8 popular types of wall lights

Wall lights have much to offer to the interior of any room. They look great, can accent pieces of art, act as a working or reading light and improve safety by brightening up dark spots in a room. Different wall light types achieve slightly different effects thanks to their natural traits, some of which will be more relevant to you and your home situation than others.

Lanterns have been used for centuries to provide light and warmth. They were initially made of metal or glass with a flame inside that would burn brightly and steadily. The word “lantern” actually comes from the Latin word “lanta,” which means “to shine.”

Lantern wall lights are a great way to decorate your home. You can use them strategically in the living room, bedroom, and even the bathroom.

Designers create lantern-style wall lights to mimic the original design of lanterns, but they use LED bulbs that give off light without heat, so they are much safer than traditional lanterns.

Flush-mount wall lights are perfect for adding a lot of light to a dark space. Flush mount lighting is a type of lighting fixture that offers little to no distance between the light fixture and the wall.

Flush-mount lighting fixtures come in all shapes, but the most popular are often circular-shaped. You can also find oval ones, square ones, and rectangular ones.

Flush-mount lights are an excellent option for those looking to make lighting a crucial part of their interior design. They are a common type of wall fixture in kitchens, lounges and bedrooms.

Related article: 13 bedroom wall light ideas to inspire you

Swing arm wall lights are perfect for illuminating a small area or filling up an ample space with ambient light.

A functional swing arm lamp is an adjustable wall lamp where the arm that holds the light source can be repositioned in various ways. You can change the position of the light source so that the light projects into the room in different places.

Swing arm wall lights are ideal for rooms dedicated to reading or other tasks that require light. Bed headboards, desks and bedside reading chairs are great places to position these lights around.

Up and down lights are lamps that feature a bulb at the top and bottom of the light fixture mounted to a wall. These lights cast swathes of light in upwards and downwards directions. The delightful result is a surplus of ambience and illumination.

Typically, the higher the light, the more expansive a space it will illuminate. You can use up and down lights in any room of the house, but you’ll often find them as a lighting option in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. They’re also commonly used outdoors.

A “wallchiere” is essentially a wall-mounted lamp that looks like an upright torchiere. Attached to a wall like a sconce, a wallchiere usually has one of two functions: directing light upwards or spreading light out to the sides.

If you are looking for a more modern looking light, think about buying a wallchiere instead of a torchiere. A wall sconce might be better if you want soft shadows or upward lighting.

Wallchieres are an interesting way to add some intricate design to a room. They come in both modern and vintage designs. You can easily a bathroom by placing small wallchieres near the vanity to warm up the mirror. Alternatively, consider adding wallchieres with a dimmer on either side of your fireplace to make it the focal point of your lounge.

Related article: Effective ways to use interior wall lights

Picture lights are wall lights you can install to showcase your favourite artwork, display or collection. Picture lights create direct illumination without obstructing the view of your pictures or paintings.

For a pleasing effect, choose picture lighting that complements other fixtures in your home.

You’ll have the option to choose between the warm look of brass and bronze, the cool silver of chrome and nickel, and the richness of wood tones. Picture lighting comes in many finishes, including burnished, antiqued, distressed, polished, matte, and oil-rubbed, so you’ll find a look that suits your home.

LED strip lights are not just for creating a visual effect. You can use them to create mood lighting in your home that is perfect for parties, dinners, and other social gatherings.

LED strips are typically 10-12 mm in width and up to 5 meters long. They’re easy to cut with scissors once you know how long you want them. Most people prefer the 5-meter strands because they offer plenty of coverage for most rooms in the house. The colour and brightness of the individual LEDs will determine the overall colour and brightness of the LED strip light.

Installing LED strips on your wall is a quick and affordable way to add flair to a room. They can dazzle and create a charming ambience that everyone can enjoy. LEDs are also energy-efficient and emit very little heat, so you can safely use them to display your favourite wall art too.

Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide

A candle sconce is a lighting fixture that holds a candle. They usually come in pairs, with one on each side of a doorway or window, but they can also be used as decoration on their own.

Candle sconces are a great way to add a romantic touch to your home. You can add them as accent lights in any room, but they are especially perfect for your bedrooms or the lounge.

Group two or more candle sconces together for impact. Using mixed sizes provides a lovely focal point for your room.

With so many types of wall lights to choose from, selecting lighting fixtures for your home can feel like a daunting task. Ultimately, your personal tastes and the style of your home will dictate which light fixtures you install. For each lighting decision you make, consider the ultimate goal of bringing visual comfort to your space. With these tips in mind, you can design a room your family will love for years to come.