13 genius ideas for bedroom lights

Designing the perfect bedroom lighting can be tricky. Ben Marshall, interior designer and creative director of Hudson Valley Lighting, summed up this difficulty perfectly when he said “When designing lighting for your bedroom, versatility is key. Bedrooms often need to be bright in the morning and relaxing and cosy at night.” There are many ways to achieve your ideal bedroom lightscape, and here are some options to help give you some much needed bedroom inspiration.

Wall Sconces

Simple and elegant, wall sconces are attached directly to the wall and have no base. They take up minimal space, making them a perfect and practical solution for smaller bedrooms. This option is also incredibly versatile because of the wide variety of options on the market. You could opt for something classic, like these from Corston.

Or you could opt for something more modern like these from West Elm.

Italian architect, sculptor, and lighting designer Umberto Bellardi Ricci says, “The sconce is still a very desired type of lighting due to its ability to not absorb precious floor space in dense urban environments, but also in the context where screens and computers are so predominant that we often require more lateral wall-washed lighting rather than a direct ceiling illumination or direct light.”

Matching bedside lamps

Introducing matching bedside lamps on either side of the bed can be a ‘his and hers’ detail or simply a way to make your space more symmetrical. This can also be quite cost effective as many identical lamps can be sold in a pair. This set from John Lewis has a modern spin on a classic design, and is perfect if you’re looking for a smaller lamps.

Fabric lighting

A fabric lampshade can help to soften an otherwise harsh space. It’s also highly customisable, as you can order your preferred print or pattern to make sure your room looks exactly as you wish. Websites like Vanessa Arbuthnott make made-to-measure lampshades and allow you to alter your lampshade every step of the way.

Textured lighting

Similar to fabric lighting, there’s many other textures you can introduce to your bedroom. For example, a wicker light can create a rustic effect, or crystal European lampshade, though they can appear harsh, add an element of old-world glamour.

Underbed lighting

This will add a cosy glow to any bedroom and is perhaps the most effective way to utilise space in your lighting choices. A perfect choice for fans of functional minimalism, this will add a unique atmosphere to any room. There is even underbed lighting with motion sensors that will switch on once your foot hits the floor. The only downside would be that this option would not be ideal for those with pets.

Colourful lighting

Adding a pop of colour can change the mood of any room, and having a colourful lampshade is a simple and cost-effective way to do this. You could take this one step further and instead of opting for a colourful lampshade, get an LED lightbulb. Warm colours like red and orange replicate a sunset, and are popular choices for those who want a relaxing and calming effect in their bedroom in the evenings before going to sleep.

Pendant lighting

This energy-efficient option is stylish and chic, and makes the most of an otherwise dull space. These are also ideal for concentrating the light on darker areas of the room. There are many options for pendant lights, you can go minimalist or statement depending on the vibe of your room and the light coverage that you’re looking for.

Fairy lights

These are a tried-and-tested bedroom staple for a reason. Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re easy to install, come in a wide range of colours and shapes, and you have total control over where and how to hang these. They’re ideal if you want a darker more relaxing vibe before you go to sleep.

Geometric lighting

If you’re getting bored of your bedroom, introducing a geometric lamp can be a perfect way to add visual interest. This can be in the form of a sconce, a bedside light, or an overhead hanging light. Something like this overhead geometric light is simply yet dramatic.

LED lighting

There are countless benefits to using LED lights; they’re energy efficient and eco-friendly, they usually have dimmer options, they’re shatterproof which reduced the worry of messes, and they can have great benefits on your sleep pattern. There are even sunrise lamps to help ease seasonal affective disorder.

Layered lighting

Emma Deterding, Founder and Creative Director of Kelling Designs says, “When it comes to lighting your bedroom, it’s important to make sure you have different layers to not only change the atmosphere but also make sure you have the option of ample light. It’s where you spend most of your time, so it is definitely worth investing in.” Similarly, Ben Marshall, of Hudson Valley Lighting, said “Layering different types of lighting such as a table or floor lamps with wall or ceiling lighting will allow you to achieve this effortlessly.”

To achieve this, you can hang your ceiling lights in layered clusters, or simply combine hanging lights with sconces and bedside lights. Installing a dimmer switch in your overhead light will make it even easier to create different atmospheres throughout the day.

Chandelier

While this may sound extravagant, there are many affordable options. If you have the space for a chandelier, it is an eye-catching and glamorous way to light your room. These options from The Range and Amazon are perfect for a more inexpensive option.

Architectural Digest wrote, “For bedrooms with high ceilings, a large chandelier can help fill up space. Even in smaller bedrooms, a large piece can work well—it helps draw the attention of the on-looker at the piece and away from the small square footage of the room.”

Accent lighting

Accent lighting, which is essentially bringing focus to darker spots in a room, can be achieved by integrated lights in other furniture, for example a headboard. Ben Marshall says, “In rooms designed for unwinding and resting, accent lighting should not be forgotten. To create a warm, chilled ambiance, sconces and picture lights are a perfect choice, and can also be used to accentuate a corner of a room, drawing attention to a favourite piece of artwork or furniture.”

Sarah O’Byrne has been an editorial assistant at heat, Closer and Yours since May 2023. She has a BA in English with Film and an MA in Literature and Culture - both from University College Dublin.

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