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Wall Lamps of All Kinds – Adjustable Arm Lights to Fixed Sconces

by Bill Ferris Leave a Comment

Adjustable black metal wall lamp

Table of Contents

  • Wall lamps – Hanging on for dear light
    • Swing arm wall lamps – Lighting up the joint
    • Accordion arm wall lamps – Extending your lighting capability
  • Additional things to consider when evaluating wall lamps
    • Line of Sight – Height
    • Relative Proportion – Size
    • Traffic Flow & Activity – Weight & Design
  • Don’t make a glaring omission

Wall lamps – Hanging on for dear light

I can guess what you’re thinking – don’t you mean “sconces” or “vanities?” If we’re going to be nitpicky, then yes, wall lamps, sconces and vanities are all technically wall lights. However, sconces and vanities tend to illuminate a limited area. Wall lamps, for our purposes, provide both task and ambient light and are much more substantial in design and function. They may or may not have shades, but most can be used around seating areas or tables where you need direct light. They’re also effective when horizontal space is at a premium and you can’t use a desk lamp.

Lamp Buying Guide - Wall Lamps
Adjustable arm wall lamps direct light where it’s needed and retract when not needed

Swing arm wall lamps – Lighting up the joint

These handy wall lights have adjustable arms that pivot and swing into several positions. They make it easy for you to move the lighting source. Some have multiple joints and adjustable shades that let you manipulate the light angle even further. This adaptability makes swing arm lamps ideal for reading or performing precision tasks needing close-up direct light. Position them between seats to take advantage of their mobility in both spots. Later, you can fold it up and out of the way when it’s not being used.

Swing Arm Wall-Mount Lamps

Accordion arm wall lamps – Extending your lighting capability

These dynamic wall lights offer many of the same advantages as swing arm varieties, although they are usually a bit more limited in their adjustability. They often have a rotating hinge near the wall mount that permits left and right movement. The key feature is a multi-jointed accordion-like arm that extends and retracts in one direction. The shade is moved manually or using a small lever. Typically, these wall lamps have an industrial steampunk look, which makes them as much an aesthetic choice as a functional one.

Accordion Arm Wall Mount Lamps

Additional things to consider when evaluating wall lamps

Line of Sight – Height

Wall lamps adhere to the same “eye level when seated” guideline as table and floor lamps. Depending on the vertical adjustment capabilities of your lamp arm, you may have more leeway in how high you can mount the back plate.

Relative Proportion – Size

These lights are usually not too big to begin with and are great at conserving horizontal space.

Traffic Flow & Activity – Weight & Design

Their ability to rotate and retract allows them to fold up and tuck out of the way. Be wary of positioning them in high-traffic areas, since they don’t fit as snuggly to the wall as a traditional sconce.

Don’t make a glaring omission

Are you feeling pretty good about your understanding of lamps? Before you get too cocky, there’s a vital element we haven’t covered yet that can make or break the performance of a lamp. No, it’s not how much they have rehearsed. We’re talking about lampshades. The next section of our guide takes a deep dive in what to look for and consider.

Guide Sections

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Lamp Buying Guide

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Types of Table Lamps – Task to Accent Lighting for All Occasions

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Floor Lamp Designs – Elevated Lighting to Brighten your Space

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Choosing the Right Lamp Shade – Popular Shapes, Sizes & Materials

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Light Bulbs & Novelties – Lighting Specifications to Lava Lamps

Filed Under: Guide - Lamps, Lighting

Avatar for Bill Ferris

About Bill Ferris

Bill Ferris is the president of Decor Outdoor and founded the company in 2007. He's been quoted on patio furniture by Living Cozy and on home improvement by Realtor.com. When not writing posts for the website, he's a frequent guest contributor on the subject of online marketing and an interior design enthusiast.

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Guide Sections

  • Lamp Buying Guide
  • Types of Table Lamps – Task to Accent Lighting for All Occasions
  • Floor Lamp Designs – Elevated Lighting to Brighten your Space
  • Choosing the Right Lamp Shade – Popular Shapes, Sizes & Materials
  • Light Bulbs & Novelties – Lighting Specifications to Lava Lamps

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