The terminology used for wall lights can be hard to understand and can render you feeling unsure when you decide to upgrade or replace the lighting in your walls. This guide can help clarify some of the jargon and let you know what you require. A comprehensive guide covering varieties of wall lights and the possible issues that could hinder you from installing a lighting fixture to the wall, as well as solutions to the common pitfalls. This is a great guide for anyone looking to buy a light for their wall but aren’t sure which. We’ll assist you in determining the proper height for mounting the light, what lights dim, when a double insulated light is required and much more.
Hard Wired Wall Lights
Wall lights are referred to as being hard wired if they are connected to the mains. In other words, they’re lights that’re not connected via the plug like an ordinary table lamp but they are connected to cables in your home that may be concealed in the wall or mounted on a surface.
Some wall light fixtures can be controlled by a standard wall switch (like the one used to control your ceiling lighting) however, not all of them. How the wall light is controlled is dependent on the wiring within your home. There are three cables: a neutral, live as well as earth cables. It could be a switching cable, or it may be a live, permanent cable. If the cable is made to work as an electrical switch cable (and this is a basic explanation to aid understanding the concept; we suggest you employ a licensed electrician), then you can make use of the wall switch to operate the lights. If it is a live cable, the light on the wall will remain always on until there is a switch to the wall fixture.
As stated previously, an electrician is the person responsible for all electrical issues, and even easy jobs may be more complex than anticipated; this is especially true in older houses, where many”cowboys” may have found ways to circumvent or adapt the safety measures. The electrician is educated and legislated to deal with all electrical issues. We all were taught as infants that electricity is extremely dangerous so for your safety and that of visitors and family members to your home, it’s well worth it to hire an expert in electrical work. The cost is relatively low to alter a light fixture.
Double Wall Lights Insulated:
Sometimes , there isn’t an earth cable at house, and therefore only double-insulated (class 2) lighting can be utilized. Sometimes, the lights are written by the name class II. Here , we provide a vast selection of lights that come with this safety feature.
The homes built prior to 1970 were completed before the introduction of a legal requirement for an earth cable to be installed, and so lots of houses built before the 1970s must use double-insulated lights. If you’re not sure that you are safe, you can use these lights that are double insulated in all homes and rooms (with the exception of bathrooms) or where a bathroom rated version must be used. Lights that are classified as class 2 have a second layer of insulation to shield the live components, this will prevent any electric shocks from touching the light lighting fitting or switch.
Wall Lights with Switches
Wall lighting can be operated in a separate manner from the other lighting fixtures within the room, provided that they have a switch in the fitting, also known as an integrated switch. This can be beneficial when you’re trying to create a low-level of illumination or create a tranquil ambient. Types of switches are:
Cord Pull Cord (illustrated above) A cord that you pull down
Toggle: A ‘joystick’ type switch
Rocker – A rocking on/off switch
In-line Rocker – A style of rocker switch that is located along the cable
Dimmer Dial – A switch that dims lights (anti-clockwise) or make it brighter (clockwise)
If you do not require your ceiling light separately controlled, but the light you like is only available using an integrated light switch you’ll feel relieved to have the knowledge that a wall light that is switched can still be operated by its mains button (just make sure the switch is in the “on always). If you’re replacing an old wall light fitting, it is recommended to replace it like with like. So be sure to provide this information when you are searching.
Where should you place your wall lights
In living spaces and hallways, we’d recommend siting the wall lights in a range of 160 and 170 centimeters above the floor’s level
For those who have a fireplace that is lit by wall lamps, it’s best set around 40 to 45 centimeters above this.
In bedrooms, the wall lights can be most effective when they are situated around 50 centimeters higher than the top of the mattress.
The considerations for adding new Wall Lights:
Be sure to connect to cabling that allows lighting to be powered, as you wouldn’t want to find you have no mains wiring available for your new fittings! Make sure to explain to your contractor how you would like to operate the lights as they’ll require that the proper cabling is put in place so that you can switch the way you’d like.
Switching Old Lights for New:
The advantage of changing wall lights is that you know you’re connected to the mains power wiring and won’t have to find yourself in a dark spot. Remove the old fixture and replaced by a shiny new one! Be sure to select the right wall light to provide the same or an adequate amount of light and is equipped with the right mains power cables to operate the lights properly (unless you’re replacing a light with another with the same switching configuration). No matter if you’ve or haven’t got the right cable in place there is the right wall light. Explore the entire collection of un-switched, switched or double insulated wall fixtures at on our online store.
Where to Position Them:
There’s no right answer for exactly where a wall light is best placed, as it’s contingent on the application. You may want the lighting to be placed higher in hallways or when your ceilings are tall but in general, you should consider placing the lights 150 centimeters (or 60″) above floor level for most places and with a slight exception for the bedroom, as it may be possible to set in a lower position for lighting for your bed. If your lights are wall washer types they may be better to place them above the eye level, so that you do not just see only the insides of the fitting. With regard to the spacing between lights that are in succession we recommend 2.5 three metres for a reasonable spacing however , this is always dependent on personal preference and the wiring’s suitability. Often if you are upgrading an outdated light, the cable will determine where the new light will have to go, but do be aware that the type of light you pick could be different in terms of cable entry points. One of the best tips for those who don’t want to damage the existing decor choose an indoor light that has an additional back plate or mounting plate that will cover all of the previously screwed holes and will be large enough to conceal the missing wallpaper or paint, which is typically seen when the light is removed.
Lamps for the Wall with plugs
If you’re looking for a wall light, but don’t have the necessary cabling ready to place it in your home and you’re looking at one of the numerous wall lamps that have a long plug lead and switch, just like tables and floor lamps. A downside is that you’ll be able to see the cable, so it’s a good idea to tie the wire down as far as you can to avoid it becoming messy. You can also choose one with cords made of fabric rather than a wire. They’re great for reducing tables at night or to avoid wall channeling. The plug in to a socket style of wall lighting are ideal for people who live in rental properties as you can hang this type of luminaire in much in the same way as you hang pictures.
Dimmable Wall Lights
These lights are suitable for use on an dimmer switch on the mains, or they will come with their own dimmer dial to allow the light output to be adjusted accordingly. This is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms where ambient lighting and mood lighting are often needed. Many lights can be dimmed, it is dependent on a number of variables. If the light is an option to dim the bulb, this is the primary consideration. Certain LED bulbs can be dimmed however as they are super low wattage ensure the dimmer switch is suited to a bulb with a low wattage. If the light is equipped with internal electronics, for example a 12-volt light will have an electrical transformer, while a fluorescent may be equipped with a ballast (sometimes called choke), then the internal parts may not work with dimmers.
LED Wall Lights
Wall lights which are LED lit, are very efficient, as they consume only a small amount of energy to provide an extremely high amount of light. Certain of these wall lights are LED integrated which means that the light source is built into the fitting. Many people are concerned that they’ll need replacement bulbs bulb when the bulb is gone, but LED lighting lasts for longer than the typical lifespan is around 15 years. Therefore, with an integrated LED, you don’t have to worry about the concern of replacing bulbs entirely. It’s normal that the latest technology can be viewed dimly in the initial stages of being introduced to the market but you’ll be surprised to know LED’s were in existence in the past since at least the early 60’s!
Alternately, you could make use of LED bulbs in any other light fixture if there is in fact an LED variant of the light bulb that it is using. Take a look at the variety of retro fit LED light bulbs we’d recommend in the light bulb section of the online store. We also showcase LED bulbs that work in conjunction with the light bulb after you have added them in the basket.
Hopefully this detailed blog will guide you to the ideal wall-light that will suit your needs. All you’ll need to do is select which wall light you’d like. Below you’ll find a little additional information on the different kinds of wall lighting available to purchase. You’ll find links that are short cuts to each option, simply select the style that fits you and then directly go to the secure secure online shop and look through the assortment.
Walls with different types Light
So, you’re nearly an authority in lighting for walls as well The last thing to think about before you move into style is what kind of light fixture you want to install.
Wall Washer Wall Washers – They are placed close to the wall , and generally have a diffuser at the base or top that of the lighting, and both and let a light pool up and down the wall.
Wall Sconce Wall Sconces are typically a single wall light with the design of a candelabra.
Single Wall Light – As it suggests this is a wall light with only one light source.
Double Wall Light – A wall light made of two arms or light sources.
A Wall Spot Light – These provide an adjustable directional angle and are great in task lighting.
Flush Wall Lights – Ideal for rooms with minimal space or hallways that are narrow, these fit close to the mount point.
Ceiling Pendants Wall Pendants : A light fixture with an overhead light source comparable to ceiling pendants.
Flexible Arm Wall Lights Like swing arm wall lights , they provide flexibility, but with a freely flexible neck rather than a hinge mechanism.
Scissor Arm Wall Light – A wall light that can be extended from its mounting point because of its scissor-like mechanism.
Wall Chandelier – A decorative lighting fixture that is striking and a style similar to chandeliers of the traditional style, these are fantastic alternatives or add-ons.
Hospitality Wall Lights – These wall lights are great for lighting in bars, hotels and restaurant setting. They are stylish, functional and easy to maintain.
Paintable Wall Lights Commonly made of the use of plaster or ceramic, these lights can be painted with a color of your choice. They are great for adding contrast or to your design
Bathroom Wall Lights – IP44 Rated (or better) wall lights that provide protection from steam and water entering the room, therefore are safe for bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites.
Outdoor Wall Lights – IP44 rated (or higher) these light fixtures are suitable to be used outdoors and have protection against the elements.
Recessed Wall Lights – These wall lights fit recessed into the wall without taking up any space. The perfect lighting solution for practicality.
Backlit Wall Lights – These lights tend to reflect light towards their own surface or the surface on which they are mounted and are based on reflecting light back off its material or the surface on which it is mounted to the wall. It’s like an art piece!
Picture Lights: They bounce illumination back towards the wall. They’re designed specifically for lighting subtlely or shining a photo or any type of wall-mounted art.
Contact the team at Light Hub Direct when shopping for plaster wall lights.