Wall lighting makes or breaks a bedroom.
Don’t knock it until you try it. The right wall lighting products turn a blah bedroom into a cozy oasis. The wrong products cast shadows, disrupt sleep quality, and generally make the room feel off.
Here’s the deal…
Paint colour and furniture get way too much attention. Homeowners agonise over both. But lighting is an afterthought. That’s a major error. 72% of homeowners now say lighting comfort is the top priority when planning to redesign a bedroom, according to the American Lighting Association. That trumps style or cost considerations.
So if you want a bedroom that looks great and helps you and your family sleep better…
It starts with picking the right wall lights for the space.
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Why Wall Lighting Is Way More Important Than You Realise
Bedroom lighting does more than help you see where things are.
It actually has a significant impact on the quality of sleep. Sleeping in bedrooms with artificial light on was linked to 13 more cases of insomnia symptoms per 100 people in the Sister Study, compared to bedrooms where people slept in darkness.
That’s not nothing.
Wall lighting products give you the power to control light levels in a bedroom in ways that overhead fixtures never can. A little browsing through some quality wall lights will reveal options that provide softer, more directional light that can be dimmed down for evening routines.
Plus, here’s what most folks don’t realise…
The position of the light source matters just as much as light output. Wall mounted fixtures sit at or below eye level. This automatically creates a warmer atmosphere and reduces harsh glare that emanates from ceiling lights beaming straight down.
C’mon. Think about it. When you’re getting ready to hit the hay, the last thing you need is that bright overhead light glaring into your face. Wall lighting lets you design layers of softer light that cue your brain that it’s time to relax.
Types of Wall Lighting Products for Bedrooms
Wall lighting products come in a wide variety of types. Each creates a different ambience in the bedroom. Here’s what’s available:
Sconces are the most popular option. They mount directly to the wall and come in an endless variety of styles. Some have an upward-pointing light for ambient glow. Others have downward-facing lights for reading. Adjustable arms have become a feature on many modern sconces. This lets you swing the fixture out from the wall.
Swing-arm lamps are perfect for bedside reading. They extend away from the wall and can be repositioned as needed based on where light is desired. Ideal for people who like to read in bed.
Plug-in wall lights are a no-wire-needed option. They simply plug into an existing wall outlet. They’re ideal for people who rent their home or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with hiring an electrician.
Picture lights mount above artwork or headboards. They provide a decorative accent while offering some ambient lighting for the room.
LED strip lights can be placed behind headboards or along the ceiling line. This creates indirect lighting that feels more modern and sophisticated.
How to Choose the Right Style
Picking wall lighting products involves more than just settling on something that looks nice in an online photo.
Function should be your starting point. Ask these questions first:
- Is reading in bed an important activity?
- Does the bedroom double as a home office?
- Is the goal purely ambient lighting?
- Do both people in the bed need independent light control?
The function should determine the decision.
Style comes second. Wall lighting should work with the existing design of the room. A chrome finish sconce will look out of place in a rustic farmhouse bedroom. Vintage brass fixtures might feel off in modern minimalist decor.
Finishing is key. Common wall light finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, polished brass, and oil-rubbed bronze. Try to match to other hardware in the room for a cohesive look.
Don’t forget about the shades. Fabric shades diffuse light and create a softer glow. Glass shades can be clear for a brighter output or frosted for something more gentle. Metal shades direct light output more sharply but can have an industrial feel.
Placement Tips That Actually Work
Wall lighting placement is just as critical as which types of products are chosen.
Bedside lighting should mount between 60 and 66 inches from the floor. This is the ideal height for reading while sitting up in bed. They should be mounted 8 to 10 inches above the mattress on both sides of the headboard.
Ambient lighting can be placed on the wall opposite the bed. This will bounce the light around the room without shining directly in anyone’s eyes.
Accent lighting should be aimed to highlight architectural features or artwork.
Here’s a placement tip that most people don’t realise…
Always consider how the light will interact with mirrors. A sconce placed near a mirror doubles the lighting output. This is great for brightening a dark corner. Or it can create unwanted glare if not planned ahead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Great wall lighting products can still disappoint if installed the wrong way. Here are common errors:
Installing lights too high. Wall sconces near the ceiling just become another overhead light fixture. Keep them at or below eye level.
Forgetting dimmer switches. Bright light has a place. But bedrooms need flexibility. A dimmer switch makes any wall light a more versatile fixture that can be adapted to different activities and time of day.
Choosing style over function. That stunning vintage sconce looks amazing online. But if it doesn’t provide enough light for reading or creates annoying shadows, it’s a waste of money.
Ignoring the bulb type. LED bulbs are available in a range of colour temperatures. Warm white (2700K-3000K) is ideal for bedrooms. Cool white or daylight bulbs feel harsher and more clinical. They can also interfere with sleep.
Skipping the planning stage. Measure twice, install once. Know exactly where the wiring has to go before drilling holes in walls. Or pick plug-in options to avoid the issue.
Pulling It All Together
Selecting the perfect wall lighting products for a bedroom doesn’t need to be complicated.
Start by understanding how the space is used. Pick wall fixtures that serve those functions while also matching the existing style of the room. Pay attention to placement and height. Don’t forget the dimmer switch.
Get the basics right and the bedroom becomes a room that not only looks better but also supports better sleep.
And isn’t that the goal?
A beautiful room that helps everyone get a restful night of sleep. Wall lighting is one of the easiest upgrades that make a massive difference.