Living room wall lights create soft, atmospheric light at eye level. Choose where to put them, by a sofa or fireplace, then the wiring and material.
Where to put wall lights in the living room
Fit them 1.60 to 1.80 m from the floor, high enough that the bulb isn't visible from the sofa. In pairs, either side of a fireplace, a mirror or a bookcase, they give structure to a wall; in a series, they light a large living room without relying on the ceiling.
- Uplighting: the light bounces off the ceiling and makes the room look bigger.
- Up-and-down light: two beams are drawn on the wall, showing off exposed stone or wallpaper.
- Artwork: an LED picture light, at 2,700 to 3,000 K with a CRI of at least 90, respects colours without UV.
Wiring, materials and styles
If there's no wiring in the wall, look at designs with an in-line, rocker or base switch: they are switched on at the wall light itself. Otherwise, an electrician can run a new supply to the wall, linked to the room's light switch. Our guide to installing wall lights explains the steps.
In warm white at 2,700 K, wall lights extend the living room's atmosphere. Metal leads, in brass, chrome or black, with glass, fabric or acrylic; modern and classic come first, then industrial, vintage, Art Deco and country. Crystal suits classic interiors. See also our living room lighting and all our wall lights.
Frequently asked questions about living room wall lights
How many wall lights does a living room need?
A pair is enough to frame a sofa or fireplace. On a long wall, space them evenly so the pools of light meet without overlapping. They complement the ceiling light and lamps: the 100 to 150 lumens per m² recommended for a living room are shared between all these sources, not just the wall lights.
Which bulb for a living room wall light?
Designs with a lampholder usually take E14 or E27 LED bulbs, sometimes G9 for small wall lights. Choose warm white at 2,700 K for atmosphere. If the shade leaves the bulb visible, go for a frosted version that doesn't dazzle; to dim the light, check that it is dimmable.
Wall light or floor lamp for reading in the living room?
For reading, the light should be slightly above and behind your shoulder when you're seated: a living room floor lamp placed behind the armchair does this more easily. Fixed at 1.60 m or higher, a wall light lights the room rather than the page, so it's mainly for atmosphere.
