How to choose a wall lamp: what to consider

A wall lamp lights a spot and decorates a wall at the same time. These are the things worth settling before you choose one. The numbers are common rules of thumb, not fixed rules.

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Position and height

Beside a bed, the light for reading is commonly placed so the lamp sits somewhere around shoulder height of a person sitting up, often about 120-140 cm above the floor. Check it against your own bed and pillows.
In a hallway, wall lamps are often mounted around eye level, about 150-165 cm, and a few metres apart so the light overlaps.
Beside a bathroom mirror, lamps at about eye level light the face evenly; one on each side avoids shadows.
Mark the position with tape and look at it from where you will be before you drill.

Light

Check the fitting (for example E14, E27, G9 or a built-in LED), the maximum wattage, whether it can be dimmed and whether a bulb is included.
A lamp that sends light up, down or both shapes the room differently: up lights the ceiling, down lights the surface below, both gives a softer glow on the wall.
A swing arm or a movable shade lets you aim the light, which suits reading. A fixed lamp suits a steady background glow.
Warm white light (around 2700 K) is the usual choice for living spaces and bedrooms.

Wiring and installation

A wired-in lamp needs a connection point in the wall where you want it. Fixed wiring should be done by a qualified electrician, and the rules differ by country.
A plug-in lamp needs a socket nearby and shows its cable. A cover or a cable channel can hide it, which is an extra part to plan.
Check the fixing: the wall type (concrete, brick, plasterboard), the weight of the lamp and the plate it hangs on.

Projection and clearance

Check how far the lamp sticks out from the wall, and how far a swing arm reaches when it is turned out.
In a narrow hallway, by a door or over a bed, a lamp that projects far can be knocked or hit with a head.

Materials and care

Raw brass and untreated metals darken with age. Painted or powder-coated finishes keep their look but can chip.
Glass and polished metal show fingerprints and dust. Fabric and paper shades suit dry rooms and sit badly beside hot bulbs.
Bathrooms and outdoor walls need a fitting rated for damp or wet conditions (look for an IP rating).

Longevity and repair

A lamp lasts longer if its parts can be replaced: the bulb or LED module, the cable, the switch and the wall plate. With a built-in LED the whole lamp is the part that wears out.
Ask whether the shade can be taken off for cleaning or replaced if it breaks.

Questions worth asking the maker

What are the exact dimensions and projection? Is the bulb included and replaceable? Is it wired-in, plug-in or both? Can it be dimmed? Are spare parts and finishes available later? What are the delivery and return terms?

Sources and further reading

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