To use wall lights to frame a fireplace, fit a matching pair, one either side, mounted at exactly the same height and spaced evenly from the centre of the hearth. Place them on the chimney breast to frame a mirror or artwork above the mantel, or in the alcoves for a wider frame, and keep them a sensible distance from any source of heat. The symmetry draws the eye straight to the fireplace and makes it the clear focal point of the room.<\/p>\n
Fireplaces are the natural centre of many UK living rooms, and wall lights are one of the most effective ways to emphasise them. Our modern wall lights UK sale<\/a> include pairs in brass, black, nickel and glass that suit both period and contemporary fireplaces.<\/p>\n A fireplace is already a strong architectural feature, with a chimney breast that projects into the room and alcoves on either side. Wall lights build on this structure. A pair on each side reinforces the symmetry and frames the fireplace like a picture, giving it presence even when the fire is not lit.<\/p>\n They also create a warm, layered glow in the evening. With the main ceiling light off, wall lights around the fireplace provide soft background light that feels cosy and inviting, especially when the fire is lit. Planning them alongside other fittings from our modern lighting UK<\/a> range helps you build a full lighting scheme for the room.<\/p>\n Mounting a pair of lights directly on the chimney breast, either side of a mirror, painting or overmantel, creates a tight, formal frame. This is the classic arrangement in period living rooms, and it works equally well in modern homes with a simple surround.<\/p>\n Position each light so it sits roughly level with the middle or upper part of the mirror or artwork, leaving a little space between the light and the frame. The lights should feel related to the piece they flank, not lost at the edges of the chimney breast.<\/p>\n This option suits chimney breasts of generous width. On a narrow breast, lights can crowd the mirror and look squeezed.<\/p>\n Placing lights in the alcoves either side of the chimney breast creates a wider, softer frame. It works well when the chimney breast is narrow, when a television hangs above the fireplace or when the alcoves contain shelving or cupboards.<\/p>\n Centre each light in its alcove, or position it slightly towards the chimney breast so the pair still reads as a frame for the fireplace. Mount both at the same height, and if there is shelving, set the lights just above the top shelf so they also illuminate the alcove contents.<\/p>\n Height should relate to the mantelpiece and whatever hangs above it. On the chimney breast, a common approach is to mount lights so the shade sits somewhere around the middle of the mirror or artwork above the mantel. This often places them comfortably above standing eye level.<\/p>\n In the alcoves, consider seated eye level as well. People usually look at the fireplace from armchairs and sofas, so check the view from where you sit. Lights mounted too low in alcoves can glare into the eyes of seated guests.<\/p>\n Whichever position you choose, measure from a fixed reference such as the mantel shelf or the ceiling rather than from the floor, as hearths and floors in older homes are often uneven.<\/p>\n Scale matters. On a wide, tall chimney breast in a period home, small lights can look timid. Choose fittings with some presence, such as double arm candle lights or lights with generous shades. On a narrow chimney breast in a modern home, slim lights with a modest projection look more balanced.<\/p>\n A useful test is to cut paper templates at full size, tape them in position and view the fireplace from across the room. Adjust until the lights feel in proportion with the chimney breast, the mantel and any mirror above.<\/p>\n Fireplaces and stoves produce significant heat, and the area directly above and around them can become hot. Keep wall lights well away from the opening of an open fire or the body and flue of a stove. Follow the guidance provided with your stove or fire for clearance to combustible materials, and the manufacturer’s guidance for the light.<\/p>\n Fabric shades in particular should be kept clear of heat. If you are unsure, ask your installer or a qualified electrician to advise on safe positions. In many cases, alcove positions are the most practical choice for homes with a working stove.<\/p>\n Many living rooms have a television above or beside the fireplace. When the television hangs above the mantel, lights on the chimney breast can reflect in the screen, so alcove positions are often better. Angle the shades away from the screen to reduce glare.<\/p>\n Where the television sits beside the fireplace instead, in one of the alcoves, place a single light in the opposite alcove and a second on the chimney breast side of the television alcove. This keeps the fireplace framed while preventing a light from sitting directly behind the screen.<\/p>\n The finish should complement the fireplace surround. Marble and stone surrounds pair well with brass, nickel and antique gold. Cast iron and slate look striking with black or bronze. Painted timber surrounds suit almost any finish, so take a cue from other metals in the room.<\/p>\n Shades add another layer. Fabric shades in linen or silk give a soft, classic glow. Opal or ribbed glass adds a contemporary touch. Candle style lights without shades suit formal period rooms, especially with warm candle bulbs.<\/p>\n A mirror above the mantel reflects light from the wall lights and the fire, adding depth. A large round or arched mirror suits modern rooms, while an overmantel mirror with a gilded frame suits period homes. Our wall mirrors UK sale<\/a> include shapes and frames that work above most fireplaces.<\/p>\n Keep the mantel simple: a pair of candlesticks, a vase, a small stack of books or a few objects grouped together. Symmetry on the mantel reinforces the symmetry of the wall lights, though a slightly relaxed arrangement can feel more lived in.<\/p>\n A fireplace framed by wall lights becomes the focal point of the room, so arrange seating to face it. A pair of armchairs either side of the hearth mirrors the symmetry of the lights and creates a cosy conversation area. A sofa facing the fireplace with a coffee table between completes the arrangement.<\/p>\n Rounded chairs suit this kind of layout because they are compact and easy to angle. Our modern tub chairs UK<\/a> work well in pairs either side of a fireplace.<\/p>\n Wire fireplace wall lights on their own switch, separate from the ceiling light, so you can use them as the main evening light. A dimmer lets you lower them to a gentle glow when the fire is lit. Hardwired lights should be installed by a qualified electrician, ideally before decorating the chimney breast.<\/p>\n In many newer homes there is no chimney breast at all, and the fireplace takes the form of an electric fire set into a media wall or TV unit. Wall lights can still frame it. Mount a pair either side of the unit at the same height, spaced evenly from the centre of the fire, and keep them clear of the screen. If you are balancing a fireplace with a television unit, our article on fitting a TV unit with a fireplace in a small UK living room<\/a> covers the layout options. For media walls that include an electric fire, see how integrated fireplaces make UK TV units more practical<\/a>.<\/p>\n Electric fires usually produce far less heat at the surface than a log burner, but always follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidance for both the fire and the lights.<\/p>\n Wall lights are one of the simplest ways to frame a fireplace and make it the heart of the room. Choose between chimney breast and alcove positions, get the height and scale right, keep clear of heat and style the wall with a mirror and seating that support the symmetry.<\/p>\nWhy Wall Lights Work So Well Around a Fireplace<\/h3>\n
Option One: On the Chimney Breast<\/h3>\n
Option Two: In the Alcoves<\/h3>\n
Getting the Height Right<\/h3>\n
Sizing the Lights to the Chimney Breast<\/h3>\n
Keeping a Safe Distance from Heat<\/h3>\n
Working Around a Television<\/h3>\n
Choosing a Finish<\/h3>\n
Styling the Fireplace Wall<\/h3>\n
Arranging Seating Around the Fireplace<\/h3>\n
Switching and Dimming<\/h3>\n
Fireplaces Combined with Media Walls<\/h3>\n
Bringing It Together<\/h3>\n