Finding small bedroom lighting ideas can be tricky. You don't want to overwhelm the space with lighting that's too bright, but on the flipside, having a small space poorly lit will only make it seem even more compact.
With most lighting design, the recommend approach is to think of your lighting in layers. And while it's pretty much the same for small bedrooms, you will find yourself having to think more carefully not just about the layers, but also if the lights themselves are too big, too small and if they will create the right ambience.
Luckily we've got experts on hand to explain how the best small bedroom lighting ideas don't have to feel limiting, and if done well can even enhance the look and feel of the space, however small it may be.
1. Choose furniture with space for lighting
When deciding your bedroom layout ideas, there are usually key items you want to include – particularly if your small bedroom is being used as a master suite. Two bedside tables is generally a must when the room is inhabited by more than one person. But, if space is tight, you might need to choose scaled down versions that then leave little room for the essentials such as lights, reading material and a drink.
Rather than compromising on your small bedroom lighting ideas, look for furniture solutions instead, such as bedside tables with pull out shelves. The Winchcombe Smoked Oak Bedside Table from The Cotswold Company includes this handy feature, and means can still indulge in some sleek and stylish bedside lights, but still have room for your morning coffee to sit safely.
Other tips to consider when choosing lighting and furniture to match include thinking about the shape, says Mara Rypack-Miller, founder of Industville.
"Opting for fixtures with soft rounded edges will contribute to a sense of comfort that’s integral to a bedroom," she says, "then, mirror these soft edges in the furniture to create continuity and flow in the space, adding to an overall feeling of calm."
Mara is the industrious founder of Industville, the place for handcrafted lighting, interiors and art. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to eco-conscious craftsmanship, Mara focuses on designs which tell a story of timeless elegance and environmental responsibility.
2. Use wall lights for pretty but practical bedroom lighting
Partiularly tight on space between bed and window or wall? Wall lights that can be mounted at just the right height give you the option of either eschewing a bedside table completely (an option if you only need small bedroom lighting ideas for your guest bedroom ideas), or the opportunity to choose something more petite such as a tiny occasional table.
"Wall lights or sconces are an excellent solution in small bedroom lighting schemes, as they free up valuable bedside table space while providing focused light for reading," confirms James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting.
But, as well as the fitting, how it looks is important too, says Emily Butterill, founder of Glow Lighting. Any type of light fitting in a small space will stand out, so it needs to get the balance right.
"Opal or softly coloured glass diffuses the light beautifully," suggests Emily, "so the room feels calm, but the lighting is still bright enough for everyday use."
Shop for wall lights with glass shades
A classic gold and smoked glass wall lamp with a touch of Art Deco style, perfect for bedrooms
Use this industrial side wall light for easy bedtime reading in small bedrooms
This clear glass and antique brass can be topped with a 16cm empire lampshade in various finishes
James is perfectly placed to offer expert guidance on all aspects of home lighting. From dazzling crystal chandeliers and statement wall lights to designer lamps and elegant drop pendants, James and his knowledgeable team are always on hand to help customers find the perfect lighting for their individual project.
Emily is the founder of Glow Lighting, a female-led lighting brand specialising in British-made, customisable pendant, wall and table lamps.
3. Add mirrors behind bedside lamps for extra reflection
Using mirrors in small spaces is nothing new. They're often used by interior designers to trick the eye into feeling that a room is larger than it actually is. And, it's no exception with small bedroom lighting ideas either, except in this instance, the mirrors can be placed directly behind lights.
Particularly helpful when you have a narrow room, mirrors combined with lights can help to throw the light further into the room and brighten dark corners.
But, as with all lighting design, what transforms your scheme from bland into beautiful is a layered approach – something that's not always easy to achieve when space is at a premium.
“There is a risk that dark corners will make a small bedroom feel more enclosed, so it’s best to take a layered lighting approach, using pockets of light to create a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere," confirms Mara Rypacek-Miller.
4. Hang a chandelier in a small bedroom with a high ceiling
While you may have a small bedroom in terms of overall floor space, if you still benefit from high ceilings, don't be scared to use them for larger lights in your small bedroom lighting ideas.
Height gives you the advantage of being able to consider pendant lights such as chandeliers, or those with multi-directional features that you can direct towards darker corners or key architectural features of the room.
But, "lighting a small bedroom requires a delicate balance," warns James Kendall. "The aim is to make the space feel bright and welcoming without it feeling cluttered or harsh.
Here, to make sure the the light doesn't become overwhelming, a delicate design in a matching colour perfectly compliments the shades of white used throughout the rest of the bedroom. Try this 5 Way Chandelier in Porcelain White from Value Lights for a similar look.
5. Choose warmer toned bulbs for your small bedroom lighting ideas
Although you may be tempted to use bright, white bulbs in small bedrooms in the hope it makes the room seem bigger, it's not the right approach to take warn lighting experts. For cosy bedroom ideas in any size space, you need the light to be warm, not cool.
"A warm white light (around 2700-3000K) is always best for small spaces," says Mara Rypacek-Miller, "as they benefit from extra warmth and subtle shadows, not the starkness of cool light."
6. Choose the proportions of your lighting to match the space
Given size is the main factor being taken into account in small bedroom lighting ideas, in most cases, it make sense that your lighting should be in proportion to the space you're working with.
"In small bedrooms, the lighting needs to be practical without feeling overpowering. I’d suggest keeping fittings to scale; smaller pendants or petite fabric shades work well," advises Emily Butterill.
If you do have enough ceiling height, for a small, low-hanging pendant light, "use translucent or light-diffusing materials," suggests James Kendall. "Choosing smaller shades or lamps keeps the room feeling balanced, while soft fabrics or frosted glass diffuses light, making the space cosy and comfortable."
7. Off-set a pendant light in place of a bedside light
Sometimes, thinking outside the box in your box-room small bedroom lighting ideas is the ticket to success. Instead of looking to your walls, aim higher by hanging pendant lights that fall to either, or one side of the bed.
Choose soft fabric shades to avoid it feeling like a spotlight, and make sure you get the cable length and positioning just right so that you don't find yourself coming into contact with it during nighttime visits to your small ensuite.
If your bedroom has a little more of a rustic feel to it, try the Amaria Scallop Adjustable Pendant Light from Dunelm instead. Its white wicker shade is light and bright but has a little more texture than a standard fabric shade.
8. Choose smoked glass fittings for a softer light
Prefer to stick to a more simple monochrome led palette when choosing the best bedroom colour schemes? That's fine, but you'll need to make sure lighting isn't too sterile or harsh for the space.
Glass, low hung pendant lights to the side of the bed will add a contemporary twist, but make sure they are fit for purpose too.
"Tinted glass finishes like mocha or smoked are an excellent way to make the space feel warm and cosy, without being too dark,” says Mara Rypacek-Miller.
You can replicate this look using the Chelsea Glass Globe Pendant from Industville.
9. Use plug in lighting for an extra glow
If you're really struggling for space to increase the lighting in your small bedroom, don't forget the power of temporary, or plug-in lights to add an extra sparkle to your space.
Wind fairy lights around bedframes, or install LED strip lighting such as the LAP 5m LED Strip Light 21W from Screwfix along skirting boards or at the junction between your ceilings and walls. No spare plugs? Opt for rechargeable lighting such as the Hensam Battery Operated Wall Sconces from Amazon which can be charged outside of the bedroom and popped back in when needed.
10. Use dimmer switches for maximum control
Once you've picked the number and type of lights you want in your small bedroom lighting ideas, it's important not to forget that you also need to think about how you control them.
If you're looking at different types of light switches, where possible, opt for dimmer switches, says James Kendall.
"Flexibility is key in small bedrooms, so dimmable switches are recommended to adjust lighting depending on the time of day or task," he explains.
Our experts' final tips for small bedroom lighting? If you're in the early stages of renovating or re-wiring your home, "recessed or spot lighting works well in small spaces because it doesn’t take up visual space and can be positioned to highlight key areas such as wardrobes or dressing tables," says James Kendall.
"Position lights where you actually use them, for example, bedside lighting for reading or a wall light near a dressing table," adds Emily Butterill, and always bear in mind the finish of your fittings too, says Mara Rypacek-Miller.
"Glass lighting, particularly those with a ribbed or patterned finish cast quiet patterns across walls and ceilings, adding atmosphere without clutter."
For more small bedroom inspiration, take a look at our guide on how to make a small bedroom look bigger, and make sure you use these small bedroom storage ideas for a space that's well-ordered.
