The position of wall lights next to the bed influences both the functionality and the atmosphere of the bedroom. Mounted too high, you won't be able to comfortably reach the switch from the bed. Mounted too low, the light will glare when reading or disturb your partner. The correct height depends on several factors: the height of the headboard, the mattress thickness, your own sitting height, and the light source of the fixture. This article provides you with specific measurements and decision-making aids for installation.
Starting Point: The Top Edge of the Headboard
The top edge of the headboard is the most important reference point for installation. Measure from the floor to the highest point of the headboard. For most upholstered beds, this height is between 110 and 130 cm. Classic wooden headboards often only reach 100 to 115 cm, while tall upholstered versions can measure up to 140 cm or more. Add 15 to 25 cm to this height to position the bottom edge of the wall light. This places the light source above eye level when you are sitting in bed, and the light falls pleasantly downwards.
Consider Eye Level When Sitting
Sit upright in bed, leaning against the headboard, as a test. Have a second person mark your eye height. This is usually between 90 and 105 cm above the floor, depending on the mattress thickness and your height. The light source of the wall light should be at least 20 cm above this eye level to avoid direct glare. For fixtures with an exposed bulb or a downward-facing shade, this distance is particularly important. Fixtures with a fabric shade or diffused glass allow for a slightly smaller distance.
Standard Measurements for Different Bed Heights
| Headboard Height (Top Edge) | Recommended Light Height (Bottom Edge) | Light Height (Center of Bulb) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 110 cm | 120 to 130 cm | 130 to 145 cm |
| 115 to 125 cm | 135 to 145 cm | 145 to 160 cm |
| 130 to 140 cm | 150 to 160 cm | 160 to 175 cm |
Lateral Distance to the Headboard
In addition to height, the horizontal distance also plays a role. Mount the wall lights 20 to 35 cm from the outer edge of the headboard. For a double bed with a width of 180 cm and a headboard of 190 cm width, this means a distance of about 25 cm from the headboard edge. This distance allows you to reach the light from the bed without stretching. At the same time, there is enough space between the light and the headboard for a balanced look. For swivel reading lights, you can reduce the distance to 15 to 20 cm.
Special Features of Different Light Types
Swivel reading lights with directed light are best mounted 130 to 145 cm high, measured to the center of the joint. This allows you to flexibly direct the light beam onto a book or tablet. Wall lights with shades that emit diffuse light can hang a little lower, as they cause less glare. Here, 120 to 135 cm to the bottom edge of the shade is sufficient. Candle lights or models with multiple light sources require more vertical space. Plan for 40 to 50 cm between the top edge of the headboard and the center of the light here.
Practical Installation Tips
- Mark the position on the wall with tape before drilling and check the height from the bed.
- Lay the power cable before installing the headboard or use cable ducts in the wall color.
- Ensure sufficiently load-bearing anchors, especially for heavy brass or glass lights.
- For asymmetrical lights, the height refers to the center of the light source, not the top edge of the fixture.
- Install switches or dimmers within reach from the bed, ideally 70 to 85 cm above the floor.
Symmetry and Balance in the Room
Mount both wall lights at exactly the same height. Measure from the ceiling downwards, not from the floor upwards, as floors are rarely perfectly level. A deviation of more than 2 cm is immediately noticeable to the eye. The distance to the bed edge should be identical on both sides. For bedside tables of different widths, you can still position the lights symmetrically to the headboard. The visual balance to the headboard is more important than the alignment with the furniture.
You can find suitable pieces under Wall Lights and Headboards. Details on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Wall Lights and Eichholtz Headboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install wall lights retrospectively if the bed is already in place?
Yes, that is possible. Move the bed about 50 cm away from the wall to access the mounting surface. Mark the position, drill the holes, and lay the cable. For solid headboards, it may be necessary to remove the headboard. Plan about two hours for installation if you want to lay the cable under plaster. Surface-mounted solutions with cable ducts can be realized more quickly.
What height applies to box spring beds with very tall headboards?
Box spring beds with a topper often reach a lying height of 65 to 70 cm. With a headboard of 140 to 150 cm, the top edge is 140 cm or more. Here, mount the wall lights 160 to 170 cm high, measured to the bottom edge. This may seem very high at first, but it corresponds to eye level when sitting. Be sure to test the position beforehand with tape.
Should wall lights and bedside lamps be at the same height?
No, the heights differ significantly. Bedside lamps stand 55 to 65 cm above the floor, depending on the height of the bedside table. Wall lights hang 120 to 160 cm high. Both light sources fulfill different functions. The bedside lamp illuminates the surface, while the wall light serves as a reading light. You can combine both variants or choose one.
How do I proceed if the wall is not straight?
Measure the distance between the wall and the headboard at several points. If there are deviations of more than 3 cm, mount the lights perpendicular to the wall, not parallel to the headboard. Use a spirit level for horizontal alignment. The visual effect is better if the lights hang straight on the wall, even if the distance to the headboard varies slightly. For very uneven walls, spacers or adjustable wall mounts can help.