Shop swing arm wall lamps and pin up lights from George Kovacs, Hubbardton Forge, Currey & Company, and Golden Lighting. Our collection features plug-in and hardwire options with adjustable arms extending up to 25 inches, LED and incandescent models, and finishes including chrome, brushed nickel, honey gold, and copper bronze patina.
Perfect for bedside reading, living room seating areas, and home offices where flexible, focused lighting matters.
Why Choose Swing Arm and Pin Up Lights?
Swing arm lamps and pin up lights mount to walls, freeing floor and table space while providing adjustable illumination exactly where you need it. The articulating arms swing, extend, and rotate to position light over books, keyboards, or seating without repositioning furniture.
These fixtures excel in bedrooms flanking headboards, living rooms beside sofas, and offices above desks. Pin up lamps with cords offer plug-in convenience without electrical work, while hardwire options create cleaner installations with hidden wiring.
Swing Arm Wall Lamp Styles
Plug-In Swing Arm Lamps
Plug-in swing arm lamps install without an electrician—simply mount the backplate, plug into any outlet, and enjoy adjustable task lighting. Most models include cord covers for neat wall-mounted appearance. This approach works perfectly in rentals or rooms without existing junction boxes.
George Kovacs plug-in swing arm sconces feature dual installation capability—use the included plug and cord cover now, then convert to hardwire later if desired.
Hardwire Swing Arm Sconces
Hardwired swing arm sconces connect directly to wall junction boxes for seamless, cord-free installation. These fixtures suit new construction, renovations, and permanent installations where clean aesthetics matter. Professional installation ensures proper electrical connections.
LED Swing Arm Wall Lamps
LED swing arm lamps deliver energy-efficient illumination with 30,000+ hour lifespans. George Kovacs Reading Room models feature 8-watt LED sources at warm 3000K color temperature—ideal for reading without eye strain. Touch dimmers on the backplate adjust brightness without reaching for the shade.
Pin Up Wall Lights
Pin up lights mount flush against walls with compact profiles, providing focused downlight or uplight from minimal fixtures. These space-saving designs suit narrow hallways, small bedrooms, and anywhere swing arm extension isn't required. Plug-in cords simplify installation in any room.
Featured Brands
George Kovacs
For over 50 years, George Kovacs has defined mid-century modern lighting with clean lines and functional design. The Reading Room collection features LED swing arm sconces with adjustable heads, touch dimmers, and dual plug-in/hardwire capability. Available finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, honey gold, and copper bronze patina.
Arm extensions reach 22-25 inches, positioning light precisely over bedside reading or living room seating. Steel construction ensures years of smooth, wobble-free adjustment.
Hubbardton Forge
Hand-forged in Vermont since 1974, Hubbardton Forge swing arm lamps bring artisan quality to functional lighting. Wrought iron construction and distinctive finishes create fixtures that work equally well in traditional, transitional, and contemporary spaces. Each piece reflects the skill of craftsmen using traditional metalworking techniques.
Currey & Company
Currey & Company swing arm fixtures combine artistic design with practical function. Known for hand-applied finishes and distinctive materials, these lamps add character to reading nooks and living spaces. Designer aesthetics suit homes where lighting serves as both function and décor.
Golden Lighting
Golden Lighting delivers quality swing arm designs at accessible prices. Traditional and transitional styles work throughout homes, providing reliable adjustable lighting without premium pricing. Solid construction and classic finishes suit bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.
Room Applications
Bedside Reading Lamps
Mount swing arm sconces 4-6 inches above your mattress height, positioned to illuminate reading material without disturbing a sleeping partner. The swing arm extends over the bed when needed and retracts against the wall when not in use. LED models with dimmers allow gradual dimming before sleep.
Pair swing arm bedside lamps with one-light wall sconces elsewhere in the bedroom for layered illumination.
Living Room Task Lighting
Position swing arm lamps beside sofas and reading chairs to create focused task lighting within ambient room illumination. The adjustable arm reaches over shoulders to light books and devices without creating glare on screens. Pin up lights work well where arm extension isn't necessary.
Home Office and Study
Swing arm wall lamps above desks provide task lighting that doesn't consume workspace. The articulating design directs light onto papers and keyboards while keeping desk surfaces clear. Touch dimmers adjust brightness throughout the workday.
For comprehensive workspace illumination, combine swing arm wall lamps with two-light wall sconces for ambient balance.
Technical Features
Arm Extensions and Adjustability
Most swing arm lamps extend 20-25 inches from the wall, with articulating joints at the base, elbow, and head allowing precise positioning. Quality fixtures maintain position without drooping, supporting smooth adjustment through years of use.
Finishes Available
Chrome: Polished contemporary shine
Brushed Nickel: Soft modern neutrality
Honey Gold: Warm metallic warmth
Copper Bronze Patina: Aged traditional depth
Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Dark classic character
Installation Options
Type
Best For
Installation
Plug-in with cord
Rentals, quick install
DIY, no electrician
Plug-in with cord cover
Cleaner appearance
DIY, no electrician
Hardwire only
Permanent, seamless look
Licensed electrician
Dual plug-in/hardwire
Flexibility
Either option
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between swing arm lamps and pin up lights?
Swing arm lamps feature articulating arms that extend, swing, and rotate to position light precisely. Pin up lights mount flush to walls with fixed or minimally adjustable heads. Choose swing arms for bedside reading and task work; choose pin up lights for accent illumination and compact spaces.
Can I install plug-in swing arm lamps without an electrician?
Yes. Plug-in models mount with basic tools—just secure the backplate to the wall, route the cord (using included cord covers), and plug into any standard outlet. Hardwire installations require a licensed electrician.
How far should swing arm lamps extend?
Most quality swing arm lamps extend 20-25 inches from the wall. For bedside reading, this reach positions light directly over reading material without the lamp interfering with headboard space.
What's the best height for bedside swing arm lamps?
Mount swing arm sconces 4-6 inches above your mattress height, centered over where you sit while reading. This positions light at shoulder level, illuminating books without shining in your eyes.
Are LED swing arm lamps worth the investment?
LED swing arm lamps cost more initially but provide 30,000+ hours of illumination (versus 1,000-2,000 for incandescent), consume less energy, and generate minimal heat. The warm 3000K color temperature reads sheet music and books comfortably without eye strain.
