How to choose a wall light for the living room

Comment choisir une applique murale pour salon

Introduction

A wall light is much more than just a light fixture: it's a true decorative element that adds character to your living room. With its elegant design, functional lighting, and warm atmosphere, it comes in a wide variety of styles and formats to suit your needs. But with so many options available, how do you make the right choice? In this article, we guide you step by step to find the perfect living room wall light, one that will enhance your space while meeting your practical and aesthetic needs. Follow our tips to transform your living room into a unique and welcoming place!

1. Define your lighting needs for a living room wall light

Determine the ideal ambiance for your living room wall light

Before choosing your living room wall light, start by thinking about the ambiance you want to create. The living room is a versatile space where lighting plays a key role in setting a unique atmosphere. Here are some tips to help you find your lighting style:

A warm ambiance: If you want a cosy and welcoming living room, choose wall lights with warm light and fabric or smoked glass lampshades. These materials diffuse a soft and enveloping glow.


👉 Product idea: The wall light "NOMI" with its natural fabric design and soft lighting is perfect for this type of ambiance.

A bright ambiance: For a modern and bright living room, opt for wall lights with a high light output and metallic finishes like gold or chrome. These materials reflect the light, enhancing clarity.

👉 Product idea: The wall light "AMBITUS" in gold metal provides bright lighting while adding a touch of elegance.

A dimmed ambiance: Perfect for a reading nook or a relaxing evening, choose adjustable or dimmable wall lights. These models allow you to adjust the light according to your needs.

👉 Product idea: The wall light "SUBTIL", with its built-in dimmer, is an excellent choice for creating a customizable ambiance.

Identify the specific areas of the living room to light

Well-planned lighting in a living room depends on understanding the different areas to light. Each space has its specific needs, and a well-chosen living room wall light can transform the ambiance while adding style.

Sofa Corner

Add soft and targeted lighting to create a cosy and warm atmosphere.

TV Wall

Reduce eye strain with subtle indirect lighting that highlights your multimedia space.

Reading Corner

Use an adjustable wall light for perfectly tailored lighting during your reading moments.

2. Select the style of living room wall light

Match with the existing decor

Matching a living room wall light with the existing decor of your living space is essential to create a harmonious and cohesive ambiance. Here are some tips to guide you in your choice, along with product suggestions available on our website.

Identify the dominant style of your living room

Modern Style

Choose wall lights with clean lines and metallic finishes to enhance your contemporary living room.

See the modern wall light

Vintage Style

Brass or retro-shaped wall lights fit perfectly in a vintage decor.

Discover the vintage wall light

Industrial Style

Opt for black metal or brushed steel wall lights for a factory chic look.

See the industrial wall light

Scandinavian Style

Choose light wood or pastel-toned lighting for a calming Nordic interior.

See the Scandinavian wall light

Harmonize the colors

Make sure the chosen wall light complements the color palette of your living room. For example:

  • In a living room with neutral tones, a colored wall light can add a touch of vibrancy.

  • For a colorful interior, a wall light in neutral tones will bring balance.

Consider the materials and textures

The materials of the wall light should reflect those present in your decor:

  • Wood for a warm ambiance.

  • Metal for an industrial look.

  • Glass for a touch of elegance.

Wall light suggestions for the living room

Here are some wall lights that could match different decor styles:

This white ceramic wall light offers a sleek design, perfect for a modern or Scandinavian interior.

With its minimalist design and wood finish, it fits perfectly into a Scandinavian-style living room.

Its gold ring adds a touch of elegance, perfect for a vintage or Art Deco decor.

With its black metal frame, it is perfect for an industrial interior.

Visualize the whole

Avant de finaliser votre choix, imaginez l'applique dans votre espace. Assurez-vous qu'elle complète le mobilier, les accessoires et l'atmosphère générale de votre salon.


En suivant ces conseils, vous pourrez sélectionner une applique murale pour salon qui s'harmonise parfaitement avec votre décoration existante, rehaussant ainsi l'esthétique de votre salon.

3. Choose suitable features for a living room wall light

Choosing a wall light is not only about style, but also about functionality. Here are the main options to consider to perfectly meet your needs.

1. Fixed or adjustable models: which option to choose?


  • Fixed wall lights provide static light, ideal for ambient lighting. They are perfect for highlighting wall decor or creating a cosy atmosphere.

  • Adjustable wall lights, on the other hand, allow you to direct the light according to your needs. Practical for a reading corner or a piece of art, they add functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

2. Add a dimmer to customize the light intensity


With a dimmer, you can control the light intensity in the blink of an eye.


  • Dimmed ambiance for relaxed evenings.
  • Bright lighting for a cozy dinner or specific tasks.
    This option is especially useful in a living room where lighting needs vary throughout the day.

3. Consider the built-in switch

Some wall lights come with a switch directly on the fixture. This practical detail is ideal if the wall light is installed near a sofa or bed, allowing you to turn it on or off without getting up.



4. Support for smart bulbs

For smart home enthusiasts, opt for a wall light compatible with smart bulbs. This allows you to change the color or intensity via an app or voice command.


By choosing a wall light with suitable features, you not only optimize the lighting in your living room but also enhance comfort and practicality in daily life.

4. Adjust the size and placement of the living room wall light

Adjusting the size and placement of your wall lights is essential to ensure optimal and harmonious lighting in your living room. Here are some tips to succeed in this step.


1. Choose a wall light proportional to the space


  • For a small living room, opt for compact and discreet wall lights that won't visually overcrowd the space.
  • In a large living room, go for larger wall lights or bold designs that become true decorative elements.
  • Decor tip: In a minimalist space, choose lights with clean lines. In a more eclectic room, play with original wall lights to draw attention.

2. Position the wall light for optimal and harmonious lighting


  • At eye level: As a general rule, a wall light should be installed between 1.50 m and 1.80 m from the floor to avoid glare and ensure even light distribution.
  • Accent lighting: If the wall light is intended to illuminate a reading nook or a sofa, position it slightly offset for functional and pleasant lighting.
  • Highlighting an element: Place the wall light above or beside a decorative item, such as a piece of art or a shelf, to subtly highlight it.

3. Spacing between multiple wall lights


If you are installing multiple wall lights on the same wall:

  • Maintain an even distance (about 1.50 m between each wall light) for even light distribution.
  • Create a visual rhythm by aligning the wall lights at a uniform height, or play with varied heights for a more dynamic effect.

4. Adjust according to the room's specific features


  • Living room with a low ceiling: Opt for slim, vertical wall lights to create the impression of height.
  • Living room with a high ceiling: You can choose larger wall lights or designs that direct the light downward to enhance intimacy.

By adjusting the size and placement of your wall lights, you ensure lighting that is not only practical but also aesthetic, perfectly aligned with the needs of your living room.

5. Choose the materials and finishes for your living room wall light

The choice of materials and finishes is essential to find the wall light that will perfectly integrate into your living room. In addition to their aesthetic role, these elements also influence the durability and maintenance of your light fixture.

Materials that suit your style


Each material brings a different ambiance to your living room. Here are some suggestions to guide your choice:


  • Metal: Ideal for a modern, industrial, or vintage interior. Metal, whether brushed, chrome, or matte black, offers a contemporary and robust look. Perfect for minimalist or sleekly designed wall lights.
  • Wood: For a warm and natural atmosphere, wood is an essential choice. Light woods like oak or beech suit a Scandinavian style, while darker woods fit a rustic or classic decor.
  • Glass: Synonymous with elegance, glass is ideal for a sophisticated living room. Whether transparent, opal, or smoked, it diffuses soft light and creates a cozy ambiance.
  • Ceramic or plaster: These materials add a handcrafted and unique touch. With their raw textures or hand-painted finishes, they fit perfectly into a bohemian or wabi-sabi interior.

Finishes: A detail that makes all the difference


The finishes add character and personalize your living room wall light.


  • Gold or copper finishes: They add a touch of luxury and warmth, ideal for an elegant or Art Deco-inspired living room.
  • Matte finishes: Very trendy, they blend perfectly into a modern or minimalist interior, adding a chic and understated touch.
  • Patina or aged effects: Perfect for enhancing a vintage or industrial ambiance. These finishes add charm and character to the light fixture.

Consider maintenance and durability


The material you choose will impact the maintenance of your wall light:


  • Metal and glass are easy to clean with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive product.
  • Wood requires more delicate care, especially if the finish is natural (not varnished).
  • Ceramic is durable, but avoid corrosive products to preserve its appearance.

By choosing materials and finishes that align with your style and needs, you will enhance your living room while ensuring the longevity of your wall light. Take the time to visualize how it will integrate into your space for a result that is both harmonious and elegant.

Applique murale | FLUTE
Wall sconce | FLUTE - Glowe Studio

6. Decor tips to enhance your living room with wall lights

Living room wall lights are not just light fixtures; they are also real decorative assets. When chosen and placed correctly, they can transform the atmosphere of your living room in the blink of an eye. Here are some simple ideas to integrate them harmoniously into your interior:


  • Multiply the wall lights: Installing several wall lights on the same wall creates a design effect and structures the space.
  • Play with heights: Vary the height of the wall lights to energize the room and draw attention.
  • Pair them with decorative elements: Place them near paintings, mirrors, or shelves to highlight these objects and give them visual importance.

Warm ambiance

Opt for dimmed lighting for a cosy and welcoming living room.

Highlight

Use wall lights to highlight paintings or shelves.

Designer lighting

Combine several wall lights for a modern graphic effect.

Conclusion

Choosing a wall light for your living room is an opportunity to combine style and functionality. Whether you are looking for warm ambient lighting, targeted lighting for your moments of relaxation, or a decorative element to enhance your walls, there is a wall light suited to your needs and style.


Take the time to think about the desired use, the design that will harmonize with your interior, and the materials that will ensure lasting durability. Finally, don't forget that the key to successful lighting also lies in its installation: a well-positioned wall light can transform the atmosphere of your living room.


So go ahead! Explore our wall light collections on Glowe Studio and illuminate your living room with elegance. 😊

Elevate your space

Sarah Medow

Sarah Medow

Sarah Medow is a writer specializing in interior design and lighting. Passionate about warm atmospheres and light play, she reveals elegant ideas to transform every space. Through her writing, Sarah offers expert advice and luminous inspirations to combine aesthetics and functionality in the home.