Ask the Experts: Modern Bedroom Lighting
One more reason to stay in bed.
Nothing makes a better first impression than great lighting. Because of the amount of time we spend in our bedrooms, we've been on the lookout for creative bedroom lighting ideas. Most bedrooms need a combination of various types of lighting so you can read in bed, get dressed and relax. Keep reading below for our favourite ideas and advice when it comes to finding bedroom lighting ideas that work for you.
What Does Your Lighting Need to Do?
Are you looking to make over your entire room with one big fixture? Or are you just looking to light up an overlooked corner of your room? Determine what type of lighting you'll need by reading about the three most common fixtures below.
General Ambient Lighting
General lighting is the minimum amount of light you'd need to fold a load of laundry, make your bed or tidy up bedside books. This ambient lighting is best achieved by installing a ceiling fixture. Think: flush mounts, chandeliers and pendants. If you want to be able to adjust overhead lighting, look for a dimmable fixture.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is for activities that require a bit more focus like reading, working from bed – although we wouldn't recommend it, we can't say we've never done it – or applying makeup at a vanity. By adding a table lamp, low-hanging pendant or wall lights, you'll be able to easily complete these tasks
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting highlights one feature in a room like bold portrait art or foiled wallpaper. Aside from brightening up one particular area, accent lighting gives off a soft glow which is great for creating a cosy atmosphere. To really make art or surroundings pop, accent lighting should be three times brighter than the room's general lighting. Look for wall sconces or track lighting.
Get Creative with Your Light Fixtures
Now that you've determined what kind of lighting you'll need in your bedroom, take a peek below at the various types of fixtures and figure out how to make your favourite style work with your bedroom lighting ideas.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lighting is great for bedrooms with high ceilings – we're talking 3m or more. These lights pull double duty because they create a statement while saving both floor and wall space. For a curated look, place pendants above nightstands. Just remember to leave 75cm – 90cm of space between the bottom of the pendant and the top of your nightstand. A pendant can also offset a reading nook – in case you need a reason to escape to your bedroom midday for a half hour of peace.
If you're looking for statement bedroom lighting ideas, a chandelier will be right up your alley. High ceilings are pretty much a must when it comes to hanging a chandelier because it's recommended that you hang them at least 2m above the floor. For a small bedroom, it's generally a good idea to keep the chandelier to no more than 50cm across. For a larger bedroom, keep the chandelier to no more than 75cm in diameter.
Chandeliers look incredible when placed near the end of a bed. Choose one with moderate lighting – anything too bright will make lounging in bed in the evenings uncomfortable. If you have a sitting area off your bedroom, use a chandelier to define that space as its own miniature room. If skin care and makeup are more your thing, hang a mini chandelier above your vanity for old Hollywood vibes.
Tip: Love chandeliers but don't know where to start looking? Check out our Chandelier Style Guide for styling tips for any room in your home.
Flush Mounts
Flush mounts are ideal for low ceilings – typically anything 3m or lower. If you rent your home, flush mounts are great because they're easy to install and interchangeable. It's best to choose a fixture that has a covered bottom so your bedroom won't feel too bright. Similar to chandeliers, choose a large flush mount for a large room and a small fixture for smaller rooms.
Tip: For warmer climates, it might be nice to install a ceiling fan. Just make sure to choose one that includes a light kit.
Hear us out: Wall lights are great space-savers as they take up zero floor space and no surface area. One of our favourite bedside lighting ideas is placing wall lights above bedside tables instead of using lamps. You'll still have that glow to catch up on your book club book (or just read the summary on your phone) without taking up room on your bedside table.
When installing a wall light, place it close enough to be within easy reach from your bed. We recommend 10cm – 15cm out from the side of your headboard and half a metre above the mattress. Of course, this varies based on your own preferences and the style of light. For the most flexibility, choose wall lights with adjustable swing arms like the ones featured above.
Can't decide between a table or floor lamp? Both can work when turning your bedside lighting ideas into a reality. Table lamps are great for dressers or bedside tables. Place one on a dresser to light up a mirror or jewellery box. If you're setting a lamp on a bedside table, make sure to place it at a distance where you can comfortably turn the switch on and off without having to get up.
For larger rooms, opt for a floor lamp. They're great for showing off a gallery wall. If you only have one bedside table, you can also place a floor lamp on the other side of your bed to make the most of your table's surface area. If your floor lamp doubles as a bedside light, look for a lamp that points the light downward. If you're using the floor lamp for bonus lighting and not placing it near the bed, look for a lamp with an upward-facing light.
Tip: Your journey into lighting doesn't have to end here! Check out:
- Set the Mood With Our Guide to Ambient Lighting
- Bring Hygge Into Your Home With These Scandi Lighting Ideas
- 9 Ways to Style and Showoff Pendant Lights
