Getting the best out of each space and item when decorating your home is the dream of everyone. Such as a wall light for bedroom. It looks simple, but most of us overlook its height and think, What difference does it make?
Well, the answer is “A LOT.” Today, we are going to talk about the height of your wall lights. Most of us might not make a big deal out of it, but understanding how high your wall light for bedroom should be will surely make you rethink your current light placement.
So, without further ado, let’s get our money's worth out of our lights and let them shine the brightest to elevate our bedroom.
Why Does Wall Light Height Even Matter?
So here’s the thing—placing a wall light isn’t just about screwing it in and calling it a day. It’s a little design secret that can make or break how your room looks and feels.
If the light is too low, it might end up shining right in your eyes every time you lie down. Or if it is too high! The light won’t even reach your book or your bedside properly. The right height is where form meets function—it helps your bedroom feel balanced, cozy, and intentional.
What Is the Typical Height for Bedroom Wall Lights?
Most wall lights generally have their ideal range somewhere between 60 and 66 inches from the center of the fixture to the floor. Let's not just follow figures, though.
Your layout of the bedroom, bed height, ceiling height, and even the function of the light can all somewhat change things. So, the intelligent way to deal with it is to tackle it room-style, not rule-style.
Next, we give three common heights based on the purpose of wall lights for bedrooms to help you better clarify how high your wall sconces should be!
1. If You're Using Wall Lights as Bedside Lamps…
This one’s a classic setup—wall lights placed right beside your bed where traditional lamps usually sit. Your bedside wall light height should ideally be somewhere around 30 to 36 inches above your nightstand. That way, when you’re sitting up reading, the light hits your book and not your forehead.
If you don’t have a nightstand, just measure about 6 to 12 inches above your mattress or headboard instead. You want the light to feel close enough to be useful but not so low that it gets in the way.
When you want a wall-mounted reading light for the bedroom, we recommend that you pick an adjustable swing-arm wall sconce. Why? Because when you relax or read, it lets you move the light around accordingly. Moreover, it also opens up space on your bedside table for a candle, a glass of water, or your phone.
2. When Wall Lights Are Just for Ambiance
If you do not intend to read but simply want to create a soft, relaxing atmosphere in the room. Then you have more freedom in the height of your lights.
You can go a bit higher, closer to 66 or even 70 inches from the floor, so the light casts a gentle glow and adds visual interest to your walls.
This kind of arrangement emphasizes the mood above practicality. Here, a gold wall sconce or a wood up-down wall sconce fixture performs superbly. Without being too strong, it bestows a dispersed glow and a warm, inviting touch to the space. These are excellent on either side of the bed or even in corners where floor lights just wouldn't fit.
3. Thinking About Wall Lights Over Artwork or Decor?
If you have a mirror or piece of artwork in your room, really—and you want to spotlight it with a wall light, your placement will have to be adjusted. Typically installed roughly 6 to 12 inches above whatever you're highlighting, these lights are found.
Art deco wall sconces are handled properly in the bedroom, and it enhances the sophistication of the entire space. A statement item can be really emphasized with an accent lamp or a small picture light, which will help the space to feel complete.
Don’t Forget Your Ceiling Height and Bed Size
Now here’s where things get a little personal—your ceiling height and bed size do affect how your wall lights should be placed. You can set your lights a bit higher to help balance out the high ceiling in your room. If the ceiling is low, however, choose a more grounded position to avoid visually compressing the area.
The same goes for bed size. If you have a king-size bed, the lights can sit slightly wider and a bit higher for balance. For smaller beds, keep them a bit lower and closer together to avoid making the space feel too open or empty.
What Style of Wall Light Should You Pick?
Selecting the appropriate wall light design goes beyond mere aesthetics; it directly relates to your intended use of the light.
An adjustable wall light is your closest companion if your bedroom schedule includes journaling or reading at night. A great and renter-friendly option, a plug-in wall sconce lets you install something without phoning an electrician.
For purely decorative purposes, opt for a modern wall sconce design. For example, round moonlights or LED linear wall sconces can add a touch of cool modernity. There's no need to light up an entire room; just create a well-designed ambiance.
If you're in the middle of a complete remodel and crave a vintage vibe, opt for designer vintage wall sconces. Crystal and glass wall sconces can give your bedroom a sense of vintage ambiance, bright and soft.
Final Tip Before You Drill That Hole
Here’s a small tip that’ll save you from a lot of regret later: before installing anything, test out the placement. Use painter’s tape to mark where your light will go, and maybe even hold up the light (or a paper cutout) to get a feel for its height and spacing.
Walk around the room. Sit on your bed. Lie down. Trust me, this five-minute test can save you from a whole lot of patching and repainting later.
Conclusion
Your bedroom should at the very least feel like your own little world—comfortable, useful, and naturally lovely. Though they might appear like a little feature, wall lights may dramatically change the overall appearance and ambiance of your space with the proper placement.
Getting the height correct makes all the difference whether you're reading late into the night, preparing the ambience for a warm weekend, or simply adding some design flair.
So step back, measure everything, and let your wall lights do what they do best—shine, but in style. Want to find the best wall sconces at the most amazing price? Head to Zowala today to find the lights that elevate your environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I evaluate the right height for my light?
Sit on your bed and look at the light. If you can see the bulb directly or it feels like it’s not lighting where you need it, it probably needs adjusting. -
Can I use wall lights without hiring an electrician?
Yes! Plug-in wall sconces are perfect for this. They mount easily and plug into any outlet—no hardwiring needed. -
Do I need wall lights on both sides of the bed?
Not necessarily. If you're the only one using the bed or if one side is against a wall, a single wall light can still look balanced with the right styling. -
Are dimmers worth it?
100%. Being able to adjust the brightness gives you flexibility for everything from reading to relaxing.
