TV Unit Wall Lights

TV unit wall lights are a pair of decorative sconces fitted vertically either side of the television, spreading light across the wall. With the screen off, they frame the TV wall; during a film, they replace the ceiling light with soft ambient light. This BACKHOME category holds the Nova 815 and Nova 830 sets, designed for TV walls, with two sconces in every box. The right choice rests on three questions: how big is your screen, does the unit stand on the floor or hang on the wall, and is there a power line in the wall? Below we answer each in turn and map out symmetrical mounting and cable hiding.

In short: TV side lights are a pair fitted level either side of the screen. Nova sets are 73 cm long and suit 55–65 inch screens in most living rooms. Fit them 15–30 cm from the screen edge, centres level with the screen centre. With no power line, the battery model keeps the wall cable-free; with a line, the hardwired model can stay on every evening.

What do TV unit wall lights do?

They frame the TV wall and add soft ambient light while you watch. With the screen off, two vertical lines of light make the unit and screen read as one composition. With it on, you can switch off the ceiling light and keep only the sconces; many people find a little light around a bright screen more comfortable in a dark room. Nova's acrylic crystal rods reflect light onto the wall behind, so the glow shows mainly on the wall.

• Living room TV wall: Unit, screen and sconces read as one arrangement.
• Decorative TV back panel: On slats, panelling or lacquer, the light brings out the texture.
• Family room and study: Any wall with a screen gains a second layer of evening light.

How do you choose sconce length by TV size?

Choose a length close to the screen height; that is why 73 cm Nova sets balance well with 55–65 inch screens in most living rooms. Inches measure the diagonal, and on a 16:9 screen the height is roughly half of it: a 55 inch screen is about 68 cm tall, a 65 inch screen about 81 cm. For the full table, see our TV wall and TV unit lighting guide.

• 43–50 inch: A 73 cm sconce may look taller than the screen. Measure the wall; where space is tight, a 40–56 cm pair sits better.
• 55–65 inch: Nova's 73 cm length is close to the screen height, giving a balanced frame.
• 75 inch and above: A 73 cm sconce falls short of the screen. Pair the Nova set with indirect light behind the TV.

Where do the sconces go on each type of TV unit?

On every unit type the sconces go either side of the screen; what changes is where you measure from and what the screws hold on to.

How do you place two sconces symmetrically?

Fit both at the same height and distance from the screen's vertical centre line; measure from the screen centre, not the wall corner. The eye reads them as a pair and spots a shift of a few centimetres at once.

1. Centre line: Mark the screen's vertical centre line in pencil.
2. Distance: On each side, measure half the screen width plus a 15–30 cm gap.
3. Height: Match the sconce centre to the screen centre, usually 100–120 cm from the floor where you watch seated.
4. Level: Bring both marks level with a spirit level.
5. Check and fix: Check for cables and pipes with a detector, then fix with the 4 screws and 4 wall plugs in the box.

Before drilling, place both sconces on a photo of your TV wall with See it in your room to judge proportions. It is a visual trial; mark the exact point with a tape measure.

Which model keeps cables out of sight?

With no power line, choose the battery model; if a line exists or will be added during renovation, the hardwired model leaves no visible cable. Battery Nova uses an on/off switch and a 9V battery; the battery option includes 2 × 9V batteries in the box. Battery life depends on usage and brand. Hardwired Nova connects to the wall line; plan the outlet to sit behind the sconce. Have a qualified electrician connect it and switch off the fuse first.

• Choose battery: If you rent, want to avoid chasing the wall, or use the light occasionally.
• Choose hardwired: If the line is ready, you are renovating, or the light stays on all evening.
• TV cables: A cable channel behind the unit completes the tidy look.

For a full comparison, read our battery or hardwired guide.

How do you choose body and light colour?

Match the body colour to the unit and wall panel, and the light colour to your evenings. Nova bodies come in gold, silver, anthracite or black; light comes in warm light or white light.

• White or pale lacquer unit: Gold and silver add sheen; black gives crisp contrast.
• Walnut and dark wood: Gold continues the warm tone; anthracite leaves a quiet line.
• Marble-effect or dark panel: Gold and silver lift the surface shine.

For film nights most people prefer warm light; white light draws a sharper line on grey and concrete-effect walls. Nova sets have no remote; to dim from the sofa, see the remote-controlled and RGB options.

Nova 815 or Nova 830?

Both sets are 73 cm long and 8 cm wide; the difference is rod thickness. Nova 815 leaves a light line with its 15 mm rod, Nova 830 a bolder column with its 30 mm rod. Box contents and wall matching are on the Nova series comparison page.

Related categories

• Nova Series: To compare the 815 and 830 rods and box contents side by side.
• Battery Operated Wall Sconces: For other cable-free models when the TV wall has no line.
• Hardwired Wall Sconces: For continuous use when the line is ready.
• Remote-Controlled and RGB Sconces: To dim from the sofa or set a colourful mood for game nights.
• Wall Sconces: To pick matching sconces for the opposite sofa wall or the hallway.

Frequently asked questions

How long should TV unit wall lights be?

Choose a length close to the screen height. The 73 cm Nova sets sit in proportion with 55–65 inch screens in most living rooms. On a 43–50 inch screen they may look tall; at 75 inches and above, indirect light behind the screen completes the balance. Measure the free wall on both sides first.

How far from the screen should the sconces go?

Usually 15–30 cm from the screen edge. Move towards the upper value for large screens and the lower one for narrow walls. Both centres should be level with the screen centre; measure from the screen's vertical centre line rather than the wall corner, and level the marks.

Can I use sconces with a wall-hung TV unit?

Yes. Align the sconce centre with the screen centre and keep the bottom end at least 10–15 cm above the top of the unit. Planning the unit and sconce holes together stops screw points clashing and saves drilling the wall twice.

What if there is no power line in the wall?

Choose the battery Nova set. It uses an on/off switch and a 9V battery, and the battery option includes 2 × 9V batteries. Battery life depends on usage and brand. If the light will stay on for long evenings, plan a new line with an electrician and consider the hardwired model.

What is in the Nova box?

Each box holds two TV side crystal rod LED sconces, 4 mounting screws and 4 wall plugs. The battery option adds 2 × 9V batteries. You do not order each side separately; the set covers both sides with the same body and light colour.

Will a TV side sconce reflect on the screen?

A sconce on the screen wall usually causes no reflection; reflections mostly come from windows and lamps opposite the screen. Nova reflects light onto the wall behind, so the glow shows mainly on the wall. Still, place it where it does not shine into your eyes from your seat.

Once you know your screen size and unit type, compare the two Nova sets and choose body colour, light colour and power source on the product page. For questions about measuring or mounting, get in touch.