A classic wall light brings the warmth of a candle sconce or lampshade to your walls. Choose a brass, bronze, fabric or glass finish and where it will go.
Candle arms, shades and glass tulips: classic shapes
- Candle-style: one or two bobeches holding E14 candle bulbs, for a living room with mouldings or a dining room;
- With a fabric shade: filtered light, ideal by the bed or in a hallway;
- With a glass shade or tulip: soft diffusion, suited to entrance halls and staircases;
- With droplets: a dressier sparkle, close to a crystal wall light.
Beyond pure classic, you will find rustic and country lines, vintage and retro models, Art Deco silhouettes and a few Tiffany wall lights. The latter belong to Art Nouveau: their shade joins pieces of coloured glass with copper foil, soldered with tin. Metal dominates, alongside glass, fabric, wood or ceramic.
Finishes and fitting
Gold, brass and bronze warm up wood panelling and cream tones; black creates a more graphic silhouette, silver or chrome goes well with crystal, and distressed white stays discreet. For a coherent look, match the finish of your classic chandelier.
In living spaces, mount the wall light 1.60 to 1.80 m from the floor; above a bed, 1.10 to 1.30 m. Classic wall lights often come in pairs, on either side of a fireplace, mirror or door. In a hallway, one wall light every 2 to 3 m is enough. Our guide to matching lights to your furniture helps you combine styles and periods, and our wall lights section presents other styles.
Frequently asked questions about classic wall lights
Which bulb should I use in a candle wall light?
An E14 LED candle bulb at 2,700 K recreates the glow of a candle. Choose a clear filament version for a sparkling effect, or an opal version for a softer light. If the wall light is on a dimmer, choose dimmable bulbs and respect the maximum wattage marked on each lampholder.
How do I care for a gold or bronze finish?
Switch off the power, then dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive or ammonia-based products, which attack the lacquer and dull the gilding. A patinated bronze finish only needs dusting. For fabric shades, a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner nozzle on low power removes dust without distorting the fabric.
Can a classic wall light work in a contemporary interior?
Yes, provided you play on contrast with a single statement piece: a pair of candle wall lights in a minimalist living room, for example. A black or white finish makes it easier to blend in. If you prefer resolutely modern lines, a designer wall light serves the same purposes with cleaner shapes.
