Image: Timeless Traditions Santiago Chandelier

Lighting isn’t just functional—it shapes the mood of a space, enhances design details, and adds warmth and personality. But with so many options available, choosing the right wall and ceiling lights can feel overwhelming. I’ve written a previous blog about layered lighting but for the next few minutes, I’ll walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of different materials, how to pick the right style for your home, and where to use each type of fitting. Plus, I’ve put together a downloadable guide with my favourite lighting picks—so you can feel inspired to shop and try out some of my ideas.

Wall Lights: Practical & Stylish

Wall lights are incredibly versatile. They provide ambient lighting, reduce glare, and work beautifully in living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. Not all wall lights are hardwired in, there are many options of plug in fix up, great space savers for bedside tables too.

Choosing the Right Material

🔹 Glass Wall Lights – Elegant and timeless, glass lights can create soft, diffused light whilst still giving plenty of brightness.
✔️ Available in clear, frosted, ribbed, or smoked finishes.
✔️ Works well in both modern and traditional settings.
❌ Clear glass can create harsh shadows if the bulb is too bright, and some find looking at exposed light bulbs uncomfortable on the eye.

❌ Avoid where you want soft, calming light such as living or bedroom.

💡 Best for: Kitchens, utilities and bathrooms (if IP-rated).

🔹 Metal Wall Lights (Brass, Black, Chrome, Copper) – A sleek and durable choice, metal finishes can add a contemporary or vintage look.
✔️ Hard-wearing and available in brushed, polished, or matte finishes.
✔️ Great for industrial, modern, or heritage-style interiors.
❌ Directs light in the direction of the shade rather than diffusing it up and out in all directions—better as a feature than a main source of light.

💡 Best for: Task lighting (reading, working areas), statement pieces in hallways.

🔹 Fabric Wall Lights – Adds warmth and softness to a room, perfect for cosy interiors.
✔️ Provides a gentle, diffused glow and an opportunity to add colour and pattern.
✔️ Ideal for bedroom lighting or living rooms, just dreamy in a snug.
❌ Needs occasional dusting or cleaning.

💡 Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, or spaces where you want a more relaxing light.

🔹 Plaster or Ceramic Wall Lights – These blend into walls seamlessly and can even be painted to match your décor.
✔️ Subtle and elegant—great for minimal interiors.
✔️ Can be repainted for a custom look.
❌ More delicate than other materials - go careful carrying things past these fittings.

💡 Best for: Hallways, staircases, or contemporary homes.

Pendant & Ceiling Lights: Functional Meets Statement Style

Ceiling lights serve as the main source of illumination, pendants can also double as feature pieces that add character to your space.

Choosing the Right Material

🔹 Glass Pendant Lights – A classic choice that allows maximum light output.
✔️ Ideal for task lighting (e.g. over kitchen islands).
✔️ Available in clear, frosted, textured and coloured options.
❌ Can show dust and fingerprints more easily.

💡 Best for: Kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms (IP-rated).

🔹 Metal Ceiling Lights – Perfect for industrial, Scandi, or vintage interiors.
✔️ Available in various finishes, from antique brass to sleek matte black.
✔️ Long-lasting and hard-wearing.
❌ Can create directional lighting rather than diffused glow.

💡 Best for: Kitchens, hallways, and dining areas.

🔹 Rattan or Woven Lights – These add warmth and texture, great for a relaxed, natural look.
✔️ Perfect for adding a soft light and casting interesting shadows (some love, some loath).
✔️ Works well in coastal, rustic, or modern homes.
❌ May cast shadows on walls.

💡 Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, or over dining tables.

🔹 Fabric Shades on Chandeliers – A great way to soften the look of a room while providing even lighting.
✔️ Another chance to inject personality with the fabric on the shade and the finish of the frame.

✔️ Works well in traditional and contemporary settings.
❌ May not suit high-humidity areas like kitchens.

💡 Best for: Bedrooms, large hallways, and cosy spaces.

Where to Place Your Lighting for the Best Effect

Hallways & Staircases – Use wall lights at eye level to create a welcoming, well-lit walkway.
Bedrooms – Use pendants and table lamps. Swap bedside table lamps for wall-mounted reading lights to save space if needed.
Dining Areas – Opt for a statement pendant over the dining table, making sure it hangs 75-90cm above the surface.
Living Rooms – Mix pendants, floor lamps, and wall lights for a layered effect.
Kitchens – Use metal or glass pendants over an island and opt for carefully placed downlights for task lighting.

Want to Shop My Top Lighting Picks?

I’ve put together a downloadable guide featuring my favourite wall and ceiling light fittings, with links to purchase them directly (remember Renovation Room Members can save significantly). Whether you're after classic glass wall lights, stylish rattan pendants, or industrial-style metal fittings, this guide will help you find the perfect match for your home.

Need help choosing the right lighting for your space? Get in touch for a personalised design consultation!

Browse through some of my favourite options in the attached ‘Chestnut Interiors Lighting Edit’ below.