Branch out: 7 of the Best Swing Arm Lights

By Livingetc 2019-06-21T11:00:15Z

Wall lamps have had something of a resurgence in the design world and it's not just their good looks that we're loving. Swing Arm Lights – those with an extendable fixture for directional light – make for better reading or task lamps too, as they can be adjusted to suit when you need brighter illumination or swivelled to the side when you want a softer glow in the room.

They also free up valuable surface space – important if there's limited room either side of the bed for a bedside tableor if you prefer an uncluttered look.

Not all Swing Arm Lights require hard wiring either. The gorgeous Game lamp at Amara and the industrial-style Campbell from John Lewis & Partners are two examples of those that can be plugged into the nearest electrical socket – if an easy update is all you're after.

The classic Bestlite BL5 wall lamp (designed in 1930 by Robert Dudley Best) has both options – it can come with a flex and in-line switch to plug into a socket, or as hard wired - so you can wire directly into a wall socket and operate from a wall switch.

See our edit of the latest light switches.

If cabling into walls doesn't phase you, then your options are wider. Pooky's Lacey wall fitting would suit a more traditional scheme, while the Foster+Partners Flo is a minimalist's dream. There's also retro style at Hector Finch with its Tom wall lamp.

Swing Arm Lights are not just limited to the bedroom, these wall lamps work well over a desk in a study, as a picture light or above a sofa in the living room. They would even suit a kitchen – anywhere that task light is required. Although, check for an IP20 rating if you'd like to install them in the bathroom.

See beautifulbathroom lighting ideas here.

BestLite BL5 wall lamp, £543, Robert Dudley Best for Gubi at Nest

Lauded as Britain's first Bauhaus influenced design, this Bestlite classic has had a modern overhaul with the re-introduction of this beautiful brass finish.