Take a look at these bedroom lighting ideas for inspiration on how to make your sleeping space the best lit it can be – from traditional styles to a more contemporary vibe
(Image credit: SolStock/Getty Images)
Considering bedroom lighting ideas can sometimes be overlooked – but if you get bedroom lighting wrong, rather than creating a relaxing sleeping area, you could potentially end up with a space that feel cold or sterile.
"Bedrooms are the perfect place to introduce a little luxury," explains Peter Legg, new product development manager at Dar Lighting. "These rooms aren’t as bound by practicality and ceiling height as hallways or living rooms, where there’s often a lot of movement."
Never underestimate the important of good lighting design and the effect it can have on how you feel about a space. Not only does bedroom lighting have the power to relax, but it can also be used invigorate you as they day begins. It can also be used to zone various spaces in the room if you require the space to multitask.
Whether you are after master bedroom ideas, want ways of illuminating a child's bedroom or are thinking about creating a new guest bedroom, our collection of bedroom lighting ideas is sure to provide plenty of inspiration.
1. Keep it classic with your bedroom lighting ideas
This is a bedroom lighting idea that can be used in many ways — from glass wall lights to shimmering glass pendant lights. Or, of course, as is shown here, as a handy bedside lamp. This design is the Flute Lamp from Loaf(Image credit: Loaf)
Fresh, unobtrusive and classic in their design, glass lamps and light fittings are perfect for bedrooms, explains Mary Buchanan, creative director and board director of Laura Ashley Lighting and Mirrors.
"Clear class or crystal pieces add a touch of elegance to any composition and are the best for reflecting light around the room – this is true of table lamps too, keep an eye out for those with clear vase bases which give you scale without being heavy,” she adds.
"Placing pendants over the bed will give you more flexibility, as you can opt for a lower, more dramatic drop," says Peter Legg. "Alternatively, semi-flushes look just as good there, too. This central focus can then be built upon. Balance and layer the lighting with a pair of bedside lamps or a floor lamp next to an accent chair. Choose a layout that doesn’t clutter the space but gives you the illumination you need.”
3. Use statement lighting in a bedroom
This scheme uses a selection of lights from DelightFULL, including their Galliano wall lamp. Its minimalist style would fit in with any interior scheme and the way the light is beamed across the wall creates real drama(Image credit: DelightFULL)
A bold bedroom lighting idea which really lets the fittings take centre stage is perfect if you are seeking modern bedroom ideas. Rather than focusing on just one statement piece, why not combine several stand-out light fittings to draw the eye to various spots in the room, as has been done here.
Mary Buchanan of Laura Ashley Lighting and Mirrors, advises: “Start with your ceiling light as this is the hero piece within the bedroom. Despite being your main light source, this light will likely spend more time off than on: think of it as a decorative ornament that should look pleasing when both lit or unlit. Placing this light directly above the middle of the bed will draw the eye immediately to this focal point and invite you to dive into your cosy bed.”
4. A softer industrial look
Take a softer approach and introduce industrial hints through your light fittings – the exposed bulb of the side lamp in this space is a good example, as is the Sigmund 2 Tier Mesh Pendant Shade In Matt Black from Iconic Lights(Image credit: Iconic Lights)
While the industrial look is a popular one in the world of interiors right now, it can be a little harsh and edgy for bedrooms.
But if you manage to introduce subtle hints of industrial lighting rather than going all in, this can create a nod to this kind of design without the harshness of it.
5. A luxury look
The opulent mid-century modern brass pendant here is the Brubeck chandelier from DelightFULL and was inspired by American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck(Image credit: DelightFULL)
The lighting in this master bedroom idea is one of full-on glamour. Choose a glimmering oversized central pendant light and combine it with with a pair of striking wall lights either side of the bed for maximum impact.
"Chandeliers or low-hanging pendants over bedsides are indulgent touches that can be added confidently. Choose bold designs with textured elements and combine them with an upholstered headboard and quilted throw for a sumptuous scheme," says Peter Legg from Dar Lighting.
Shop wall lights on Argos
Habitat glass wall light
Made from satin nickel, this wall light has a glass bottle shade with bubbles in the glass for a subtle lighting pattern on the wall .
Brass wall light with shade
This satin brass wall light comes with a pleated shade for a traditional and timeless look.
Black steel wall light
This Nordic and industrial style reading light by Takeley has an adjustable long arm with a spotlight head.
6. The disappearing reading light
This sleek little light is the Digit Led recessed reading light, designed by the British company Astro, in a bronze finish. It can be turned 180° and, when you are not using it, it disappears into the wall to become almost invisible. The lamp is available from Nedgis.(Image credit: Nedgis)
A good reading light is essential in the bedroom — it should be easy to operate from your bed and, if you are sharing your bedroom with anyone, you want one on either side of the bed to avoid arguments over leaving the light on too long.
A reading light will need to be operated from the light itself so opt for either wall lights with an individual switches or table lamps.
7. Set your overhead light off-centre
Here, the beautiful Autumn Leaves Pendant Light from The French Bedroom Co. draws the eye to the vintage style chair. If you want to operate a pendant light without getting out from under your covers, remember to ask your electrician to fit a switch within easy reach of the bed, as well as by the door to the room(Image credit: The French Bedroom Co.)
There is absolutely no rule to say that a pendant light has to be hung centrally – in fact in the bedroom it can often make more sense to hang it to one side of the bed as opposed to directly over it, where it can shine a rather harsh light over the sleeping zone.
This can be particularly true where a bedroom has a darker side to it that isn't illuminated as well by natural lighting.
8. A dreamy children's bedroom lighting idea
Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, these Cloud Lamps from Circu, are the ideal way to light this brilliant children's bedroom(Image credit: Circu)
Kids' rooms are the perfect place to let your imagination run wild, so do consider fitting lights with a whimsical feel.
"Small bedrooms should be sensitively lit. Adding wall lights will help the space feel brighter and larger. Pendant lights dropped from ceiling height can also be brilliant solutions for those who don’t have room for a traditional bedside," says Peter Legg from Dar Lighting. "Try using ribbed or coloured shades for a subtle pop of personality. Alternatively, opt for a sculptural semi-flush to draw the eye upwards and add dimension to the room. "
9. Keep it classic with a pair of bedside lamps
Classic need not be a boring if you choose eye-catching lamps such as these APACHE Table Lights from Brabbu(Image credit: Brabbu Design Forces)
It might not be a new idea, but using a pair of matching bedside lamps on either side of the bed is a popular bedroom lighting idea for good reason, allowing each side a choice for when to turn their light out.
"When designing a guest room, it’s important to remember that the majority of time spent in this space will be used for relaxation, so choosing classic lighting is best," explains Peter Legg, new product development manager at Dar Lighting.
"To create that staycation feel, opt for a luxurious velvet shade or crystal semi-flush in the middle of the room and then team it with complementary bedside lamps."
He adds: "Alternatively, use wall lights with supplementary focused LED reading lamps for a modern hotel look. Pendant lights dropped from ceiling height can also be brilliant solutions for those who don’t have room for a traditional bedside; try using ribbed or coloured shades for a subtle pop of personality."
10. Get the London look
The Amy Lamps in this bedroom, from DelightFULL, were inspired by Amy Winehouse. The glossy black lamp shade bears a resemblance to Amy’s legendary hair and the small gold powder paint detail is reminiscent of her golden earring(Image credit: DelightFULL)
Conjure up a sense of city chic by choosing bedroom lighting in shades such as black and gold, and use fittings that can be angled to create maximum impact and illumination exactly where you want it. Directional lighting is a particularly good idea in bedrooms, allowing you to avoid it shining in your eyes when reading and also to point it away from any windows with great night time views.
11. Bedroom lighting for sloping ceilings
The Bertie Glass Coloured Mid Pendant Light Cluster from Glow Lighting is ideal for this purpose, while the selection of colours make it easy to pair them with the rest of your bedroom decoration scheme(Image credit: Glow Lighting)
Bedrooms in loft conversions or those with sloping ceilings can be tricky places to light. There are several options – you could fit recessed downlighters into the ceiling, providing they are adjustable. Alternatively, use hanging pendants, as has been done here.
12. Match bold bedroom wallpaper with your lights
The C.Lamp from Nedgis, designed by Petra Lilja for the Swedish Ninja house, adds a cheerfulness to the space and can be positioned at any angle you wish — it also comes in colours other than the citrus yellow hue shown here (Image credit: Nedgis)
Forget the old myth that a bold wallpaper means playing it safe elsewhere in your decoration choices. Pairing busy patterns and zingy wall colours with bright statement wall lights actually works really well.
To be successful, pick out one colour used elsewhere in your room and use it for your light fittings – and keep the shape and form of your light simple.
13. Art Deco bedroom lights
The polished spherical wall lamps positioned to either side of the bed are the perfect partners for this scheme, which also features furniture from PullCast(Image credit: PullCast)
This beautifully sophisticated bedroom scheme has some wonderfully Art Deco lines and elements going on.
From the elegant blue and orange colour scheme and opulent padded headboard, to the geometric pattern of the rug – this is a highly stylised space.
14. The perfect bedroom window treatment
The TS Shutter Bay Bedroom in Vanilla Burst, by Thomas Sanderson, can be custom made to your exact requirements(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)
Don't forget to consider your natural light sources when designing a bedroom lighting scheme. While it is undoubtedly lovely to have large windows and a space that is flooded with sunlight, there are times when you need privacy as well as a way to keep the room dark.
One of the best window treatments for bedrooms is shutters – they look fresh and elegant, allow you to control the amount of light entering a space and can be folded away, right back to the wall, when not in use.
15. Keep your bedside table clutter free
Shown here is the Fold wall light from Astro, available at Nedgis(Image credit: Nedgis)
In small bedrooms, where there isn't much space either side of the bed for large bedside tables and lamps, it makes much more sense to fit wall lamps.
These can either be operated by a pull cord or integral switch, and others can be fitted to be operated via two separate switches – one by the bed and another by the door.
16. Use layered lighting in the bedroom
This master bedroom, with its hotel chic design scheme, features a good range of different light sources, all from DelightFULL(Image credit: DelightFULL)
Using layers of light, all from different sources and with a distinct purpose, is a good idea in every space within your home, but in bedrooms it is particularly useful.
Lighting can be separated into different 'types' including task lighting and general. In the bedroom, you need a combination of these various types - you may need light for reading, dressing, applying make-up and all of this would fall under the duty of task lighting. Then there is general lighting, for every day illumination – pendant lights and downlighters are good examples.
Accent lighting is used to highlight features and to create moods – picture lights and hidden LEDs are great for this.
16. Keep it simple and serene
The Flute table lamps shown here, from Loaf, feature dusky pink shades that complement the rest of the rustic bedroom scheme perfectly(Image credit: Loaf)
If you would prefer a more laid back, unfussy look in your bedroom, or are after an easy and inexpensive way to light the space – perhaps in a guest bedroom – a pair of stylish yet simple bedside lamps is all you need.
“Bedside lamps can provide a lower level light and better set the mood for smaller spaces. Using a warm, white light is more soothing for the eyes, and opting for an LED Amber light has been known to preserve your body’s natural levels of melatonin which aid the sleep-wake cycle," says Mary Buchanan.
17. Create a natural bedroom look
The Grass XS pendant light by Jette Scheibe for the Forestier brand available at Nedgis takes its inspiration from the art of basketry and from the shades of varied landscapes(Image credit: Nedgis)
Take the time to think about the materials you use in your bedroom design, as well as its layout.
If you want to create a fresh, pared-back feel – ideal in a relaxing space – focus on using natural materials, such as linen, wood and wicker.
18. Swap bedside lamps for pendants
Original BTC's Brompton Size 3 Pendants are ideal for the job(Image credit: Original BTC)
There is no reason why your bedside lights have to come in the form of table lamps – or wall lights for that matter.
Why not consider hanging two pendant lights, low down, either side of the bed instead? This will keep your bedside tables clutter free as well as making a stylish statement.
“If there’s no need to allow for head height with lights above the bed, you can be playful with your style and size choice," says Mary Buchanan. "A chandelier or oversized pendant brings a sense of majesty to any room. Just remember heavy lights may need an extra support brace."
19. An updated classic scheme
This scheme, from The French Bedroom Co. is the perfect example of classic meets contemporary(Image credit: The French Bedroom Co.)
Strong symmetrical lines? Check. Sturdy four-poster bed? Check. Traditional bedroom scheme? Nope. Classic style has endured for good reason – it is pleasing to the eye, ideal for conjuring up a soothing feel and easy to pair with bolder accessories.
Fixing bedroom lighting in a symmetrical layout is a brilliant idea – but by using contemporary, exciting fittings, there is no reason it should feel conformist.
There are plenty of lighting styles to choose from when selecting bedroom lighting.
"When choosing a centre light, indulge with a luxurious velvet shade or crystal pendant light. These added details will give the room a boutique feel and create a sanctuary that calls out for slumber," says Peter Legg.
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Natasha is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and has been a member of the team for over two decades. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project. She is now looking for her next project — something which is proving far harder than she thought it would be.
