Whether they’re serving as sculptural accents or a practical element, wall lights are a welcome addition to any home design. With thousands of options that marry form with function, the key to choosing the right one for you is understanding your space and determining what you’ll use it for.

A good place to start is with reading lights or sconces that provide a soft wash of light over an accent wall. These are ideal for bedrooms, living spaces and other task-driven areas. The Leon 8 Watt Wide Brushed Silver LED Wall Light is a prime example, featuring a rectangular shape in long bar orientation to deliver a soft wash of illumination above and below the fixture. Its simple brushed aluminium finish makes it a natural fit for modern interior designs.

Picture lights are another type of wall lamp that’s designed to focus attention on a work of art or other displayed artwork. These fixtures can highlight a painting or photograph in an area with a low ceiling, while preserving the colors of the piece and eliminating any glare or unwanted reflections. The LWA387 5 Watt Hexagonal Interior LED Wall Light is an excellent choice for a contemporary space, with its geometric shape that shines illumination down and around itself, creating a wall washing effect. This wall sconce also comes in black and white finishes to match your color palette and decor.

Using wall lighting to illuminate hallways or landings is a great way to welcome guests and create a welcoming entrance into your home. These lights also look fantastic in living spaces alongside ceiling pendants and table lamps, allowing you to build a full ‘lightscape’ that’s fully coordinated.

There are also bedroom wall lighting ideas that can save bedside table space and create a more playful aesthetic. These can be positioned on either side of the headboard and are often bright enough for reading without being abrasive on tired eyes. They can also be paired with other bedroom lighting ideas, such as decorative shelving or bedroom wallpaper ideas, to add interest and depth to a room.

Bedroom wall lights can also be used to highlight architectural details and other design elements in a room, such as a fireplace or other focal point. They can even help to create a mood or sense of drama by positioning them in the corner of a room where they can be reflected off of surrounding walls.

The height at which you choose to mount your wall sconces is important as well. It’s a good idea to avoid hanging them too close to eye level, as this can make it hard to read or cause glare, especially when they have an exposed bulb. Generally, it’s best to install them about six feet from floor level, although your family’s height and the size of the room may influence this. A lighting professional can offer advice about the height at which to hang a particular fixture.