposed. We are always looking for ways to become more eco-friendly, so please contact us if you have suggestions. 

What can I expect from my purchase?

At The Wall Lighting Company we are dedicated to providing high quality products. Many of our products are handmade, so sometimes a glass shade may have some tiny air bubbles which we think gives them extra character, or two swan necks with the same finish may be a minutely different shade, unlike factory-made products which would be exact duplicates. You can expect your lights to be safe and inkeeping with current regulations. 

Who makes the lights?

Most of our lights are made in the UK, but we work with manufacturers all around the world to ensure we have a diverse range of safe and high quality wall lights, table lamps, and pendants.

What do I do if my lights arrive broken?

Please report any breakages/damages within 48 hours of receipt so we can attempt to replace the damaged items. The best way to tell us is by email, as you can include pictures of the damaged product(s) which would help us to decide the best way for you to return the item(s). Unless told otherwise, please return your items in the box they arrived in. DO NOT return products in a bag or in a box without packing materials, as further damages could be made to the light.

What is your returns policy?

If you are not entirely happy with the goods that you have chosen, you may return them to us within 30 days of receipt. We will be happy to offer you an exchange or, if you wish, a refund provided that the products are returned complete including fixings, in perfect condition, unused, uninstalled, and with the original packaging. More information about our returns policy is available here.

How do I install my lights?

We strongly recommend asking a qualified electrician to install your lights. All light fittings must be installed in accordance with current, applicable building regulations - your electrician will ensure these conditions are met.

How do I clean my lights?

Always ensure your lights are turned off and have had time for the bulb and shade to cool before cleaning them. 

Bulbs - Gently dust with a feather duster or a dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaning solutions. 

Ceramic shades - Clean with a dry cloth. 

Chandeliers - Dust genlty and regularly with a feather duster.

Fabric shades - Clean with the upholstery attachment of a vacuum cleaner on low power, or wipe with a soft brush.

Glass shades - Use a feather duster or a dry microfibre cloth to wipe clean. To avoid leaving fingerprints, you may wish to use cotton gloves while handling the glass.

Metal - Simply wipe the metal with a dry cloth or a feather duster. Do not polish with chemical products as this could damage the finish.

How can you tell the quality of a lamp?

You can tell a lamp’s quality by looking out for giveaway details. If a table lamp is high quality, it will feel sturdy and well-balanced, even if it’s of a delicate design. There won’t be any hairline cracks, drips in the paint or other inconsistencies that aren’t deliberate design features.

The lampshade fabric is another tell-tale sign of a lamp’s quality. A high-end table lamp might have a shade made of expensive fabric, like silk, while a cheaper lamp might have a shade made of polyester.

A high-quality table lamp will have good wiring that meets all of the electrical safety standards. More attention to detail is put into designer table lamps, so the cord might be long for ease of movement around the room. The cord also won’t flex easily, as this can quickly damage the wiring. 

How much do table lamps cost?

The cost of a table lamp can vary hugely. Budget-friendly lamps that do the job but don’t have any special features can be bought for as little as £5-£10. Mid-range table lamps that have had more thought put into the design and are built to last longer might retail at around £20-£60. Designer table lamps can cost anywhere from £60-£300, depending on the prominence of the designer and the amount of specialised skill required during manufacturing.

What should you consider when designing room lighting?

When designing room lighting to look high-end, you should consider the different layers of lighting – ambient, task and accent. Ambient lighting is foundational; it’s what provides the main source of light to a room. Windows and ceiling lights are usually the source

Do all the lamps in a room have to match?

It’s not necessary for all of the lamps in a room to match if you want to create a stylish look. Matching lamps can work as a statement design feature, but this is hard to pull off if you’re not a professional interior designer.

When choosing lamps for a room, the best approach is to think of it like piecing together an outfit. The top doesn’t need to be made from the same material as the trousers in order to look good. In the same way, buying a designer table lamp doesn’t then mean you need to buy a matching floor lamp.

Instead, items with similar styles and complementing colours, which take into account the rest of the room’s design, will create an aesthetic that is cohesive without looking bland.

Are table lamps in style?

Table lamps have long been a staple of interior designers’ toolkits. As a form of lighting, they can be relied upon to add warmth and dimension to a space. But table lamps aren’t just about lighting – they’re also practical design tools that can be used to create cohesion, offer alternative workspaces, and segment the different areas of a room.

Vintage and retro table lamps fit the mid-century modern design theme that’s in style at the moment. But rather than worry about what’s trendy, it’s best to choose a table lamp that suits the rest of the room and – more importantly – your own unique style.

Which light is best for a vintage table lamp?

The best light for a vintage table lamp depends on the bulb’s wattage and colour, as well as what the lamp will primarily be used for. It’s important to choose a bulb that’s suitable for the lamp’s fitting and electrical specifications. LED lights will usually be more energy-efficient than a filament bulb, so if you’re on a budget and the lamp will take an LED bulb, this is the best option.

In terms of colour tone, a soft, warm yellow or white light usually looks best in a vintage table lamp. If you want a more traditional look, you can buy vintage-style bulbs that emit a glow that’s closer to copper in colour.

Why choose a vintage-style table lamp rather than an original vintage table lamp?

A vintage-style table lamp will almost always be safer than an original vintage table lamp, as manufacturing standards are a lot higher now than in the past. Modern lamps and light fittings aren’t just safer but are easier to use, with more practical features.

What are old-fashioned lamps called? 

Old-fashioned lamps are usually referred to as antique lamps, retro lamps or vintage lamps. The term antique lamp is more commonly used when talking about authentic lamps that were built in the era they represent. Retro and vintage are terms often used when talking about lamps that are designed in the style of a certain era but were built more recently.

What are the advantages of battery-operated table lamps?

If you find yourself forever trying to hide unsightly power cables in your home, battery table lamps are for you! Though they look just as chic as their mains-powered counterparts, our battery-operated table lamps don’t come with additional wiring, meaning they deliver a smarter, cleaner aesthetic and are a much more child- and pet-friendly option.
Portable by design, our battery lamps can be placed anywhere you like. You won’t need to search for a nearby electrical socket or unplug other appliances whenever you want to illuminate your space. They are also easier and safer to set up in the dark, making them the ideal solution for unexpected power outages.

How long do our battery-operated lamps typically last?

Run times can vary depending on the product. Our rechargeable lamps boast a battery life of between 7 and 8 hours and can be re-powered hundreds of times throughout their lifespan. A set of AA disposable batteries will power the appliance for an average of 18-24 hours, depending on usage, so battery-powered lamps are often the best choice if you are intending to light up your room for longer periods. However, you will need to purchase these batteries separately.

Can our battery table lamps be used outdoors?

Absolutely. These lamps can be placed outside to add a soft lighting to a garden party, as long as conditions are dry. However, unless a product has been IP rated, we would not recommend using in wet weather or bathroom settings, as doing so may pose a safety risk.

Are battery-operated table lamps a fire hazard?

The risk of the product catching fire is extremely small, particularly as the LED bulbs used in most of our products emit far less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Will the colours and finishes of our table lamps vary?

Because timber is a natural product, slight variations in colour may occur during the manufacturing process. The photos on our website provide an accurate representation of each table lamp, but please note that shades and wood grain styles will often differ between products. Many of our wood table lamps are handmade to order, meaning you’ll receive a one-of-a-kind piece.

Which wooden table lamp will best suit your interior?

With so many styles to choose from, we’re confident you’ll be able to find a wooden table lamp in our range that complements the style of any room in your home. Try lamps with muted or understated colours and clean lines to add the perfect finishing touch to a modern space, or experiment with more intricate, antique-style designs to enhance a traditional scheme or simply make more of a statement with your lighting.

How do you clean our wood table lamps?

Wipe down the product with a lightly damp microfibre cloth to remove any lingering dust and grime, then run a dry cloth over the same surface to absorb any excess water. For more stubborn dirt or sticky spots, try dabbing a small amount of soap on the damp cloth and applying it to the affected area, taking care to try out this cleaning method in one discreet area to make sure the product’s finish will not be affected. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these may strip the wood of its colour or finish.

What is a cluster light?

A cluster light is a lighting arrangement that includes individual lights grouped to form a cluster of multiple lights. Our cluster pendant lighting is exceptionally eye-catching, as these lights can be arranged at different heights to form a unique hanging light cluster to enhance any room in the home.

Why are cluster lights so popular? 

Aside from adding a smart touch to industrial style designs – which have been very much in fashion in recent years – our glass cluster pendant lights provide you with an easy yet intriguing way to enhance even the most minimalistic of interiors. They are also useful tools for zoning; for example, illuminating a functional space such as a dining table or desk, without adding too much visual clutter to the rest of the room.

How far apart should cluster lights be?

Groups of 3 or 5 cluster lights look striking when they are hung at different heights whilst remaining relatively close to one another. Most cluster pendant lights look their best when the individual lights aren’t touching one another, unless the arrangement includes globe-shaped pendants, which often look wonderful closer together. All our cluster pendant lights can be adjusted on installation to achieve the perfect balanced look for your space.

How low should cluster lights be hung?

This will depend on the height of your ceiling to begin with. However, if you are hanging cluster lights above a table, side unit or worktop, we would recommend ensuring there is a gap of at least 75cm to 80cm between the product and the surface so that your lights don’t look out of place or cause any obstructions. If you are installing cluster lights in a more open space, aim to leave just above 2m between the ceiling and the floor.

Where should ceramic wall lights be placed?

We recommend that you install your ceramic wall lights between 150cm and 170cm above the floor. If you are adding multiple lights to your space, leave around 250cm to 300cm between each installation to achieve a balanced look. Our ceramic wall lights can also be used in place of tabletop reading lights in a bedroom or living room environment. For the best results, place them at shoulder height, so you can turn them on and off from the comfort of your bed or sofa.

What kind of design schemes will suit ceramic wall lights?

Ceramic wall lights omit a softer light than many other light fittings, which means they are perfect in areas that only require low illumination. The swan neck shape of many of these items lends itself well to more traditional designs, but our ceramic wall lights can be also be used to add a mildly ornate look to both contemporary and industrial style settings.

Can ceramic wall lights be repainted?

Personally, we love the classic translucent aesthetic of our ceramic wall lights. However, if you would prefer to change the colour of these items to suit your interior or add a pop of colour to your walls, simply wipe the surface clean, apply a spray primer, and spray paint or emulsion. Please note that brush work will usually affect the texture of the product. You may also need to apply several coats to achieve your desired look.

Where should you place your bedroom pendant lights?

The location of your pendant lights can have a big impact on how and where your bedroom is illuminated. Many of our customers like to hang pendants on either side of the bed, approximately 40cm to 55cm above the surface of their side units, to create useful reading lights that take the place of traditional table lamps. Others prefer to install their new pendant light as a centrepiece above the bed itself, around 200-210cm from the floor to ensure ample light and a balanced aesthetic.

How big should a pendant light be in a bedroom?

When choosing a pendant light that will be placed in the centre of the room as a prominent feature, you will need to make sure it looks appropriate in relation to the size of the room. If you are decorating a larger space, then bigger, bolder styles will work well – but if your room is on the smaller side, you will need to choose the shape and size of your new purchase carefully.
Similarly, any pendant lights placed to the side of your bed above your bedside tables will need to be in good proportion. Never install a pendant light that is wider than the width of your bedside. Instead, make sure it is slightly narrower on each side of your table by around 10cm.

Will pendant lights suit low ceilings?

As there will be less space between the ceiling and the floor, pendant lights can appear overbearing in rooms with lower ceilings, not to mention cause problems for taller occupants! We would recommend flush ceiling lights or lampshades in place of pendant lights in more restrictive spaces.

Where should you place your vintage wall lights?

If you are planning to fit more than one vintage wall light in your room, make sure they are spaced between 250cm to 300cm apart from each other to avoid a cluttered look. You may wish to adjust these measurements if the ceilings in your room are particularly high, or if you need to accommodate other furniture and fittings in your bedroom or bathroom, for example. Vintage lights can also be used in place of tabletop reading lights; in this case, they should be placed at roughly shoulder height, so you can turn them on and off comfortably.

Do our vintage lights use LED bulbs?

Yes – most of our products are designed to take LED bulbs in place of incandescent ones. LED bulbs are longer-lasting and much more energy efficient than classic bulbs and can be found in both cool and warm light temperatures. Please check the Technical Information section on each product page for more information on the bulb required – and never use a bulb with a higher wattage than recommended!