Lighting is super important throughout the home, but especially in your living room. So, it's time to light it up!
Wall lighting ideas in a living room can often be overlooked, with more time focused on ceiling lighting and floor lamps. Use our wall lighting guide to give ideas and inspire you. When choosing a wall light or floating lamp for your room, look at how you use the space day-to-day. How do you use the room at different times of the day, and do you need the light for a specific use. Maybe you are looking for a reading light or it could be to light up a gallery wall, or just to brighten up a dark corner.
You want to make sure the light you choose is not only functional for your needs. It also needs to be decorative enough to work with your space and the rest of your decor. You may want to match your larger ceiling light with smaller wall lights.
Functional yet decorative wall lights in this stunning home - Image: As featured in Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors (Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99) Photography by Debi Treloar.
Wired or plugged?
Another thing to consider is if you want your wall lighting to be mains connected or simply plugged into a socket in the wall. The former will need a professional electrician to install, so make sure you check this before purchasing any light fitting. If you opt for a mains connected light, try and get a dimmer switch put on it, as this will enable you to get the level of light right at different times. Whatever your preference of style or need there is a wall light out there for you.
Selection of plug in wall lights - Large Directional Wall Light With Wicker Shade, Hanging Monkey Wall Lamp, Art Deco Statement Wall Light
Make a Statement
We think wall lights in a living room should make a statement. You may only need one or two, so make sure they are special. A lamp with an exposed bulb is a great choice, as the overall light will be less harsh. At the same time, there will be sufficient light for what most of us will need it for. Our Brass Effect Hanging Lamp In Frame is a good example of this. Remember you will always have your main ceiling light if needed.
Tip: Avoid placing a wall light right next to your tv. This will create glare, and distract you from your viewing.
If you are looking for something with a little more directional light then a wall light with a flexible arm could be the answer. As with our Manhattan Directional Wall Light, you can move the light to where you most need it. Once you have finished with it, move it back against the wall. Functional doesn't need to be boring!
Wall lights positioned to light up the gallery wall - Image: As featured in Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors (Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99) Photography by Debi Treloar.
Show Off
Use a wall light to illuminate a gallery wall or your favourite piece of art. This is a great way of showing off your walls and having a soft light fill the living room. Perfect for evenings when you don't want the main light on. Wall lights combined with floor & table lamps create such a lovely ambience. If you have a fireplace, then wall lights make the perfect accompaniment either side, creating symmetry and a focal point. Use decorative wall lights, allowing you to dress the fireplace for a maximalist look.
Tip: The light you achieve from your wall does not need to come from a bulb. Use a wall sconce candle holder or a lantern style wall light like our Bamboo Curved Wall Lantern for a different feel. Sometimes nothing beats candlelight!
Head to our Instagram & Pinterest pages to explore more wall lighting ideas for your living room.
