Wall lights are a fantastic way to add depth, ambience, and even task lighting to a room but unlike their ceiling-mounted cousins, their placement can be a bit trickier. Getting the height right is key to avoiding an unpleasant glare and maximising your wall lights.
The General Rule: Avoiding the Glare Zone
As a common starting point, we recommend positioning your wall sconces somewhere between 5ft and 5.5ft (152cm - 170cm) from the floor. This puts the light source around eye level, ensuring the bulb or shade doesn't create uncomfortable direct glare.
But It's Not Set in Stone: Customising for Your Space
Think of this as a flexible guideline, not a rigid rule. Here's why:
Ceiling Height: Have a cathedral ceiling? You might need to mount your sconces a bit higher to cast light effectively throughout the room. Conversely, with low ceilings, placing them too high can create a cramped feeling.
Room Purpose: In a bathroom, sconces flanking the mirror typically go a bit lower for optimal task lighting, ideally at eye level when standing in front of the mirror. By contrast, wall lights beside the bed might be positioned slightly lower, around shoulder height, for easier reach from a lying position.
Light Type: Wall lights with glass shades that cast indirect light can be placed a bit closer to eye level. Lights that point directly downwards, however, might need to be positioned higher to avoid glare.
Beyond Height: Spacing and Balance
When placing multiple wall lights, consider spacing them evenly, typically between 8ft and 10ft (250cm - 300cm) apart. This creates a sense of balance and ensures even light distribution.
The Final Touch: Experiment and Adjust
Don't be afraid to play around with placement! Use tape to mark potential heights on the wall before drilling any holes. This allows you to visualise the look and functionality before committing. By following these tips and considering your specific space you can find the perfect height for your wall lights thus creating a space that is both beautiful and functional.
As always please do give us a call on 01580 712805 if you have any questions, we are always happy to help. The Wall Lighting Company make bespoke, high-quality British lights, get yours now: https://www.thewalllightingcompany.co.uk/
