Up & Down Interior Wall Lights

As a general rule, interior wall lights are mounted at around 1.5 to 1.8 metres from the floor — roughly eye level when standing. However, this varies by application. Bedside wall lights are typically positioned at around 1.4–1.6 metres from the floor (or 25–30 cm above the bedside table surface), while hallway and living room lights are best placed closer to 1.7–1.8 metres. Always consider the proportions of the space and the purpose of the light before finalising the height.

Most wall lights require hardwiring by a licensed electrician, as they connect directly to your home's electrical circuit. This makes the installation more permanent — and the result much cleaner — than a plug-in lamp. Some wall lights are available in plug-in versions, which are a good option for renters or temporary installations. Always check the product specifications before purchasing.

A good thing to know - all hardwired light fittings need to be installed by a licensed electrician for the product warranty to be valid.

Wall lights are primarily designed to supplement rather than replace overhead lighting. That said, in smaller spaces like hallways, bathrooms, or bedrooms, a well-planned arrangement of wall lights can provide sufficient illumination on its own. For best results, choose fittings with higher lumen output and consider combining up-facing and down-facing directions to ensure even coverage across the room.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but "wall sconce" traditionally refers to a decorative wall-mounted fixture — particularly one with an upward-facing shade or arm extending from the wall. "Wall light" is the broader term that encompasses all wall-mounted light fittings, including sconces, up/down lights, picture lights, and bedside lights. In Australian English, "wall light" is the more commonly used everyday term.

Check out our top 10 wall sconces.

For bedroom wall lights, focus on four key things: height (mount them at a comfortable reading height, typically around 1.4–1.6 m), dimmability (essential for creating a relaxing atmosphere), style (choose a fitting that complements your bedhead and bedroom palette), and switch placement (make sure they're switchable from the bed). If you're installing a pair of bedside wall lamps, ensure they're spaced symmetrically on either side of the bed and wired to individual switches so each person can control their own light independently.