Kitchen Wall Lights

Where should I put wall lights in a kitchen?

There are no hard and fast rules here, which is honestly part of the fun. Above a breakfast bar or dining area within your kitchen is a brilliant spot. A pair of wall sconces at either end can really define the space and make it feel like its own little zone. Either side of a window or a focal point like an alcove or dresser works beautifully too, framing the feature and adding depth to the room. If you've got a longer kitchen run, dotting wall lights along one wall is a great way to add warmth and break things up. Not sure where to commit just yet? A rechargeable wall light is a brilliant way to try out a position before you decide, since you can move it around until you find the sweet spot. The main thing to think about is layering. Wall lights work best alongside your main ceiling light, not instead of it.

Do kitchen wall lights need to be IP rated?

It depends on where you're planning to put them. If your wall lights will be close to a sink or hob, within splashing distance essentially, you'll want to check the IP rating. Fittings in these areas should be at least IP44, which means they're protected against water splashes from any direction. For wall lights positioned away from water sources, a standard fitting is absolutely fine. Rechargeable wall lights are particularly handy here too, as they give you the freedom to position your lighting exactly where it looks and works best, without being limited by where your wiring happens to be. If you're ever unsure about IP ratings, the product page will list the relevant information, and our team are always happy to help point you in the right direction.

What style of kitchen wall light should I choose?

This really comes down to the look you're going for in your kitchen. For a modern or minimalist space, a simple ribbed or frosted glass sconce in brushed chrome or matte black tends to work a treat. If your kitchen leans more traditional or country-style, a lantern-shaped fitting or something in brushed brass or brushed gold will feel right at home. Love a bit of industrial character? Go for exposed bulb sconces with metal cage shades. Whatever you choose, picking something that echoes the finishes already in your kitchen, taps, handles, appliances, will help everything feel pulled together. The good news is that many of our most popular styles are available as rechargeable fittings, so you don't have to compromise on looks to get that wire-free flexibility.

What bulbs should I use in kitchen wall sconces?

For that warm, welcoming glow that makes a kitchen feel genuinely inviting rather than clinical, LED filament bulbs in a warm white (2200K to 2700K) are the sweet spot. They give off a lovely soft light, use far less energy than older bulb types, and last ages too. If your sconces are going somewhere you'd like the option to dim, a dining area end of the kitchen for example, check whether the fitting is dimmable and pair it with a compatible LED bulb.