Can wall lights be added without chasing?

Surface conduit or plug-in wall lights are alternatives.

Can wall lights be dimmed?

With compatible lamps and dimmers.

Should wall lights be on the same switch as ceiling lights?

Separate switching gives more flexibility.

What height should wall lights be?

It depends on the room and fitting; agree it before chasing.

—Fittings and installations

Adding wall lights

Wall lights soften a room and light faces rather than floors. Adding them where none exist needs a cable route and a switch.

Wall lights are often added in living rooms, bedrooms, majlis and stairwells. If no supply exists at the wall, a new cable must run from an existing lighting circuit or a new circuit, typically through the ceiling and down the wall to each light position. In block walls, cables can be chased in; in finished rooms, the wall is made good afterwards.

Installation guides cover what a fitting or appliance needs from the electrics before it goes on the wall or ceiling.

Switching is planned at the same time: from a new switch, from an existing one, or via smart control. Heights and spacing are chosen with furniture, art and doors in mind so the lights look deliberate rather than added.

01In short

The points that matter most

Plan the cable route
From an existing circuit to each light.
Decide switching
New, existing or smart control.
Choose heights
Consistent with furniture and art.

02Detail

What is involved

Circuit connection
Connecting to a lighting circuit with capacity.
Chasing and making good
Cable routes hidden and walls repaired.
Fitting installation
Secure fixing and correct connection.
Testing
Circuit tested before use.

03Checklist

Before installation

Mark positions
Consider furniture and symmetry.
Choose fittings
Size and light direction.
Plan finishes
Painting after chasing.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Can wall lights be added without chasing?: Surface conduit or plug-in wall lights are alternatives.
Can wall lights be dimmed?: With compatible lamps and dimmers.
Should wall lights be on the same switch as ceiling lights?: Separate switching gives more flexibility.
What height should wall lights be?: It depends on the room and fitting; agree it before chasing.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under installation. All topics are on the guides page.

—NEXT