Updated October 5, 2026 · By the AMBIENT HOME team
A headboard wall lamp should be fixed 1.20–1.40 m from the floor, or 60 to 80 cm above the mattress, aligned with the bedside table, 10 to 20 cm beyond the edge of the bed. For a 160 cm bed, the two lamps should therefore be spaced 180 to 200 cm apart from center to center. Here are all the measurements, the features that make a difference (adjustable head, integrated switch), and the suitable models.
A perfectly positioned headboard lamp, in 5 measurements.
- 1Height: 1.20–1.40 m from the floor, or 60–80 cm above the mattress or 15–25 cm above the headboard.
- 2Position: aligned with the nightstand, 10–20 cm beyond the edge of the bed.
- 3Spacing: bed width + 20 to 40 cm from center to center (180–200 cm for a 160 cm bed).
- 4Equipment: adjustable head, integrated switch, 20 cm maximum depth.
- 5Light: 400 to 800 lumens for reading, in 2700–3000 K.
— 01At what height should a headboard wall lamp be fixed?
The right height is one that lights your book when you are sitting against the headboard, without dazzling you once lying down. Three benchmarks, which lead to the same result, help you find it.
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1Measure the mattress height (top of the mattress, including topper) and add 60 to 80 cm.
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2Check the headboard: the lamp must extend 15 to 25 cm above its top, otherwise the headboard will block the light.
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3Check the range: the result should fall between 1.20 and 1.40 m from the floor. Sit against the headboard, book in hand, and have someone hold the lamp before you drill.
— 02What spacing between two headboard wall lamps?
Each lamp should be placed in line with the nightstand, approximately 10 to 20 cm beyond the edge of the bed. This way, the light falls on the book and the nightstand, not on your partner's pillow. The spacing between the two lamps is easy to calculate: bed width + 20 to 40 cm.
| Bed | Position of each lamp | Center-to-center spacing | Our advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 cm (single) | 10–20 cm beyond the edge, bedside side | One lamp only | Adjustable model for reading, or up-and-down light for ambiance |
| 140 cm | 10–20 cm beyond each edge | 160–180 cm | Compact lamps if nightstands are narrow |
| 160 cm | 10–20 cm beyond each edge | 180–200 cm | Adjustable heads for reading side-by-side without disturbance |
| 180 cm | 10–20 cm beyond each edge | 200–220 cm | More prominent models, or arm light to bring the light closer |
| 200 cm | 10–20 cm beyond each edge | 220–240 cm | Generous lamps, or bedside pendant lights |
Both lamps should always be installed at the same height and at equal distance from the center of the bed, even if the nightstands are different. Symmetry matters more than a precise centimeter: it is what the eye notices when entering the room.
— 03Adjustable head and integrated switch: reading without disturbing
A headboard lamp is not just any decorative lamp: it is used every night, often by two people. Three features make the difference in daily life.
- An adjustable head: pivoting shade, articulated arm, or rod. You direct the light toward the pages, not into your partner's eyes. The Orientéil lamp (adjustable shade, 13 × 22 cm) is designed for this use.
- An integrated switch: turn it off without getting up, each on your own side. Scandéil comes in a version with an integrated switch. Otherwise, plan for a switch within reach during installation.
- Low depth: 20 cm maximum, so you don't bump into it when sitting up. Auréclipse only extends 9.5 cm.
— 04What light: 400 to 800 lumens, 2700 to 3000 K
- Enough light for reading: 400 to 800 lumens. To use as a benchmark for bulbs, 470 lm ≈ 40 W and 806 lm ≈ 60 W (incandescent equivalent): think in lumens, not watts.
- Warm white: 2700 K for a cozy atmosphere, 3000 K if you read a lot and want slightly crisper light. Our comparison 2700K or 3000K helps you decide.
- Hidden source: a shade or diffuser prevents seeing the bulb when you are lying down.
- A dimmer if possible: the same lamp is used for reading, then for keeping a soft glow before sleep.
— 05Recessed or surface-mounted cable: how to connect it?
This is the practical question that often determines the model. It all depends on whether or not there is an electrical connection behind the headboard.
- ✓No visible wires, hotel look
- ✓Wall switch or integrated switch, your choice
- ✕Requires an electrical connection at the right height
- ✕Chasing into the wall and connection: to be entrusted to an electrician
- ✓Plugs into the existing bedside socket
- ✓Moveable if you change beds
- ✓Cable hidden by a painted trunking or a deliberate textile cable
- ✕Verify the model comes with a cable and plug
— 06Which wall lamp model for your headboard?
Once the measurements are set, the choice becomes a matter of style and bed width. A simple rule: the wider the bed, the more substantial the lamp can be.
- For avid readers: Orientéil and its adjustable shade in 6 colors, or Potencéil, with a gold rod that extends the light over the book.
- For a natural bedroom: Kiréil in solid wood, integrated LED, 35 or 45 cm.
- For a mineral vibe: Travéil, travertine and wood, downward light, or Luminosa, travertine effect and integrated LED.
- For a graphic pair: the half-moon Haléil (W 20 × H 15 cm, integrated LED, 6 colors) or the glass ball of Perléil, in gold or black.
Still hesitating on the type of lamp for the rest of the room (ambiance, mirror, dressing room)? Our selector which wall lamp for a bedroom reviews each use, and our guide adult bedroom wall lamp details materials and finishes.
Wall lampsThe reading light that transforms your eveningsAdjustable heads, integrated switches, wood, travertine, or brass: the right lamp for every headboard.Discover our wall lamps— 07The alternative: the bedside pendant light
No wall available, a very tall headboard, or just want something more decorative? The bedside pendant light replaces the wall lamp and clears up your nightstand. Practical tip: adjust the cord so that the light source is at about the same height as a headboard wall lamp, i.e., 1.20–1.40 m from the floor, directly above the nightstand.
- Travéora pendant light: travertine and wood, Ø 12 × H 16 cm, cord up to 170 cm, perfect even under a high ceiling.
- Minélune pendant light: a travertine sphere Ø 10 cm, very discreet.
- Orbéa pendant light: a golden ring Ø 20 or 28 cm for an elegant bedroom.
Note: you need a cable outlet in the ceiling above each bedside, or a hook to offset the cable from the central light source.
— 083 headboards, 3 setups
10 m² bedroom, narrow nightstands, quite low mattress
- 2 Haléil wall lamps, compact with integrated LED
- Color matching the bedding
Two readers, 1.05 m high wooden headboard
- 2 Orientéil wall lamps with adjustable shade
- 400 to 800 lm LED bulbs, in 2700 K
1.15 m upholstered headboard, master suite
- 2 Potencéil wall lights, gold bracket
- Or 2 Travéora pendant lights if the wall is too cluttered
Our wall lights for the headboard
All wall lights →
ReadingOrientéil wall lightAdjustable shade · 13 × 22 cmDiscover
180 bedPotencéil wall lightGold bracket · downward lightDiscover
SwitchScandéil wall lightUp & down · built-in switchDiscover
In pairsHaléil wall lightW 20 × H 15 cm · built-in LEDDiscover
BedsideKiréil wall lightSolid wood · LED · 35 or 45 cmDiscover
MineralTravéil wall lightTravertine & wood · H 23 × W 10 cmDiscover
Low profileAuréclipse wall lightSmoked glass · 9.5 cm depthDiscover
Bedside pendantTravéora pendantØ 12 cm · cable up to 170 cmDiscover
— 09The 5 most common installation errors
- ✕Installing too high. Above 1.40 m, the light falls behind the head and casts a shadow on the book.
- ✕Installing too low. Below 1.20 m, you might bump into it and see the light source when lying down.
- ✕Placing the wall light above the pillow. Keep it aligned with the bedside table, 10 to 20 cm beyond the edge of the bed.
- ✕Choosing a model that is too deep. Beyond 20 cm of projection, it gets in the way when sitting up.
- ✕Forgetting the switch. Without a control within reach, you have to get back up to turn it off.
— 10Frequently asked questions
At what height should a headboard wall light be placed?+
Fix the headboard wall light 1.20–1.40 m from the floor, or about 60 to 80 cm above the mattress. If your headboard is tall, place the light 15 to 25 cm above its top edge.
What gap should there be between two wall lights on either side of the bed?+
Each wall light should be placed 10 to 20 cm beyond the edge of the bed. The distance from center to center is therefore the width of the bed plus 20 to 40 cm: 160–180 cm for a 140 cm bed, 180–200 cm for a 160 cm bed, 200–220 cm for a 180 cm bed.
Should the wall light be centered over the bedside table?+
Yes, that is the simplest reference point: the light should be aligned with the bedside table, which naturally places it 10 to 20 cm beyond the edge of the bed. This way, the light illuminates both the book and the nightstand.
What brightness for a reading wall light?+
Aim for 400 to 800 lumens, in warm white from 2700 to 3000 K. For comparison, 470 lm corresponds to an old 40 W bulb and 806 lm to a 60 W bulb.
How to install a headboard wall light without construction work?+
Choose a model that comes with a cable and plug: it can be plugged into the bedside outlet. Hide the cable in a conduit painted the color of the wall, or embrace the look of a nice fabric cord.
Wall light or bedside pendant?+
A wall light is more practical for reading, especially with an adjustable head. A bedside pendant frees up wall space and the nightstand, but requires a ceiling cable outlet or an offset hook.
