Wall-Mounted vs. Pendant Lighting: Which Suits Your Nelson Living Room?
Which Light Shines Brightest in Your Nelson Living Room?
Imagine sitting in your Nelson living room as the sun sets over the Tasman Bay. You want your home to feel warm and welcoming, but your old lights just aren't doing the job. Choosing the right light is like picking the perfect outfit for your house. Should you go with wall-mounted lights that sit snugly against the wall, or pendant lights that hang elegantly from the ceiling?
At Mako Electrical, we help Nelson families turn dark rooms into bright, happy spaces. Whether you live in a classic villa in The Wood or a modern home in Richmond, the right lighting changes everything. It’s not just about seeing where you walk; it’s about making your home feel like you.
Key Takeaways
Pendant lights create a "wow" factor and are great for high ceilings.
Wall lights add a soft glow and save space in smaller rooms.
Electrical safety is a big deal—always use a registered electrician for new wiring.
Layering both types of light is the secret to a perfect Kiwi home.
Mako Electrical provides expert installation across the Nelson Tasman region.
The Beauty Contest: Wall-Mounted vs. Pendant Lighting
Why People Love Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are like the jewellery of a room. They hang down from the ceiling on a cord or chain. Because they sit lower, they catch your eye immediately. In Nelson, many people love using them over a coffee table or in the corner of a lounge to create a "reading nook."
They are perfect for making a statement. If you have high ceilings, a big pendant light fills the empty space and makes the room feel grand. However, you have to be careful not to hang them too low, or tall guests might bump their heads!
Why Wall-Mounted Lights are Winners
Wall lights (also called sconces) stay out of the way. They are great if your living room is a bit smaller or if you have low ceilings. Instead of lighting up the whole floor, they wash the walls with soft light.
This makes the room feel bigger and much cosier. They are perfect for "mood lighting" when you are watching a movie or relaxing with a cup of tea. Plus, there are no cords for kids or pets to trip over.
The "Behind the Scenes": Electrical Installation
Upgrading your lights is exciting, but the "invisible" part—the wires—is the most important bit.
Installing Pendant Lights
Installing a pendant light is usually easier if you already have a hole in the ceiling. But if you want to move the light to a new spot, we have to go into the ceiling space to run new wires.
Support: Pendants can be heavy, so the ceiling needs a strong "junction box" to hold the weight.
Height: We carefully measure the distance to the floor so it looks just right.
Installing Wall-Mounted Lights
Wall lights can be a bit trickier to install in an existing home. We often have to "fish" wires through the walls. If your walls are made of solid timber or brick, it takes a bit of extra skill to hide the cables.
Switching: We can set them up so they turn on with a separate switch from your main lights.
Safety: In New Zealand, all new permanent lighting must be installed by a pro to make sure it meets the NZ Electrical Standards.
Why Mako Electrical?
When you choose Mako Electrical, you are getting more than just a light bulb. You are getting experience and expertise. Our lead electrician, Jordan Inwood, knows Nelson homes inside and out.
We don't just "plug things in." We look at your room and help you decide where the light will look best. We care about Trustworthiness, which is why we always provide a Certificate of Compliance. This proves your home is safe and your insurance is happy.
"A well-lit home is a safe home. We take pride in making sure every wire is perfect so you can relax and enjoy the glow." — The Mako Team.
How to Decide What Suits You
Still not sure? Think about these three things:
How high is your ceiling? High = Pendants. Low = Wall lights.
What do you do in the room? Reading needs bright light (Pendants). Relaxing needs soft light (Wall lights).
Do you have a favourite feature? Use wall lights to highlight a beautiful painting or a textured wall.
For more ideas, check out our lighting guide on downlights vs. pendant lights or see our full range of residential electrical services.
Brighten Your Home Today!
Don't spend another evening in a dimly lit room. Whether you want the drama of a pendant or the warmth of a wall light, Mako Electrical is here to help our Nelson Tasman neighbours.
Ready for a change?
Get a Quote: Contact Mako Electrical for a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you shouldn't. In New Zealand, most electrical work like "hard-wiring" a new light must be done by a registered electrician. This keeps you safe and ensures your house insurance stays valid. Mako Electrical can do this quickly and safely for you.
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Usually, the bottom of the light should be about 2.1 to 2.4 metres from the floor. This allows people to walk under it without hitting their heads. If it's over a table, it can be lower, about 75cm to 90cm above the tabletop.
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Not at all! In 2026, "layered lighting" is a huge trend. Using wall lights alongside other lights makes a room feel modern and high-end. They are especially popular in "warm minimalism" designs.
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They don't need one, but it’s a great idea! Having your wall lights on a separate switch (or a dimmer) lets you control the mood. You can have the big lights off and just the wall lights on for a cosy vibe.
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The cost depends on how easy it is to run the wires. A simple swap is cheaper than a brand-new installation. Mako Electrical offers free quotes so you know exactly what to expect before we start.
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It's tricky. If the ceiling is low, a pendant can make the room feel cramped. In these cases, we usually recommend "flush-mount" lights or wall-mounted sconces to keep the space feeling open.
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Yes! LEDs use way less power and don't get hot. This is better for the environment and your power bill. Plus, LED bulbs last for years, so you won't have to climb a ladder to change them very often.
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This is when you use different types of lights together. For example, you might have downlights for general brightness, a pendant for style, and wall lights for a soft glow. It’s the best way to make a room look professional.
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Usually, you don't need a building permit for standard lighting, but you must have a licensed electrician do the work. They will give you a Certificate of Compliance, which is the legal paperwork you need.
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Local sparkies like Mako Electrical understand the types of houses we have in Nelson. Whether it’s an old villa or a new build in Richmond, we know the local rules and can get to you quickly.
