32 Bedroom Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Life

Settling for a single overhead fixture just won't cut it for today's bedrooms. These multipurpose spaces require a range of lighting options, with multiple fixtures that fully maximize your bedroom's potential.

From wall sconces to table lamps, floor lamps, pendants, chandeliers, and more, there are a range of options for every space. That way, you'll have bright light for reading and working but can dim fixtures to create a calming ambiance when it's time to relax and unwind after a long day.

Check out these bedroom lighting ideas in a range of styles and rooms to help you illuminate your space.

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Glass Sconces

Wall sconces are a popular solution in the bedroom, given that they can make a space feel more elevated (like a luxe hotel) and eliminate the need for bedside lamps, freeing up room on a nightstand.

Keep in mind that there are so many different types of sconces to choose from, so you'll surely be able to find a style that complements your desired room aesthetic. Here, see-through glass sconces allow the wallpaper to be the star of the show.

Industrial Double Sconce

A double-pronged sconce provides twice the light and can be hung in the middle of the room as seen above. An industrial sconce like the one seen here is an excellent way to add some micentury modern flair to any space.

Long-Necked Sconces

Sconces like these are also modern looking and add lots of character to a bedroom. Note that these particular sconces are plug-in, making them a wonderful option for renters who do not wish to bring in an electrician to make permanent changes to their space.

Small Brass Sconces

On the other hand, maybe something a bit smaller and more subtle speaks to you instead. These petite brass sconces do the job without taking up much wall space.

Vintage Globe Sconces

Globe-shaped sconces are a great way to bring a touch of vintage style to the bedroom. Here, the brass color really pops in an otherwise muted space.

Hanging Sconce Lights

If your bed is recessed and fits into a small nook like this one, use this architectural feature to your advantage when hanging sconces. Here, they hang on the walls opposite the bed, proving that there is a way to make use of every inch of space.

Bedroom Reading Lights

Note that sconces do not need to be positioned by the bed. Light a small reading nook with a space-saving wall sconce instead of a floor lamp.

Plug-In Sconces

If you opt for plug-in sconces but are bothered by the look of dangling cords, note that you can install cord covers that will help streamline your space. The ones shown above are brass, but there are also white options if that better matches your wall color.

Pair of Daybed Wall Sconces

Hang sconces above a daybed to create ambiance and make it comfortable for reading. Here, white shades echo the white tufted upholstery.

Sculptural Gold Sconces

Sconces can double as decor if you opt for sculptural pieces like these. Even when they're not lit, they add character and personality to this eclectic chic bedroom.

Integrated Headboard Sconce

If your bedroom features an elongated, oversized headboard like this one, you may be at a loss as to where to install your sconces. Note that you can work them into the overall design scheme easily by attaching them directly to the headboard.

Bunk Bed Reading Light

A simple wall sconce can offer reading light for the bottom half of a bunk bed. A sconce placed perpendicular to this bottom bunk bed is still easy to access and utilize.

Midcentury Modern Sconce

A double sconce provides twice the light and twice the whimsy. This midcentury modern style piece is right at home above a wooden nightstand of the same aesthetic. Selecting options from the same era will ensure that your sleep space appears more cohesive and intentionally designed.

All-Black Sconce

Many people enjoy using sconces to add pep to a space. If you'd rather your sconces blend in rather than stand out, select pieces that directly match your wall color, like the black sconces in this moody bedroom.

George Nelson Sconce

Add some cheer to a bedroom seating area by hanging a sconce on the wall to brighten up the space. A George Nelson sconce is a natural pairing for an Eames lounge chair in this bright bedroom.

Black-and-White Lamp

A simple table lamp with a black base and a white shade can work in a range of interiors, from the minimalist to the eccentric.

Desiree Burns Interiors chose a small bedside lamp that fades into the background, allowing the vibrant wallpaper and wavy headboard to take center stage.

Chandelier + Bedside Lamps

Mix styles to create a layered feel in a primary bedroom. Brexton Cole Interiors paired tall, sculptural bedside lamps with a crystal chandelier to provide balanced light throughout the space.

Burnished Brass Lamps

Pick bedside lights with a graphic quality to add polish to your bedroom. A pair of burnished brass lamps with milk glass globes add contrast with black walls and mirrored side tables in this New York City bedroom from interior designer Alvin Wayne.

Airy Pendant Light

An airy woven pendant light can work in modern, coastal, or boho-inspired spaces. Desiree Burns Interiors hung a simple woven pendant light from the center of the ceiling in this bright coastal bedroom that complements the rattan furniture and warms up white walls.

Neon Table Lamp

Wake up your bedroom with a shot of neon by choosing a colorful bedside lamp. Studio Peake paired a neon yellow base with a clean white shade in this eclectic London bedroom.

All-White Table Lamp

Pair a an all-white table lamp with a white nightstand decorated with white flowers and decor objects to create an ethereal feel in your bedroom. Jenn Pablo Studio chose an oversized lamp that practically disappears when not in use.

Bedside Pendant Lights

Hang a pair of pendant lights from the ceiling on either side of the bed for a chic and space-saving look. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors added a touch of glam to this eclectic bedroom with gold-toned pendants.

Transparent Pendant Light

Hang transparent glass pendant lights on either side of the bed that will fade into the background when not in use, like this black-and-white bedroom from Jenn Pablo Studio.

Domed Vintage Bedside Lamp

In a romantic bedroom furnished with antique furniture and decor, choose vintage lighting for a cohesive feel. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors chose a domed vintage lamp that mimics the soft curves of the mirror and headboard.

Modern Black Pendant Light

Finish a black-and-white bedroom with retro-style lighting fixtures. Brexton Cole Interiors paired a striking black pendant light with vintage-style sconces for a minimalist feel with plenty of personality.

Midcentury Modern Lamp

Bring retro flair to a modern bedroom with a pair of midcentury modern lamps. Erin Williamson Design chose extra-tall buffet lamps with a blue-green glaze to complement this jewel-toned bedroom.

Coastal Table Lamps

Choose nature-inspired bedside lamps for a coastal decor theme, like the blue stacked stone table lamps in this blue-and-white bedroom from Louis Duncan-He Designs.

Try Mismatched Lamps

While a pair of bedside lamps will add symmetry and harmony to your bedroom design, feel free to mix it up with mismatched table lamps to give each side of the bed its own personality. Choose a pair that share a common characteristic light height or color or the same lampshade for a unified feel.

Bedroom Floor Lamp

Use a floor lamp in the bedroom to light a reading nook or fill an empty corner, like this tranquil coastal-style bedroom from K+Co. Living.

Modern Bedside Lamp

A modern table lamp will give your bedroom a current feel. Desiree Burns Interiors used a sculptural table lamp with a modern base in this neutral-toned guest room that complements patterned bedding and black-and-white photography hung over the bed.

Colorful Two-Tone Lamp

Create a focal point in a shared twin bedroom with a colorful lamp. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors chose a two-tone lamp in shades of pink and coral to add contrast to this blue, beige, and white bedroom.

Electric Candelabra Pendant

Emphasize tall ceilings with a striking pendant light that will help to ground your bedroom and make it feel cozier. Kate Marker Interiors chose a gold-toned electric candelabra pendant with a slim profile that hovers high over the bed in this airy room.

Quirky Table Lamp

Bring some personality to your bedroom with a quirky vintage lamp. Erin Williamson Design chose a lamp with a nude figurine base to light the dresser in this eclectic guest bedroom.

What is the best way to light a bedroom?

Include layered lighting to make your bedroom feel balanced and suited to multiple purposes. Complement a central flush mount, pendant light, or chandelier with wall sconces or table lamps on either side of the bed for reading. Place them on a dimmer to adjust the ambiance. Light the dresser with a small lamp, hang a decorative wall light, and add a floor lamp to a reading corner.

How many lights should a bedroom have?

The number of lights you use in the bedroom will depend on your preferences and the size of the room. Just be sure to light all four corners of the room for a balanced and relaxing feel. This can mean any combination of table lamps, task lights, sconces, floor lamps, and hanging pendant lights or chandeliers.

How should you position ceiling lights in a bedroom?

If you are installing a new ceiling light, position it over the room's most prominent feature—undoubtedly the bed and nightstands—rather than in the actual center of the room for a more polished look. In a smaller bedroom, consider skipping a ceiling fixture altogether and using a combination of table lamps and wall sconces instead.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.