Adding extra lights on your walls can help you complete the illumination in a room. These fixtures can add extra lights, but can also be used on their own when you need to tone down the lighting and make a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. If you're not sure you should install a wall light fixture, the answer is just anywhere you want it. It can be used in any room, as well as porch, balcony or backyard. Here are some things to consider when buying wall lighting.
Why Install Wall Lights?
The first association with wall light are those smaller and ornament fixtures that serve more as decor or as additional light. And while this isn't entirely wrong wall lights aren't merely decorative fixtures. These lights can serve you well for reading, setting the ambience or just relaxing while watching TV.
Where Do You Put Wall Lighting?
There is no rule on which rooms are best for wall light fixtures. You can mount these lights in any room, both indoors and out. You can use them as an addition to ceiling lights and get extra illumination. This way you can create a better setting in the room and alleviate glare.
Livingrooms, Bedrooms
In rooms where you already have overhead lighting or floor or table lamps, a wall light fixture will provide a valuable addition to create the needed ambience. You can brighten certain corners, emphasize shelves or paintings hanging on the wall, or simply use them as extra light if that's necessary. This type of fixture will make your bedroom relaxed; you won't even have to turn on the ceiling lights. Use these lights to read, use your phone, meditate or enjoy intimate moments with your partner.
Office
Add wall light fixtures in your office or craft room for extra lighting, that should help you stay focused and get your work done. You can place them near your workstation, or add them whenever you believe the light will work best for you.
Outdoors
Many people choose to illuminate their backyards and porches with wall-mounted lights. They work as an excellent decor and provide enough light. Choose as many fixtures as you need to create a relaxing atmosphere for your outdoor parties or relaxed evenings.
How Many Wall Lights Do You Need?
To get the most out of your wall lights you should consider the right placement. If you mount these lights in the right places you won't have to invest in too many fixtures. Make sure they are hung at a proper height (170-180cm). Keep in mind that whatever height you hang the wall lights, you should not come eye-to-eye with an exposed light bulb.
However, if you need such lights for a staircase, you can also mount them much lower, practically on foot level; this way you will have the steps perfectly illuminated. This is especially practical for outdoor stairs, but you can also use such lights for your indoor steps as well. It works both practical and aesthetical. If you are going to use these lights for your hallways make sure there are not too many, unless you want the hallway to look like a runway. You can place one fixture every 2.5 to 3 metres.
Use Them for a Stronger Effect
You can choose numerous wall lights, installed next to each other on the wall where they can create strong and effective light (excellent for illumination but also for ambience light). For instance, such lights will provide extra light in the bathroom (especially near the vanity) even if you have ceiling lamps. Space them a bit if you need less strong light, and create proper lighting in areas such as hallways or staircases.
Type of Wall Lights
There are various types of wall light fixtures so getting the right one might be a challenge. For instance, you can choose uplights that will beam the light towards the ceiling, providing you with a lovely ambience. Downlights are a good choice if you want to illuminate the floors; these are great for hallways or staircases, but people also choose to mount these above their bed so they get a better light for reading.
Swingarm lights are also an amazing choice if you want extra light for reading in your study or bedroom. Choose even glare-free lights for your bathroom or vanity. If you are purposely looking for lights to emphasize pictures, then go for picture lights (these are small and will draw attention only to the artwork itself).
How to Coordinate Wall Lights With Your Room Design
First, determine what you need these lights for. If you're installing a reading light, you should coordinate it with the sofas or armchairs in the room. What type of furniture do you own? Is it modern and minimalist, or is it more oriented and traditional? It will guide you best when you have to get your wall lights.
Choose lights that match the general style of the room. Of course, you can't just incorporate modern and contemporary fixtures in a room that is mainly decorated with traditional furniture. However, there is no firm rule; choose whatever you like and believe will match the room perfectly. Don't fear to mix styles, colours and designs.