Unsure how high to install your wall lamp? We had the same question in our own home. After some research, we found that wall lamps typically work best at eye level—approximately 60 to 72 inches (152 to 183 cm) from the ground.
Lighting experts agree that this range of lamps creates a comfortable and warm atmosphere. Here are some simple tips to help you install your wall lamps perfectly.
Key Takeaways: In most interior spaces, wall lamps should be installed 60 to 72 inches from the ground to keep them at eye level, providing comfortable lighting and warmth.
In bedrooms or reading areas, install wall lamps approximately 60 inches (5 feet) from the ground to provide soft, even light that is gentle on the eyes, improves reading comfort, and saves bedside table space.
For bathrooms near mirrors, wall lights should be installed at approximately 60-65 inches from eye level for a clear, shadow-free view; if installed above the mirror, they should be installed at approximately 75-80 inches from eye level.
Outdoor and hallway lighting installations must prioritize safety: outdoor lights should be installed at shoulder height (5 to 6 feet), spaced approximately every 8 to 10 feet along pathways or entrances; hallway lights are best installed evenly every 6 to 8 feet.
Adjust wall light height according to ceiling characteristics—use slightly higher positions (66-72 inches) for high ceilings or vaulted rooms—to highlight architectural details and create visual balance.
General Guidelines for Wall Light Height
We have found that wall lights installed 60 to 72 inches (152 to 183 cm) from the ground provide optimal lighting. You can adjust the wall light position based on ceiling height and the desired ambiance.
Standard wall sconce height for most rooms
Elegant hallways feature modern wall sconces, while living room accents utilize softly focused lighting to create a warm, ambient ambiance.
A good rule of thumb for wall sconce installation is that the distance from the bottom of the fixture to the center of the junction box should be between 60 and 72 inches. This size helps keep the light at eye level, provides even illumination, and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in every room.
Based on our experience installing wall sconces, if the ceiling height exceeds eight feet, installing the sconces approximately 72 inches from the ceiling can draw people's attention upwards.
If planning to install multiple wall sconces in a hallway or living space, in smaller rooms, it's best to leave at least 6 inches of spacing between the fixtures. For larger spaces, such as open-plan living rooms, a spacing of approximately 8-10 inches between wall sconces ensures optimal light distribution without obstructing architectural features or door/window frames.
Adjust according to ceiling height and room purpose
Ceiling height and room purpose will influence the installation height of wall sconces. For rooms with vaulted ceilings, wall sconces are typically installed 66 to 72 inches (168 to 183 cm) from the ground. This harmonizes with the high ceilings while providing ample illumination.
In outdoor areas, safety is paramount, so wall sconces are usually installed at shoulder height. This ensures safe passageways without being overly glaring.
Each area of the home requires wall sconces at different heights to enhance visual comfort while providing adequate lighting. For example, walls near kitchen countertops typically require sconces at eye level or slightly above shoulder height.
Bedrooms and reading nooks may require swing-arm wall sconces, positioned slightly above the headboard, allowing for comfortable reading in soft ambient light without glare. Always test the placement of the sconces before final installation; this ensures aesthetically pleasing and comfortable lighting in every room.
Room Wall Sconce Placement: Modern geometric wall sconces illuminate an elegant hallway with wooden floors and beautifully designed moldings.
The placement of wall lamps can completely transform the ambiance of a room. Let's explore how to choose the right locations to enhance the design and brightness of any space, from cozy bedrooms to spacious open areas.
Living Rooms and Hallways: Modern brass and glass wall lamps create soft, ambient lighting, adding an elegant and stylish touch to any home décor and showcasing a luxurious interior.
Wall lamps are a fantastic way to illuminate living rooms and hallways while adding a touch of style. Based on our experience at Modern Place, wall lamps installed at a height of 60-72 inches (152-183 cm) from the ground create the ideal atmosphere; this height conceals the bulb or the top of the fixture.
For example, wall lamps, with their downward-facing light, can effectively highlight artwork or bookshelves.
Hallways are primarily suitable for wall lamps installed every 6 to 8 feet. Evenly distributed wall lamps illuminate the passageway without being overly glaring. For older homes or rental properties where light switches are unavailable, plug-in wall lights are incredibly convenient.
Adding a dimmer allows you to control the light's output, enabling you to adjust the brightness as needed throughout the day.
Good lighting is not only practical but also creates a warm ambiance.
Bedrooms and Reading Areas: A modern hallway, adorned with elegant wall lights, marble accents, and indoor plants, creates a luxurious atmosphere.
Pin: For bedrooms and reading areas, wall lights are best installed at approximately shoulder height when sitting in bed. Typically, mounting the light fixture about 5 feet (60 inches) off the ground creates the ideal ambiance and provides the lighting balance needed for activities like reading.
We've observed that bedside wall lamps suit a variety of needs and styles because they save bedside table space; these lamps, installed on either side of the headboard, provide more even brightness and reduce eye strain compared to harsh spotlights or table lamps.
Maintaining visual comfort is crucial, so choosing warm-colored bulbs (incandescent bulb output) with a color temperature around 2700k helps with relaxation before bed.
Bathroom and Dressing Area
Modern bathroom interiors feature double sinks, large mirrors, and luxurious lighting, with marble and wood accents.
Wall lamps in the bathroom and dressing area require careful placement to balance aesthetics and functionality. If wall lamps are installed on either side of a mirror, it's recommended to position them 60-65 inches (approximately 152-165 cm) from the ground to keep the light fixtures at eye level and reduce shadows while grooming.
When installing bathroom wall lights above a mirror, they should be installed relatively high, approximately 75-80 inches from the ground. For visual comfort, we always maintain a distance of about 6 inches between the top of the mirror frame and the light fixture canopy.
Outdoor Wall Light Installation Tips
Installing outdoor wall lights at shoulder height (60-72 inches from the ground, or 5-6 feet) is highly functional. This height provides sufficient illumination and safely lights the way and entrance.
It also enhances security by clearly illuminating walls near doors or entrances. Outdoor wall lights on either side of entrances help enhance the appearance of the house and create a warm welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Wall light size is also important; larger spaces require larger fixtures to achieve good balance and visual effect. Generally, we choose a fixture height of about one-third of the total height of the doorway.
On a spacious porch or terrace, spacing is especially important; keeping each outdoor wall light about 8-10 feet apart maintains visual balance and avoids unnecessarily crowding the light sources together.