Wall Lights Either Side of a Bed: Spacing and Height Guide

For most bedrooms, wall lights either side of a bed should be mounted so the centre of the light sits about 60 to 80cm above the top of the mattress. In practical terms that usually means around 110 to 130cm from the floor. Horizontally, position each light either centred over its bedside cabinet or about 15 to 30cm out from the edge of the bed frame. These measurements put light over your shoulder when you sit up to read, while keeping the bulb out of your eyes when you lie down.

Those are starting points rather than fixed rules. Headboard height, mattress depth and the size of the room all affect the final position. Our range of modern wall lights UK includes reading lights, swing arm fittings and softer shaded designs, and the right placement depends partly on which type you choose. It also depends on what else lights the room, so it helps to plan wall lights alongside ceiling and table lights from our wider lighting UK sale range.

Why Measure From the Mattress, Not Just the Floor

Bed heights vary considerably. A low platform bed may have its mattress top at around 40cm from the floor, while a divan with a deep mattress might reach 60cm or more. If you only measure from the floor, a light that looks right beside one bed can sit far too low beside another.

Measuring from the top of the mattress keeps the light in the right relationship to your head and shoulders. When you sit upright against a pillow, your eye level is usually somewhere around 60 to 70cm above the mattress. Placing the light at or slightly above that height means it shines down onto the page rather than across your face.

If you are buying a new bed at the same time, finalise that choice before marking positions for the lights, since a change of frame or mattress can move the ideal height by several centimetres.

Height Guide by Light Type

Fixed Reading Lights

Directional reading lights with a small adjustable head work best when mounted slightly higher, around 70 to 80cm above the mattress. The angle can then be adjusted so the beam falls on the book rather than the pillow beside you, which matters when one person reads while the other sleeps.

Swing Arm Lights

Swing arm fittings offer the most flexibility. Mount the backplate a little higher, typically around 70 to 90cm above the mattress, so the arm can be extended and lowered when needed and folded back flat against the wall when not in use. Check the full reach of the arm so it does not hit the headboard.

Shaded and Decorative Lights

Wall lights with fabric or glass shades give a softer, more ambient glow. Mount them so the bottom edge of the shade sits just above eye level when you are sitting up, so you see the glow rather than the bulb. For most beds that falls around 60 to 75cm above the mattress.

Working Around the Headboard

The headboard often determines the final height. As a general principle, the light should clear the top of the headboard or sit comfortably beside it, never half overlapping it.

• Low headboards: wall lights can be mounted above the headboard line within the usual range.
• Tall upholstered headboards: these often reach 120cm or more from the floor. Either mount lights beside the headboard at the usual height or position them above it with a clear gap, typically 10 to 15cm.
• Wide headboards with integrated wings: move the lights outwards so they sit beyond the wings, centred over the bedside cabinets.

Fabric headboards are worth extra care. Keep any light source a sensible distance from the upholstery, and choose LED bulbs, which run much cooler than older types.

Horizontal Spacing: How Far From the Bed

There are two common approaches, and both work well when they are applied consistently.

The first is to centre each light over its bedside cabinet. This looks orderly and ties the light to the furniture below it. It works best when the cabinets sit close to the bed and are a similar width on both sides.

The second is to measure from the edge of the bed frame, placing each light 15 to 30cm outwards. This keeps the light close enough to be useful for reading and is better when bedside cabinets are wide or placed a little away from the bed.

For a standard double bed of around 135cm wide, lights placed 20cm from each side would sit roughly 175cm apart, centre to centre. For a king size bed of around 150cm, the same approach gives roughly 190cm. If the distance looks too wide in proportion to the wall, bring the lights in a few centimetres or select a larger shade.

The choice of bedside furniture influences this greatly. Our modern bedside cabinets UK come in a range of widths and heights, so it is worth deciding on the cabinets before fixing the final light positions.

Keeping a Pair Exactly Symmetrical

A pair of lights that are even slightly out of line is noticeable every time you walk into the room. To get them right:

1. Find the centre line of the bed and mark it lightly on the wall.
2. Measure out an equal distance on each side to the centre point of each light.
3. Use a spirit level or laser level to mark the same height on both sides.
4. Check the marks against the headboard and bedside cabinets before drilling.

If the wall has a chimney breast, alcove or sloping ceiling, symmetry in relation to the bed is usually more important than symmetry in relation to the room. The bed is the focal point, and the lights should frame it.

Adapting the Guide for Smaller UK Bedrooms

Many UK bedrooms are compact, particularly second bedrooms and rooms in flats. Wall lights are a sensible choice here, because they free the bedside surface that a table lamp would otherwise occupy. That means you can use narrower bedside cabinets or even small floating shelves.

In tight rooms, choose slim fittings with a shallow projection, especially if the bed is close to a door or wardrobe. Where the bed sits against a wall on one side, you might use a single light on the open side, or fit a matching pair on the headboard wall itself for visual balance, even if one is used less.

The bed itself shapes the layout too. A low framed bed in a small room suits lights mounted at the lower end of the range, which keeps the composition grounded. Our modern beds UK sale range includes frames with a variety of headboard heights, which makes it easier to plan lighting from the outset. Our guide to bedside table measurements for UK bedrooms explains how cabinet height should relate to your mattress, and our article on UK king size bed dimensions and room sizes is useful for checking the overall footprint before you mark the wall.

Wiring and Switch Positions

For hardwired lights, plan positions before decorating so cables can be chased into the wall neatly. Always use a qualified electrician. It is worth considering a switch on each light or a separate switch beside each side of the bed, so both sleepers can control their own light. A two way switch at the door allows the lights to be turned on as you enter.

If you prefer not to rewire, plug in wall lights with a fabric covered flex can look smart when the cable is run neatly down the wall behind the bedside cabinet. Rechargeable fittings are another option, especially for rented homes.

Colour Temperature and Brightness for Sleep

Bedroom lighting should help you wind down. Warm white bulbs around 2200K to 2700K create a relaxed atmosphere. Many people find that softer, warmer light in the evening is more restful than bright cool light.

For reading, aim for enough output to see the page comfortably without lighting the whole room. Dimmable fittings are useful: bright enough to read, low enough for a calm atmosphere before sleep. A soft ceiling light or a small lamp on a chest of drawers can then be layered with the wall lights for a balanced scheme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mounting lights too low, so the bulb shines into your eyes when you sit up.
• Placing lights too high, which casts your own shadow over a book.
• Fitting lights before choosing the bed and headboard.
• Using a light that projects too far from the wall, so it is knocked when getting in and out of bed.
• Choosing cool white bulbs that make the bedroom feel clinical in the evening.

Final Thoughts

Getting wall lights either side of a bed right comes down to a few measurements: around 60 to 80cm above the mattress, centred over the bedside cabinet or 15 to 30cm from the bed, and exactly level on both sides. Adjust for your headboard and the type of fitting, plan wiring early, and choose warm, dimmable light. The result is a calm, symmetrical bedroom where the lighting is practical every night.

Discover bedroom furniture and lighting at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should bedside wall lights be from the floor?

Usually around 110 to 130cm, but it is more reliable to measure 60 to 80cm above the top of the mattress so the light suits your bed height.

Should bedside wall lights be centred over the bedside table?

It is a neat option when bedside cabinets sit close to the bed. If cabinets are wide or set apart, placing lights 15 to 30cm from the bed edge keeps them practical for reading.

Can I fit wall lights above a tall headboard?

Yes, provided there is a clear gap of around 10 to 15cm above the headboard. Alternatively, place the lights beside it at the usual height.

What type of wall light is best for reading in bed?

Directional reading lights and swing arm fittings let you aim light at the page. Shaded fittings are better for softer, ambient light.