Best Wall Lights for Home in India: Bedroom, Living Room, Hallway and Entrance

Wall lights do what a ceiling light cannot: they put soft light at eye level and make a wall look finished. For a bedroom, a pair of small wall lights beside the bed is the easiest upgrade. For a living room, a pair of decorative wall lights on the feature wall gives the evening look. For a hallway or entrance, an up-down light adds a glow without glare. The Orient Electric picks below start at Rs. 222.

Which wall light should you buy? Our picks by room

What are the specifications of each wall light?

Which wall light is best for a bedroom?

The K-lite Mini (2W, priced at Rs. 222) is small and quiet, which is what a bedside light should be. A pair costs Rs. 444. Fitted at the same height on both sides of the bed, the pair also makes the wall look balanced. If one person reads late, the Flexi spot light (Rs. 537) can be pointed at the page while the other sleeps.

What works for a living room?

The living room is the place to spend a little more. The Raya range suits it: Raya Neo (Rs. 951), Raya Candle (Rs. 1,212), Raya Curve (Rs. 1,304) and Raya Glow (Rs. 1,381). Choose one design and use it as a pair on the sofa wall or beside a TV unit, because two matching lights look planned and one on its own can look like it is missing a partner. A pair of the Neo comes to Rs. 1,902.

Turn the ceiling light off in the evening and leave only the wall lights on. This is when they earn their price.

Are wall lights good for a hallway, staircase and entrance?

Yes, and they solve a common problem. A bright ceiling light in a narrow passage throws harsh light and leaves the walls dull. A wall light in a hallway spreads a soft glow along the wall. The K Type 2 Way Deco (Rs. 346) and the Up Down Deco (Rs. 512) both send light in two directions, so a single fitting lights the wall above and below it. Two K Type lights cost Rs. 692.

For an entrance that sees rain or spray, fix the light under a roof or canopy.

Up-down or adjustable: which type should you choose?

An up-down light, such as the Up Down Deco or the K Type 2 Way Deco, sends light up and down the wall at the same time. It gives the wall a soft wash and works well in a hallway, on a staircase or beside a door. An adjustable light, such as the Flexi spot light, can be turned to land where you want, which makes it the better choice for reading or for lighting a picture. If you are unsure, use up-down lights for the passage and an adjustable one for the bedside.

How do wall lights work with ceiling lights?

Think of the ceiling light as the daytime light and the wall light as the evening light. In the morning you want the whole room bright, so the ceiling light does the work. After dinner you switch it off and leave the wall lights on, and the room feels calmer. For that to work, put the wall lights on a separate switch. If you are planning ceiling lights in the same room, our ceiling lights pair well with them, and our guide to different types of ceiling lights helps you choose.

Where should wall lights be installed?

Which wall light mistakes are easy to avoid?

•             Fixing the lights too high, so the light falls on the ceiling and not on the wall.

•             Choosing two different designs for the two sides of the bed.

•             Putting a bright light right next to a TV, where it causes glare on the screen.

•             Leaving out a separate switch, so the wall lights cannot be used without the ceiling light.

•             Fixing outdoor lights without a roof or canopy over them.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How many wall lights do I need in a room?

A: Most rooms look best with a pair. A bedroom takes two, one on each side of the bed. A long hallway can take three or four, spaced evenly.

Q: Should wall lights match the colour of the ceiling lights?

A: They do not need to, but they should feel related. Warm white wall lights work well with a natural or warm white ceiling light, and switching the ceiling light off gives you a softer evening mood.

Q: When should wall light points be planned in a new home?

A: Before the walls are plastered and painted. The wiring is chased into the wall, so this is the easiest and cheapest time to decide where each light goes.

Q: Can wall lights make a small room feel bigger?

A: They can help. Light on the walls draws the eye outward and the room feels less boxed in than when only a ceiling light is on.

Q: Can I fit wall lights in a rented flat?

A: Wall lights are wired in, so they need an electrician and your landlord's permission. Ask before you drill or change any wiring.

Choose a pair from our wall lights, and pair them with ceiling lights for a complete room.