It can be hard to shake certain interior design theories – particularly those that we have all just started to take as givens. The working kitchen triangle, symmetrical furniture layouts and matching finishes are all good examples – but if there is one of these dated concepts that just refuses to go away it has to be the central pendant light or, as it is now more commonly known, the 'big light'.
For a long time we all just accepted that the big light was an integral part of lighting design, unquestionably specifying it whether we liked the effect it created within a space or not. It has only been in the last year or two that its limitations are being exposed.
That said, the light that was being provided by this central fitting needs to be substituted with something, and wall lights are the perfect replacement – providing their design and placement is spot on. Thankfully, this is a really versatile type of light source and we're here to explain exactly how and where to use it.
Does every room need a ceiling light or are wall lights sufficient?
It is easy to see why, for such a long time, we all obediently went along and fitted one big light and considered our ceiling lighting ideas complete – after all, it was cost-effective, and illuminating a space from above does make sense.
However, Professor of Design History Deborah Sugg Ryan, who recently partnered with Wickes to look at the better alternatives to this type of light, is keen to highlight its limitations.
"The single pendant light dominating British living rooms is a 1920s cost-saving compromise we never managed to shake. Steep copper and installation costs meant homes were wired with just one central fixture per room to mimic the placement of old gas pendants. A century later, we’re still living with that compromise. Bright overhead lighting can feel harsh in the evening, while softer, layered lighting can create a more relaxing environment."
In addition to the rather one-dimensional effect of a central ceiling light, now that there are so many alternatives out there, it has become somewhat redundant, as Eloise Pfeiffer, interior designer at Pfeiffer Design explains.
"You don’t necessarily need a central ‘big light’ if the room has enough well-planned layers of lighting. For living room lighting and in bedrooms especially, we often prefer a mix of wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps because it creates a much warmer atmosphere than relying on one overhead fitting."
Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House, agrees with this view. "In many rooms, particularly living rooms and in bedroom design, we would rather have several sources of light working together than rely on one dominant central fitting. Wall lights can form an important part of that, alongside table lamps, floor lamps and maybe some discreet ceiling lighting."
Eloise Pfeiffer works at Pfeiffer Design, a London and Sussex-based interior design studio, where she guides clients from initial consultation through to budgeting, helping bring their vision for a space to life.
A founding member of The Vawdrey House, Sophie oversees the design team bringing her trademark energy & creativity to projects. With a BA in Interior Design & Environmental Architecture, Sophie develops unique furniture packages, styles projects & loves sourcing trips to antique fairs & French brocantes.
Why are wall lights better than the big light?
Obviously doing away with the main, central pendant light means you will need something to replace it if you don't want to be stumbling around in the dark, and, according to Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville, wall lights are one of the best alternatives.
"Wall lights can work as the main source of illumination, particularly in smaller rooms or spaces where multiple fittings can provide an even spread of light. They are one of the most effective ways to add depth to a room, filling gaps in illumination and creating a more layered lighting scheme," continues Mara.
"They can draw attention to architectural details, artwork or textured finishes, while also helping to define different zones within an open-plan space. Positioning wall lights to cast light upwards can also draw the eye towards the ceiling, helping to enhance the perceived height of a room."
Daniel Fosbery, lighting designer at Fosbery Studio, agrees that the benefits of wall lights are numerous. "Wall lights are one of the most practical and decorative ways of adding lighting to a room and have many advantages. They are a great space-saving alternative to table and floor lights, add a softer layer of light around the edges of the room in the evening, avoiding the glare of a ceiling light, they can be angled to illuminate works of art and, of course, are great for task lighting, next to a bed or as part of your home office lighting ideas."
Shop wall lights
Perfect for all kinds of spaces, and looking equally at home either side of a bathroom mirror as it would on your bedroom wall, this elegant, reeded glass fitting sheds light all over the wall and comes in a brass or black finish.
Not all wall lights have to take centre stage – sometimes you just want them to sit quietly in the background, emitting a cosy glow, and this sophisticated fitting will do just that thanks to its soft linen shade and elegant brushed gold-coloured base.
Inject a little texture into your interiors with this on-trend wall sconce which is made from natural travertine sitting on top of a solid wooden base. It sends forth a warm white light that will instantly cosy-up a bedroom or living space.
Mara Rypacek Miller is the founder of British lighting brand Industville, which she established in South East London in 2013 with a simple ambition to design lighting that feels as timeless as the spaces it inhabits. Inspired by timeless design, enduring materials and beautifully crafted interiors, Mara has grown Industville from a small collection into an internationally recognised lighting brand.
In 2017, Daniel Fosbery exchanged the pace of North London for the quiet allure of the Kent coastline, with a clear vision: to create decorative lighting of exceptional character and craftsmanship. With an established career as a bespoke lighting designer and a degree in furniture design, he set up his studio to be a place of making and experimentation. Fosbery Studio is a diverse, multi-disciplinary space, including, fabric, metal work, ceramics and wood. Today, Fosbery Studio reflects more than 15 years of accumulated knowledge and creative evolution. At its heart is a dedication to craftsmanship, contemporary production methods, woodworking and metalwork, creating a harmonious dialogue between heritage and innovation.
What is the best way to position wall lights?
For all their benefits, wall lights only work when proper consideration is given to their positioning. Just as with any light source, their location, height and angle all matter in ensuring they add a practical element, as well as maximising the proportions and architectural features of a space.
"Getting the positioning right is key," agrees Mara Rypacek Miller. "As a general rule, wall lights should sit around eye level (generally 160cm off the floor), although the ideal height will depend on the fitting, its function and what sits around it. Decorative fittings can be positioned to highlight architectural features or create a softer wash of light."
"Wall lights work best when they are planned as part of the overall lighting scheme rather than added at the end," picks up Sophie Chapman. "Start by thinking about what you need the light to do. Is it there to provide practical task lighting, highlight artwork or joinery, bring light down to eye level, or simply add another source of light in the evening?
"Once that purpose is clear, the style, position and output of the fitting become much easier to resolve," she advises. "We also look carefully at the architecture of the room. Wall lights should relate to doorways, fireplaces, artwork, headboards and joinery rather than appearing randomly positioned."
Mara Rypacek Miller goes on to explain that their ideal positioning will very much depend on the space they are being used in.
"Within bathroom lighting, wall lights positioned either side of a mirror are a great option, helping to illuminate the face evenly rather than casting shadows from above. In larger rooms, using several wall lights at different points can create a more flexible scheme, allowing individual areas to be illuminated rather than relying on one central source – however, we would always recommend supplementing this with ambient lighting that still allows the wall lights to sing."
How many wall lights does a room need?
In any space, getting the balance right in terms of illumination can be tricky – too many lights can seem like overkill, while not enough will always be frustrating.
Unfortunately, it isn't a case of there being an exact number of wall lights that works in certain rooms, something Sophie Chapman is keen to point out.
"There isn’t a set number because it depends entirely on the size and proportions of the room, the other lighting sources and what the wall lights are being asked to do. Two fittings either side of a fireplace or bed may be enough, while a longer hallway might need a repeated series to create an even rhythm."
Eloise Pfieffer agrees that rather than quantity, it is better to think about what you want to achieve with your lighting design ideas. "Wall lights are at their best when they are planned as part of the overall lighting scheme rather than added afterwards. They can provide task lighting, accent lighting or simply a softer glow, so the first question should always be what you need them to do in that particular space.
"There isn’t a certain number of wall lights that every room needs as it all depends on the size of the space, the furniture layout and where you need light," continues Eloise.
"Position is equally important as number. As a general guide, wall lights often sit around eye level, but we would always adjust this to suit the room, the height of the ceiling and the style of fitting. From directional reading lights and picture lights to decorative sconces and uplighters, there are so many options, so think about both the light they cast and how the fitting itself contributes to the room."
What types of wall light work best where?
Just as there is not one type of ceiling light, so too are there lots of options in the world of wall lights. Along with the overall house design ideas they need to complement, you also need to choose fittings that work for your space on a practical level.
"There is a huge amount of choice, from decorative sconces and shaded wall lights to directional reading lights, picture lights and fittings that wash light up or down a wall," explains Sophie Chapman, who goes on to reveal which types of fittings work well where in a home.
"Each performs differently, so the fitting should always follow the function. For bedroom lighting, for example, we might combine a decorative wall light with a separate directional reading spotlight. In a hallway, an uplight or wall washer can help bring attention to architectural details, while picture lights work beautifully where artwork is an important focal point."
When choosing wall lights, Mara Rypacek Miller advocates a mix-and-match approach. "Wall lights don’t have to be used in pairs or match throughout a room. Combining different styles can create a more layered look, particularly when each fitting has a clear purpose. The important thing is to maintain some connection between them, whether through a shared material, finish, shape or scale."
What other types of light do wall fittings work well with?
However many benefits wall lights might have, it is very rare that using a single type of lighting alone is going to be the best way forward – a layered lighting scheme offers so much more in terms of flexibility as to how a space can be used, as well as the moods that can be created.
Mike Whitfield, luxury interiors expert at LUSSO, explains how he goes about integrating wall lights into a wider scheme. "I'd suggest working with a mix of wall sconces and pendant lighting throughout the space. Use each type to define and illuminate specific areas, such as a pendant light to draw focus, while allowing other parts of the room to remain softer.
"The number of these depends on the scale of the room, so instead of adding a numerical value, I’d look at which parts of the room need illuminating – for example, your kitchen island, allowing you to wake up with your morning coffee, or your sofa where you wind down at night," adds Mike, referencing the current interest in biodynamic lighting.
With over 10 years of experience in the luxury homeware sector, and nearly 20 years of experience in e-commerce and online sales, Mike Whitfield has established strong relationships with B2C and B2B customers, including large developments and hotels worldwide. Additionally, he possesses a great eye for interior design and stays up-to-date with the latest trends.
FAQs
Are recessed downlights better than a central pendant?
It is important to consider that a central pendant is not your only option if you are looking for ceiling lights. Many people also use recessed downlights or spotlights, particularly when it comes to lighting kitchen ceilings.
While these are both good sources of ambient lighting, as with the central 'big light' Mike Whitfield again advises against relying on them alone to light a space.
"Traditionally, many spaces will use grid lighting across a ceiling space, usually created as an even layout, with the architect working from a scaled drawing of the room to determine where the light is needed most. In a kitchen, that might mean positioning lights around the preparation areas, such as the kitchen island and sink, so that the spaces where you’re most frequently going to be working have a good level of illumination. However, if you’re looking to introduce more warmth and atmosphere, it’s not a direction I’d lean towards.
"When every light is given the same weight and follows the same rhythm across the ceiling, you lose some of that contrast and softness that add depth and character to a room," continues Mike. "If you’re not creating pockets of light and shadow through zoning, this can make the space feel slightly clinical; therefore, I’d still add in secondary lighting sources such as wall sconces and standalone lamps around key spaces."
What wall light trends are worth considering?
If you have been suitably convinced that it's time to part ways with the big light and explore the realm of the wall light, what are the lighting trends worth noting?
"Designs are moving towards more tactile, sculptural pieces that add character even when switched off," reveals Mara Rypacek Miller. "Ribbed glass, alabaster and cast metal are particularly effective, bringing texture and visual interest to the wall through the way they cast light, as well as to the fitting itself. There is also a growing appreciation for finishes that retain the natural character of the material, rather than appearing overly polished or uniform – sand casted metal is a great example of this. It makes wall lights feel more like considered pieces of the interior rather than purely functional fittings."
Mike Whitfield echoes Mara's advice to be on the lookout for lighting that doubles as art, as with much oversized lighting. "Sculptural lighting can elevate a space to the next level, particularly through tactile materials such as alabaster and marble, where the natural veining creates a unique way for the light to filter and be thrown across each space. Alabaster is especially beautiful when illuminated, as the light travels through the stone and picks up its natural veining, giving the fitting a very soft, almost candlelit quality, while marble can introduce a sense of weight and permanence."
All the lighting experts agree that taking a holistic approach to your lighting design is key to a scheme that works for all kinds of situations and throughout the course of the day. Don't forget to also avoid any lighting design mistakes when planning out your lighting for each room.
