Sure, there are floor lamps and table lamps, chandeliers, and pendant lamps. But there is also the unsung hero, the forgotten cousin of hanging and freestanding lamps: wall-mounted light fixtures. Casting pools of light both upwards and downwards, wall lights are functional staples to any room’s decoration. However, of course, it can be difficult to choose the best piece, one that complements the design style in your home and fits your budget- exactly why we’ve put together this comprehensive list of 14 wall-mounted light fixtures to make sure you pick the right one 💛
Table of Contents
Downlight Sconces
As the name suggests, downlight sconces are designed to focus the light coming from the fixture downward, toward the floor. Light channeled in this direction creates a truly warm, inviting glow, and because they offer a more conservative sort of illumination, these fixtures are ideal for making large rooms feel more intimate. However, they’re not the best for producing high levels of light, so you’d want to dedicate them to formal, indoor areas.
Uplight Sconces
If you want to illuminate a large area or simply prefer brief lighting, consider an uplight sconce. It directs light toward the ceiling, allowing it to bounce off multiple surfaces at multiple angles, making the room appear larger. For this same reason, uplight wall lights are ideal for small rooms, living areas, and apartments, where bright light is often needed.
Bi-Directional Wall Sconces
A combination of both downlight and uplight fixtures, bi-directional wall sconces cast light in both directions (up and down), creating a soft, layered glow. Their dual-beam effect makes them a favorite for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms, where you want ambient lighting that feels intentional but not overpowering. Sleek and architectural, these sconces also double as design features.
Flush-Mount Wall Lights
Flush-mount wall lights are the go-to for adding a warm glow to dark corners. The fixture has little to no clearance between the light and the wall, which means you get soft, ambient illumination without bulky hardware. Though they come in all shapes, the most popular are often circular, but you can also find square, oval, or rectangular ones.
Lantern Wall Lights
Lanterns have been used for centuries to provide illumination + warmth. Initially made of metal or glass, they have now transformed into stylish wall-mounted light fixtures suited for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Not to forget the stunning decorative element that lanterns add, which can, in fact, give the simplest of interiors a high-end vibe.
Wallchieres
A type of wall-mounted lamp that resembles an upright torchiere. Attached like a sconce, a wallchiere usually serves two functions: casting light upward + spreading it out to the sides. If you want a modern-looking light, think about investing in a wallchiere rather than a torchiere. It’s also an interesting way to introduce some intricate design to a room; modern or vintage, you can find them in both styles.
Picture Lights
Credit: Room for Tuesday
The most popular fixture styles, best for artistic rooms, where highlighting architectural details is the aim. Picture lights create direct illumination without distracting from your artwork. For a pleasing effect, choose a finish that complements the other fixtures in your home. You will have the option to pick from the warm look of bronze and brass, the cool silver of nickel and chrome, and the richness of wood tones. For the finishes, there are antiqued, burnished, matte polished, and oil-rubbed.
Candle Sconces
Designed to add a touch of classic charm, they are a reflection of the earliest type of wall sconces, but much safer, as they don’t use a real flame. From traditional to modern, candle sconces are available in a variety of designs, most featuring a small shade or a glass hurricane.
It’s important to note that these wall lights will typically emit smaller amounts of illumination to replicate the soft glow of a “candle,” so they’re not perfect as the primary illumination source, but are definitely an incredible option for mood lighting.
Swing Arm Sconces
Swing arm sconces are attached to the wall but can be adjusted and swung out when needed, meaning you can move the fixture in multiple directions, and fold it back towards the wall when not in use. The perfect fit for small rooms, thanks to its space-saving design, and a wonderful option over bedside tables, where concentrated light is a priority.
Traditional Wall Sconces
Traditional wall sconces bring a sense of timeless elegance. Classic silhouettes, fabric shades, and warm metal finishes are their defining features. The fixtures are designed to provide soft, ambient lighting, and sit beautifully in transitional, traditional, or even farmhouse styles.
Floodlight Sconce
The best option for strong, reliable illumination, especially outdoors, where larger pools of light are often needed. This style is perfect for occasional hosts who love throwing dinners and lunch parties in the backyard. Gatherings instantly feel more magical, and your home naturally becomes the go-to meetup spot for friends and family 😉
Recessed Wall Lights
Lights that are installed into the wall itself, typically featuring a translucent cover. These fixtures offer general lighting and are mostly paired with other primary light sources. However, if you want to DIY the installation, you will need a permit, as the lights are integrated into the wall and modify your home’s electrical system.
Recessed wall lights are minimalistic fixtures that cast unobstructive illumination. They’re often used on staircases, in hallways, kitchens, or anywhere you need subtle, even lighting without the bulkiness of traditional light fittings.
When it comes to recessed wall lights, our Recessed Lighting Calculator Tool comes super handy! Enter your room dimensions and type of space, and we will calculate how many lights you need and the recommended spacing between each. This helps make sure you can evenly distribute your recessed lights throughout the space.
Track Lighting
A long strip of light fixtures that can be adjusted to direct light exactly where it’s needed. It is commonly used for general illumination or to highlight particular areas, usually in offices, kitchens, or galleries.
Washing Lighting
Washing lighting, sometimes called “fill” lighting, refers to fixtures that “wash” a wall with an even spread of illumination from floor to ceiling. The technique highlights large, architectural surfaces, such as brick or stone walls, and creates dramatic effects in a room. They’re typically installed in hallways, living rooms, or outdoor spaces. Classic versions can transform the entire area into a design feature, and modern ones come with LED wall options for added depth & drama 💥
How to Choose the Best Wall-Mounted Light Fixtures?
The “best” wall-mounted light fixture depends on the answers to…
- Why do you need a wall-mounted light fixture?
- What room(s) will the fixture(s) go into?
- How much light does the space already receive?
- What direction should the light face?
- How high will it be mounted?
- What finish works with your existing hardware?
- Will it be indoors or outdoors?
- Is dimming important to you?
- How much spacing should there be between lights? (Our calculator can help!)
- Most importantly, what is your budget?
Find Your Favorites
Wall-mounted light fixtures add extra illumination to your home, of course, but apart from that, they introduce a “wow-factor” you don’t always get from standard lighting. Choose your favorites, and see how it elevates the entire space instantly.
