Grosvenor Wall Light Dowsing & ReynoldsThis will involve more effort to install as it’s not a plug-in, but it will look gorgeous and elegant – either by the bed or at either end of the sofa if there’s no room for a floor light. Wall lights can also be the best solution for halls, as pendants can get in the way of the front door and/or the stairs and there’s often restricted space for furniture.
Peg Wall LampDowsing & ReynoldsTime was it was really hard to find a good wall light, and especially hard to find a plug-in version. But there are masses to choose from now – and they can work well for renters (just make good the place where the hook was) as well as small-space living, where there might not be enough space on a bedside table for a lamp and everything else. Or even space for a bedside table at all, come to that.
Round diffused wall lightH&M HOMEMore for ambient light than actual threading of needles, this will work nicely in conjunction with table and floor lamps. But, crucially, it will also look really pretty when turned off, so it won’t fight with any pictures you have hanging on the wall.
empire shade in blue and redpookyWall lights used to be terribly difficult - in that most of them were awful. I know one designer who is so scarred by hideous wall lights from rented flats and 80s houses that he won’t use them to this day. But the times they are a changing and you can find some beauties now. Like this. Try adding a fun floral or plain velvet shade to bring another layer of pattern and print to your room. It comes in a variety of designs and colourways, too.
melville wall sconcepookyThis mercurised glass sconce will diffuse the light gently outwards. Bring a bit of luxe to the kitchen (instead of the dreaded grid of spotlights) or try them in a bedroom to create a softer effect than a pendant would bring.
smaller espere in prismatic glasspookyPerfect for small spaces where you want something more interesting than a harsh downlight – the downstairs loo for example, or a dressing room corner or cupboard.
Atticus brass wall sconceGraham & GreenIf you adhere to the principle that wall and ceiling lights are the earrings and necklaces of the home (and it’s a good principle) then this is a good investment. There’s a good chance the wall lights will be on at best 50 per cent of the time so they need to look good the other 50 per cent. These are decorative and will catch the light in a dark room and glow like jewellery on a darkly painted wall, whichever room they are in.
