1. There's a skylight in the way
Natural light is the best kind — and a skylight in a kitchen makes perfect sense. But what do you do at night when you can't hang a light from the void? Wall lights to the rescue. Depending on the layout, you can supplement daytime lighting with cleverly positioned wall lights mounted nearby, stretching across the void, or even inside the skylight shining down.
In the example above, two small white square wall lights are mounted inside a large skylight, pointing down onto the kitchen island and sink area. Discreet, perfectly positioned, and excellent quality of light. I love this solution.
Small wall lights tucked into sky lights supplement pendant lighting
2. Sloped ceilings are tricky to light
Vaulted ceilings are increasingly popular — and a real lighting challenge, thanks to joists, insulation, and mounting incompatibilities. Wall lights are a brilliant solution for getting useful light where you need it when the ceiling is a no-go. There's usually a little space between the ceiling and a window, especially with a vaulted ceiling lifting things away. And as a bonus, wall lights positioned between you and the work surface provide the best possible task lighting — no shadows.
Wall lights over sinks with awkward ceilings are a great solution
3. Fill an open span of wall
Wall lights on an open expanse of wall are a beautiful way to light a kitchen. You get useful illumination, a sense of elegance, and real emotional warmth — an illuminated object of beauty as a focal point does wonders for the overall feel of a space. And if you've invested in a stunning backsplash, this is the perfect way to show it off.
Wall lights along kitchen backsplashes give great light and style
4. You want a pendant effect but can't get ceiling electrics
Sometimes ceiling electrics simply aren't possible — but walls often are, whether from nearby sockets or cables behind shelves or cabinetry. If the walls are already closed and you don't want to channel them out, there are plenty of wall lights with plugs that give a similar effect. Plug in, angle where needed, done.
This light is fixed to the ceiling but plugs into a nearby socket - no electrician required
5. Flexible lighting helps move the light around
Flexible, articulated wall lights have delighted me since I started in lighting — and they continue to. There's something wonderful about a light that moves with you, swinging in and out as needed. In a hard-working room like a kitchen, having lighting at your beck and call is genuinely useful, whether you're prepping food, reading a recipe, or just want to change the mood.
Adjustable wall lights reach over where you need them and then tuck away
6. You want to make a feature of your lighting
Good lighting makes a house feel like a home — and wall lighting is one of the best ways to achieve that. When planning your kitchen, consider dedicating a zone to a wall light or two, even if you have other lighting elsewhere. Chances are, you'll reach for the wall light more than anything else. They're a wonderfully charming way to light a space.
Wall lights can be functional and charming
7. You need to embrace low ceilings
Low ceilings are charming and cosy — but they can be difficult to light in a kitchen. Wall lights are your best friend here. They provide great illumination and a sense of breathing room, and if you choose a fitting that glows all around (casting light onto the ceiling as well as the space below), you'll visually lift the ceiling and give the room a sense of expansion.
The example above is one I love — low ceilings, beams, wonky walls, and wall lights that are far from perfectly plumb. And it works beautifully. The glass shades provide ambient all-round lighting as well as task light. Adorable.
Wall lights are the way to go when you have low ceilings
8. You want to incorporate artwork into your kitchen
Art in a kitchen is more popular than you might think — sophisticated, personal, and full of character. So how do you light it? You have options: traditional picture lights, flexible wall lights angled onto the piece, or ambient wall lights that cast a gentle glow across the whole vignette. If you have a few pieces on the wall, mix in a beautiful glowing wall light that complements the display.
Art work in kitchens is a beautiful touch, and even better when lit
9. Make a feature of your vent
If you've invested in a feature vent, flank it with beautiful wall lights. These are mostly decorative — they don't need to work too hard. Think of them like earrings with a gown: they should match the tone and style of the chimney breast, whether that's traditional or minimal, tall or wide.
Don't be afraid to mix finishes either. In the example above, the wall light and linear pendant are brass while the tap and pulls are nickel — and it all works. What ties them together is quality and good taste.
Decorative wall lights flanking a beautifully covered vent add luxury
10. You have a shelf with beautiful things you want to light
Wall lights above shelves is perhaps the most practical and popular kitchen wall lighting technique. Downlights from above are impersonal and shadowy — not the right tool for displaying things you love. A well-chosen wall light is as personal as the objects on the shelf itself.
Wall lights above shelves is a clever way to add a welcome layer of light
