Choosing between wall lights and pendant lights for your bedroom? We understand that lighting isn’t just functional; it’s also the secret sauce for mood, style, and even sleep quality.
Wall lights, with their adjustability and plug-in convenience, are perfect for midnight readers or renters avoiding hardwired hassles.
Whereas pendant lights are the statement-makers, dangling like sculptural art above beds or vanities. So, should you prioritize task lighting for your novel marathons or ambient glow for Netflix nights?
We'll compare them both to help you decide which lighting option to go with for your bedroom in 2025.
What Are Wall Lights?
Wall lights are lamps that fit in walls and provide task lighting or ambient glow. They use basic controls like pull chains, switches, or remotes for operation.
Such lights are made for small spaces or rented places, and they free up floor and surface areas, which means you can fit such lamps easily in bedrooms with low ceilings.
In wall lights, you get simple styles like sleek flush-mount designs, rustic metal finishes, or adjustable swing arms for reading. For example, a basic three-arm sconce can light a bedside book without clutter. Pair them with warm bulbs and mount them 60–65 inches high for comfort.
What Are Pendant Lights?
Pendant lights are lights that hang from ceilings as decorative lights. They look best in rooms with high ceilings (9+ ft) and offer ambient lighting for relaxed moods. When you go with pendant lights you get modern designs often including LEDs or smart featured lights with app controls.
In pendant lights compact shapes (under 16” wide) work best in small bedrooms, while bold styles like woven rattan or crystal add drama.
If you are a renter, you can choose plug-in options to skip wiring. Yes, they can be a bit pricier than wall lights but their dual role as decor and light source makes them ideal for modern, spacious rooms.
Head-to-Head Comparison Wall light vs. Pendant Light
By now you know the key difference between the two and its time to discuss what makes these lights different from each other.
|
Feature |
Wall Lights |
Pendant Lights |
|
Installation |
Plug-in/hardwired; DIY-friendly |
Needs wiring/swag hooks; pro help common |
|
Light Coverage |
Focused task lighting (e.g., reading) |
Broad ambient glow (e.g., mood-setting) |
|
Style Impact |
Subtle, blends into walls |
Bold, eye-catching centerpiece |
|
Space Needs |
Fits low ceilings, small rooms |
Requires 9+ ft ceilings, spacious areas |
|
Price |
$50–300 |
$80–600+ |
|
Tech |
Basic switches/remotes |
Smart features (app/voice controls) |
1. The Installation Process
Wall light are a renter’s best friend because many plug into standard outlets or use straightforward hardwiring. For example, plug-in swing-arm wall lights take minutes to install and require zero ceiling alterations.
Now let’s discuss pendant lights. Pendant lights will often need junction box wiring or swag hooks, which means hiring an electrician.
And if you are a renters, you can opt for swag-style pendants this way you will skip drilling process, but they’re still trickier than wall light.
2. Light Coverage & Function
If you are someone who loves a good bedtime reading then go with wall lamps in your bedroom as they are your best friend for task lighting. These lights are focused and adjustable that’s why they are perfect for reading nooks or bedside tables.
Pendant lights, however, cast a broad ambient glow and are ideal for setting a relaxed vibe in your bedroom. You should just avoid open-bottom pendants in small rooms because they can create harsh glare.
3. Style & Aesthetic Impact
Wall lights are wthout a doubt the supporters of your bedroom decor. You should think of rustic metal finishes or sleek backlit panels that blend into walls for your bedroom.
Although pendant lights demand more care, a woven rattan pendant adds boho charm to your bedroom, while a gourd glass design pendant light gives your bedroom a modern luxe feel. If you want your bedroom to stand out, you should try a cascading crystal chandelier.
4. Space & Ceiling Needs
Wall lamps look best in cozy bedrooms with 8-ft ceilings; this way you would not be bulky fixtures to your space.
Moreover, compact sconces (under 12” wide) work above narrow nightstands or flanking headboards. Pendant lights need breathing room: 9+ ft ceilings prevent head bumps, and compact styles (under 16” wide) avoid overwhelming small rooms.
Just avoid oversized drum shades in tiny bedrooms, as they’ll dominate the space.
5. Price & Tech Features Comparison For Both Lights
Let’s start with wall light pricing. Their lamp prices start at 50 for basic plug-ins (like a simple back lit panel) and they rarely exceed 50 for basic plug-ins (like a simple backlit lit panel).
Whereas, pendant lights range from basic fabric shades to smart-ready designs with app controls.
4 Key Factors to Decide Which Light Goes In Your Bedroom
So you should go with pendant lights or wall lights for your bedroom? Here are some key factors that we are sure will help you decide.
1. Ceiling Height
If you got a bedroom with low ceilings like under 9 ft then go with wall light because they just attach to the wall and will not cramp the space. And, for high or vaulted ceilings, pendant lights are the option to go with.
But don’t forget to measure floor-to-ceiling height before choosing because pendants need 30–36 inches of clearance above beds.
2. Your Room’s Size & Layout
Tiny bedrooms flourish with wall lights, which free up floor space. However, if you have spacious rooms or open-plan suites, then bold pendant lights should be your choice.
3. Your Unique Lighting Needs
Need focused light for reading or working? Wall lights with adjustable arms (like swing-arm sconces) direct light exactly where you need it.
However, for ambient glow during movie nights or relaxing, pendant lights with dimmers or frosted shades soften the mood. Here, your rule of thumb is to combine both for layered lighting!
4. Style & Decor Around Your Bedroom lighting
If your bedroom vibe is all about being minimal or creating an industrial style, then pair your room decor with subtle wall lights like matte-black sconces or rustic metal designs. However, if you have a modern or luxe bedroom vibe, then go with statement pendants. You should think of crystal chandeliers or woven rattan globes.
Wall light vs. Pendant Light: Situational Recommendations
No doubt, wall light and pendant lights both have their own place in your home. Which one should go in your bedroom? The “better” light depends on your space, style, and priorities. Here’s how to decide:
Choose Wall Light If…
-
Your ceilings are under 9 feet. Because this way wall light will be hugging the wall, and you get to avoid head bumps in small spaces.
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You’re renting or you hate wiring then plug-in sconces (like swing-arm designs) install in minutes, you will be needing no electrician for this process.
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You need task lighting then go with adjustable arms that will direct light for reading, working, or makeup without any glare.
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Your style is a bit more minimalist or rustic: choose sleek backlit panels or wrought-iron sconces as they blend seamlessly into walls.
Pro tip: Pair wall light with warm LED bulbs (2700K) for a cozy, eye-friendly glow.
Choose Pendant Lights If…
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You have high/vaulted ceilings like 9+ ft, choose pendants as they will fill vertical space elegantly.
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You are craving a statement piece in your bedroom. In that case bold designs such as geometric metal shades, artisanal rattan will stand out.
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You want ambient lighting in your bedroom then dimmable pendants cast a soft, room-filling glow for movie nights or relaxation and that's what you should choose.
-
Your bedroom doubles as a dressing area too, you can hang mini-pendants above vanities for luxe, functional flair.
Pro tip: For small rooms, stick to compact pendants (under 16” wide) to avoid overwhelming the space.
Discover Best Light For Every Corner Of Your Home With Shopzowala
Now you know that choosing between wall lights and pendant lights comes down to your bedroom’s needs. If you have a small or needy task, light it with wall light and go with pendant lights for stealing the show in spacious rooms with high ceilings.
And if you can’t decide then mix the both! You can pair swing-arm wall lights by the bed with a petite pendant over your vanity for layered lighting magic.
Are you ready to transform your bedroom’s vibe? How about exploring Zowala’s curated collection of wall light and pendant lights? You can check out their entire collection on their website. Got any specific needs? Contact us them for more details.
FAQs
Q: What type of lighting is best for bedrooms?
A: which light is best for your bedroom totally depends on your unique needs. You can combine wall lights and pendant lights both.
Q: What is the disadvantage of pendant lights?
A: Pendant lights need high ceilings (9+ ft) to avoid cramping the place. Because oversized designs will overwhelm your small rooms, and installation also often requires wiring.
Q: Are wall lights better than ceiling lights?
A: Every type of lighting has its own place. Wall lights save space and target tasks; ceiling lights (like pendants) add drama and broad illumination.