applique

At What Ideal Height Should a Wall Light Be Installed?

This article is also available in French: À Quelle Hauteur Idéale Installer une Applique Murale ?

29/04/2024 · 4 min read · By the Designix team

Wall lights are making a strong comeback in interior design. Inspired by the industrial style, particularly with the success of articulated arm models, and thanks to the emergence of innovative, stylish products like LED reading wall lamps, these light fixtures have become almost essential in our homes. Nowadays, wall lights are very trendy and can adapt to any style while offering a wide variety of lighting options.

The ideal height for a traditional wall light

Classic wall light models, such as half-bowl or flush-mount sconces, should be installed at a height between 1.80 meters and 2 meters. However, this measurement can vary depending on the ceiling height and the specific location of the light. If your wall light is long and vertical, it is best to place it slightly lower, at about 1.70 meters from the floor, for an optimal aesthetic effect.

In a living room with a standard ceiling height of 2.50 meters, the wall light should be positioned at about 1.80 meters from the floor. If the ceiling height exceeds 2.80 meters, as in Haussmann-style buildings dating from 1900, you can place it 2 meters from the floor.

In a bathroom, it is common to place indirect lighting wall lights on either side of the mirror, at a height of about 1.80 meters. For a vertical mixed-light fixture, a height of about 1.60 meters is recommended, as it adapts better to the elongated shape of the light.

In a bedroom, wall-mounted reading lights should be fixed between 1 meter and 1.20 meters high, on each side of the headboard. For targeted lighting, lamps with an adjustable head offer optimal reading comfort by shining directly onto your book.

To create a luminous ambiance, opt for wall lights with a light diffuser directed upward, which will generate a soft, dimmed light. This will highlight the room's volumes by reflecting light off the walls and ceiling.

The ideal height for an original wall light

The variety of wall light shapes has expanded considerably in recent years, with the strong comeback of articulated arm or multi-arm models in an industrial style, as well as the emergence of very graphic designs. This makes choosing the wire outlet height more complex. In these situations, it is recommended to take into account the desired height of the diffuser for the installation. Why? Because wall lights of this type do not always have a wire outlet aligned with the height of the diffuser.

The right height for a swing-arm wall light

If your wall light is equipped with a long stem or an extended arm, it can serve as overhead lighting. In this case, position the wire outlet 2.10 meters high. For an industrial or vintage-style adjustable arm wall light in a living room, you can place it at about 1.80 meters for general lighting. If you want to use it as a reading lamp, a height of 1.50 meters is preferable, while to specifically light a desk, for example, a height of 1.30 meters would be ideal.

A wall light for every room

The wall light is so versatile that it can be used in every room of the house. Its lighting is not limited to specific tasks, but can also create a warm and indirect atmosphere. Furthermore, it adapts perfectly to various lighting needs.

In the living room, wall lights with indirect or mixed lighting contribute to a pleasant ambiance. Bowl-shaped sconces, placed between 1.70 meters and 2 meters depending on the ceiling height, offer soft, diffused lighting, ideal for highlighting the ceiling or visually expanding the space.
To light a staircase, a flush-mount wall light is recommended to conceal the bulb. They are positioned at a height of about 1.80 meters in a staircase or hallway, and at a distance of 1.50 to 2 meters depending on the length of the space. For a soft and enveloping light, prefer a diffuser directed upward or both upward and downward.
Near the bed, reading wall lights are ideal, especially when they feature an adjustable head or arm. They should be fixed to the wall between 1 meter and 1.20 meters from the floor, on each side of the headboard.

The importance of the wall light's diffuser

The choice of material for the wall light's diffuser is crucial: whether it is glass, fabric, metal, opaque, or transparent, it influences how the light is filtered. For example, a metal diffuser will not affect light in the same way as a glass diffuser. Here are three principles to keep in mind:

For optimal light diffusion, favor shades made of light, clear fabric or glass.
For practical lighting, choose opaque shades, such as those made of metal, which focus the light beam for more direct illumination.
For a decorative ambiance, opt for wall lights with perforated or patterned shades, which project light patterns onto the wall.

Choosing lighting according to the shape of the wall light

The shape of your wall light plays a crucial role in the type of lighting it provides, far beyond its decorative aspect.

For general lighting, opt for direct lighting wall lights.
For functional lighting, favor wall lights with articulated arms, offering targeted light that is ideal for reading or working.
To light a staircase, prefer flush-mount wall lights with a diffuser open toward the top, hiding the bulb and ensuring uniform light diffusion.
To highlight a beautiful ceiling or create an ambiance, choose indirect lighting wall lights.