Wall lights

Q: Which are the best designer wall light brands?

Several brands stand out in the designer wall light segment. In Denmark: Louis Poulsen (PH wall light, Yuh), HAY (Apex, in several colourways), &Tradition (Bellhop wall), Hubsch (industrial vintage), Frandsen. In Italy: Flos (Tatou, Bell), Artemide (Tolomeo wall, a design classic since 1986), Vibia (Wireflow), Foscarini, Karman. More contemporary and industrial: Buster + Punch (UK, brass and marble finishes), Lyfa (Denmark), Astep, Tom Dixon (copper, sculptural). Vintage/retro style: Hubsch (brass, opal), Madam Stoltz, Maytoni. On the French side: Lampe Gras (iconic 1920s edition), Tiptoe, Sammode. Criteria for choosing well: material (brass, matt black metal, blown opal glass), type of fixing (surface-mounted or recessed), adjustability (fixed or articulated), dimmable compatibility, IP rating if for a bathroom and, of course, the style (minimal, industrial, retro, sculptural). Prices for designer wall lights range from €80 (contemporary entry-level) to €600–1,000 for signature pieces in brass or by a named designer. At The Cool Republic, you'll find these brands with fast delivery in France.

Q: How many wall lights do you need to light a living room properly?

The number of wall lights depends on the size of the living room and on the other light sources you're combining them with. A living room of 15–20 m²: 2 wall lights may be enough if you also have a pendant or a floor lamp. Position them symmetrically around a sofa or a fireplace. A living room of 20–35 m²: 3–4 wall lights to give the space rhythm. Ideally, align them along the long wall of the living room (spacing 1.80–2.50 m), at around 1.80 m from the floor. A living room of more than 35 m²: allow 4–6 wall lights spread across different zones (reading corner, near a large painting, around the fireplace), complemented by 1–2 floor lamps and a pendant. Golden rule: create 3 levels of lighting (general, ambient, task) and place them at different heights (floor, wall, ceiling) to avoid dark spots. A successful living room has at least 5 different light sources in total. Tips: place wall lights facing a mirror to amplify the spread of light, behind a sofa for a warm effect, or above a work of art to show it off. For rooms with several zones (TV area + reading corner + open-plan dining table), independent circuits let you light only the zones in use. At The Cool Republic, don't hesitate to buy several units of the same wall light model for that visual consistency.

Buying guide:How many lumens per m²? Lighting room by room, from bulb to floor lamp What height and dimensions for a bedside table?

Scandinavian or industrial, our wall lamps make a difference!

Our selection of wall lights is designed to delight you: modern, industrial or design wall lights, vintage or pure wall lights.

With our wide range of luminous, elegant wall lights, you can play with sizes, materials and colours to dress the walls of your interiors exactly as you please. These decorative wall lights settle onto your walls as if they had always belonged there, transforming every room in the house with their precious glow. Whether you want to bring character to a rather bare wall or add indirect lighting to a space that feels too dark, they are the ideal way to create a warm atmosphere and fill your home with light. Put your trust in the great design brands (Ferm Living, Seletti, House Doctor and more) and take your pick from the wall lights we have selected for you!

Crafted from solid brass, CVL wall lights are perfect for dressing the walls of the living room or bedroom. Slender and refined, the Link reading wall light sits above the headboard or the sofa to cast just the right light for your reading sessions. For a real statement piece, go for the Earth Radiant wall light: designed by Émilie Cathelineau, this art deco style wall light showcases an openwork golden disc with a satin finish. Highly designed and decorative, this indoor light looks wonderful above the entrance or along the hallways of the house.

The Nelson wall lights by HAY draw their inspiration directly from Swedish silk-covered lamps. A blend of fine materials, this wall light in wood, plastic and chrome-plated metal looks for all the world like a lantern suspended in air and in time. Its pleated lampshade diffuses a soft, warm light, while its switch topped with a walnut ball lets you turn it on with elegance. Finally, the steel arm is adjustable, allowing you to point your wall light in whichever direction you like. Functional and precious, this plug-in light will slot into your interior decor with real flair!

More than a simple wall light, the Sorcier wall light by La Chance graces your walls like a sculpture worthy of the finest galleries! Inspired by the ritual masks of the Gabonese Fang tribe, this light, available in black or coloured steel, instantly lifts your decor. Our favourite? The blue, grey and yellow version: a trio of bright colours that adds zest to every room in the house! The carefully placed perforated details on the wall light cast a pleasant light up along your walls.

Available in silver steel and brushed brass, the wall lights from the Cime collection by ENOstudio have a minimalist Scandinavian look. The pairing of the white glass globe with the oval metal or brass structure gives rise to a decorative lamp with a modern, poetic design. Used as a bathroom wall light (model with IP44 protection rating) or as a source of light in a loft, the Cime model adds a sophisticated touch to your indoor lighting. This designer lamp is dimmable, so you can adjust the light intensity using a dimmer switch. We picture the Cime design as a night light above the bedside table, or as a designer wall light in a large entrance hall!

Frequently asked questions

At what height should a wall light be installed?

The height of a wall light depends on how it will be used. For ambient lighting in a living room or hallway, install the wall light 1.65 m to 1.85 m from the floor — an intermediate height between the eye level of a standing adult and a seated one, which diffuses light harmoniously without dazzling. For lighting above a headboard or sofa (reading use), come down to 1.30–1.60 m from the floor, so that the light falls directly onto the book or fabric. For directional lighting (staircase, highlighting a painting, textured wall), go up to 2 m or more, preferably with an adjustable wall light. In a bathroom, position the wall lights above or on either side of the mirror, at face height (1.55–1.70 m from the floor). Make sure you choose a model rated IP44 as a minimum (IP65 if the area is damp). Pro tip: for high walls (3 m+), don't hesitate to install 2 or 3 wall lights vertically rather than just one. This visually structures the wall and allows you to modulate the intensity. Standard spacing between 2 aligned wall lights: 1.80–2.50 m depending on the spread of light.

What wattage and which bulb for a wall light?

A modern wall light runs almost exclusively on LED. The wattage depends on the use: 5–9 W (equivalent to 40–60 W incandescent) is enough for ambient lighting; 9–15 W (60–100 W equivalent) for functional lighting (reading, bathroom). Opt for a bulb with a CRI ≥ 90 (faithful colour rendering) and a temperature of 2700–3000 K for a pleasant warm white in the bedroom or living room. For the bathroom or kitchen, go up to 3000–4000 K for greater precision. Cap type: E14 (small) or E27 (standard) are the most common. Check the cap before buying. Some designer wall lights have integrated LEDs (not replaceable, but with a lifespan of 25,000–50,000 hours, i.e. 15–25 years at 5 hours a day). Lumens vs watts: go by the lumen (lm) figure. For an ambient wall light, allow 200–400 lm; for reading, 400–800 lm. Dimmable: if possible, choose a dimmer-compatible model. This lets you adapt the intensity to the time of day (warmer and softer in the evening, brighter during the day). At The Cool Republic, the technical specifications of every wall light state the bulb type and dimmer compatibility.

How do you choose a wall light for the bathroom?

The bathroom involves specific constraints. An IP protection rating is mandatory: IP44 minimum for areas away from the shower, IP65 or IP67 for directly wet areas (above or beside the shower/bath). IP44 withstands splashes, IP65 direct jets. Always read the technical specifications before buying. As for positioning, the ideal lighting for a bathroom mirror comes from both sides (left and right) at face height (1.60–1.70 m from the floor). This avoids harsh shadows on the face, which is particularly important for applying make-up and shaving. If space doesn't allow, a single wall light above the mirror will do. Colour temperature: 3000–4000 K (neutral to slightly cool white) for accurate colour rendering without a reddish cast (important for make-up; CRI ≥ 90 is ideal). Style: modern bathroom wall lights come in minimal designs (LED bar, tube), industrial (brushed brass, black metal) or retro (vintage with opal shade). Choose according to the aesthetic of the rest of the room. Precautions: always have bathroom wall lights installed by a qualified electrician — the area is governed by the NF C 15-100 standard and any mistake can be dangerous. At The Cool Republic, bathroom-compatible wall lights are clearly indicated on the product page.

Wall light or pendant: which to choose for the living room?

The two solutions meet different needs and can complement each other. A pendant creates overhead lighting and gives the room vertical structure. Ideal above a defined area: coffee table, sofa corner, open-plan dining area. It delivers a strong design effect (an iconic pendant is a genuine statement piece). Typical height: 1.60–1.80 m from the floor to the bottom of the pendant in a living room. A wall light frees up space, requires no central lighting point and lets you create modulated atmospheres along the walls. Ideal in rooms with low ceilings (< 2.40 m) where a pendant would feel overwhelming, or in narrow living rooms. Several aligned wall lights (2–3 minimum) create a lovely visual rhythm. When to choose one or the other: a pendant if the ceiling is over 2.50 m, the space is open-plan and you need powerful general lighting. A wall light if the ceiling is low, the space is narrow, or you need indirect or decorative lighting. Better still: combine the two. A pendant as the main light source + 1 or 2 wall lights for ambience or reading is the winning formula for a successful living room. It gives you the flexibility to light the room brightly (both on) or to soften it (pendant off, wall lights alone). At The Cool Republic, explore our pendant and wall light selections to put yours together.

Which are the best designer wall light brands?

Several brands stand out in the designer wall light segment. In Denmark: Louis Poulsen (PH wall light, Yuh), HAY (Apex, in several colourways), &Tradition (Bellhop wall), Hubsch (industrial vintage), Frandsen. In Italy: Flos (Tatou, Bell), Artemide (Tolomeo wall, a design classic since 1986), Vibia (Wireflow), Foscarini, Karman. More contemporary and industrial: Buster + Punch (UK, brass and marble finishes), Lyfa (Denmark), Astep, Tom Dixon (copper, sculptural). Vintage/retro style: Hubsch (brass, opal), Madam Stoltz, Maytoni. On the French side: Lampe Gras (iconic 1920s edition), Tiptoe, Sammode. Criteria for choosing well: material (brass, matt black metal, blown opal glass), type of fixing (surface-mounted or recessed), adjustability (fixed or articulated), dimmable compatibility, IP rating if for a bathroom and, of course, the style (minimal, industrial, retro, sculptural). Prices for designer wall lights range from €80 (contemporary entry-level) to €600–1,000 for signature pieces in brass or by a named designer. At The Cool Republic, you'll find these brands with fast delivery in France.

How many wall lights do you need to light a living room properly?

The number of wall lights depends on the size of the living room and on the other light sources you're combining them with. A living room of 15–20 m²: 2 wall lights may be enough if you also have a pendant or a floor lamp. Position them symmetrically around a sofa or a fireplace. A living room of 20–35 m²: 3–4 wall lights to give the space rhythm. Ideally, align them along the long wall of the living room (spacing 1.80–2.50 m), at around 1.80 m from the floor. A living room of more than 35 m²: allow 4–6 wall lights spread across different zones (reading corner, near a large painting, around the fireplace), complemented by 1–2 floor lamps and a pendant. Golden rule: create 3 levels of lighting (general, ambient, task) and place them at different heights (floor, wall, ceiling) to avoid dark spots. A successful living room has at least 5 different light sources in total. Tips: place wall lights facing a mirror to amplify the spread of light, behind a sofa for a warm effect, or above a work of art to show it off. For rooms with several zones (TV area + reading corner + open-plan dining table), independent circuits let you light only the zones in use. At The Cool Republic, don't hesitate to buy several units of the same wall light model for that visual consistency.