Guide to choosing your perfect wall light

Why choose a wall light in your interior?

Before you start choosing your wall light , it's essential to understand what it can truly bring to an interior. Both aesthetic and functional, it adapts to any room in the house and offers advantages that other lighting fixtures don't always provide.

First, it frees up floor or furniture space , making it an excellent space-saving solution, especially in hallways, small bedrooms or entryways. In terms of ambiance, it diffuses a soft, enveloping light , ideal for creating a warm atmosphere without dazzling. In a bathroom , a wall light placed around the mirror helps avoid annoying shadows, while in a living room, it subtly complements the main light sources .

Finally, it is also a real decorative asset. With or without a lampshade , in metal, wood or glass, wall lights structure the walls and highlight a painting, a headboard or a forgotten corner. Whether for its aesthetics, its practical side or its transformative power, the wall light deserves your full attention.

The 4 essential criteria for choosing the right wall light

Choosing the right wall sconce isn't just a matter of taste. It's a subtle balance between functional needs, light intensity, light direction, and decorative harmony. Whether you want to illuminate a hallway, highlight a headboard , or create ambiance in the dining room , every detail counts. Start by identifying the installation location. A sconce that's ideal for a cozy living room won't necessarily be suitable for a bedroom or entryway. Here are four criteria to consider before making your choice.

The type of lighting required

A wall light can serve several purposes: general, accent, or directional lighting. In a living room, it often complements a ceiling light to add depth. In a hallway or bedroom, it becomes the main source or soft light. Some wall lights are adjustable or feature a movable arm, ideal for reading in bed. Others offer indirect light for a subdued effect. The choice depends on the role you want it to play in your room.

How many lumens for a wall light?

The orientation of light

Depending on the desired effect, you can choose a light that points upwards, downwards, or both. An upward beam creates a soft ambiance and highlights the wall, while a downward beam accentuates the area to be lit (e.g., a nightstand, a painting). Bi-directional wall lights , which are increasingly popular, provide an interesting graphic effect and even diffusion.

The choice of style and materials

The design of the wall light plays a crucial role in the harmony of the room. For a white wall, a black metal model creates an elegant contrast, while a white wall light will blend discreetly into the decor. Wood adds a warm and natural touch. Adapt the style to your space: industrial for a loft, Scandinavian for a refined ambiance, vintage for a retro touch, or contemporary for a modern decor. Finally, the materials influence the quality of the light: glass diffuses gently, metal directs the light, and fabric softens the lighting.

5 Places to Install a Wall Light

Choosing the right wall sconce isn't just about style: its placement directly influences the ambiance and lighting efficiency. Depending on the room and its use, the ideal placement can transform the perception of a space. Here are five contexts where a wall sconce fully reveals its potential, both functional and decorative.

1. Discreet and functional lighting in the entrance or hallway

• Install several wall lights spaced evenly to create rhythm along the route.
• Choose soft or neutral light for a warm, glare-free effect.
• This type of installation provides both security and aesthetics as soon as you enter your home.

2. Targeted lighting for reading in bed

• Choose a model with an adjustable arm or integrated switch for optimal comfort.
• A power between 300 and 500 lumens is ideal for lighting without tiring the eyes.
• Install one on each side of the headboard for perfect visual balance.

3. Choose waterproof wall lights for the bathroom

• Position them on either side of the mirror for even illumination of the face.
• Opt for a simple design and materials that are resistant to humidity (glass, treated metal).
• Lighting should be functional while helping to create a relaxing atmosphere.

4. A decorative enhancement of a painting or shelf

• Direct the light directly onto the item to be enhanced.
• Prefer a warm color temperature to enhance tones.
• Opt for a thin or minimalist shape so as not to distract from the object.

5. Add relief to an exterior facade

• Select a waterproof wall light (IP44 minimum) to withstand the elements.
• The dual-flow (up/down) light models create a subtle play of shadows on the walls.
• Stainless steel, aluminum or frosted glass are durable materials perfectly suited to outdoors.

Discover our collection of exterior wall lights to illuminate and structure your facades with style.

2 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wall Light

A designer model alone is not enough to guarantee successful lighting. Certain clumsiness, often underestimated, can alter the visual effect or harm lighting comfort. Here are two common mistakes to avoid to take full advantage of the wall light .

Neglecting the installation height

The height at which you choose to install your wall light is essential to ensure pleasant and functional lighting. Poorly positioned, a wall light can be dazzling or fail to fulfill its intended purpose.

• The recommended height is generally between 1.60 m and 1.80 m from the ground, depending on use.
• An installation that is too low may cause visual disturbance or glare when sitting or lying down.
• Conversely, a wall lamp that is too high disperses light inefficiently.

To go further, consult our dedicated guide: At what height should you position a wall light .

Not taking into account the consistency of lighting

A poorly integrated wall light can disrupt the overall lighting harmony. To create a warm and cohesive atmosphere , each light source must interact with the others.

• Make sure the color temperature of your light sources is consistent (warm, neutral, or cool light).
• Make sure to maintain continuity in the intensity and style of your lighting, especially in open rooms or hallways.
• Avoid accumulating too many varied or poorly balanced lights, at the risk of a messy result.

Current trends in wall lights

In 2025, wall lights are no longer just about lighting: they're becoming true decorative objects in their own right. Functionality, technology, and sleek design are the hallmarks of the most sought-after wall lights.

Minimalist and refined wall lights

In keeping with current decorative trends, models with clean lines and neutral hues appeal with their discretion and elegance. Simple geometric shapes, often inspired by Scandinavian or contemporary styles, are favored to create a soothing atmosphere without visual overload.

• Dominant colors: matte white, deep black, beige or light gray.
• Materials: satin metal, light wood or frosted glass.
• These decorative objects fit just as well into a modern living room as into a refined bedroom.

Connected and adjustable models

In the era of the smart home, wall lights are being modernized with practical features designed for everyday use. Controllable remotely, compatible with voice assistants, or equipped with touch dimmers, these innovative models combine ease of use with discreet technology.

• Dimmer function to modulate soft or brighter light depending on the time of day.
• Adjustable arms or pivoting heads to precisely target the area to be illuminated.
• Ideal as bedside wall lights , in an office or a modular living room.

Choosing your wall light: a balance between utility and pleasure

Beyond aesthetics, choosing a wall sconce is all about finding the right balance between functionality, lighting ambiance, and spatial integration. A well-selected sconce improves daily comfort, structures light, and enhances decor.

It's also an opportunity to treat yourself by choosing a model that reflects your tastes, your sensibilities, and the soul of the space. Minimalist, graphic, adjustable, or decorative: the ideal wall light is one that illuminates... while revealing your personality.

Discover our collection of wall lights and find the one that will enhance your interior.