A search for bedroom lighting ideas speaks for a design-oriented mind because lighting is as integral, for any bedroom design, as any other element like the color scheme, furniture, artwork, etc.
Even though there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to bedroom lighting, a bedroom should still be bright and luminous and, at the same time, soothing and restful. Walk around your bedroom before considering any of the bedroom lighting ideas, and think about the mood you want to create.
A bedroom is where we carry out most of our day-to-day tasks and unwind at the end of a busy day. Vivid bedroom lighting, if done right, can set the right mood and a peaceful atmosphere in the bedroom. Layering is a key factor in taking full advantage of various bedroom lighting ideas.
Proper lighting is not only a necessity but also adds to the aesthetics of a bedroom. Combining multiple sources of light, such as wall sconces, chandeliers, table or floor lamps, adjustable wall fixtures, and most importantly, natural light, can create a soft blended ambiance and a well-lit bedroom.
Here Are The Best Bedroom Lighting Ideas For Your Home
1: Chunky chandeliers
Chandeliers are the most luxurious way to illuminate a bedroom, but only if your ceiling is strong enough to support their weight. Consider this minimalist, straight-lined bedroom for some ideas. The bedroom is stylish without any unnecessary flourishes or drama.
The only accent focal point is the atypically huge chandelier making it the perfect source of light. The matte moss green color of the walls, the ceiling, and the coordinated curtains provide the magnificent backdrop for this matte, metallic beige chandelier. The fan-shaped accessories at the back wall enhance the unusual shape of the chandelier even more.
2: Statement pendants
In addition to being a good source of light, the hanging pendant lights are also an aesthetic and glamorous addition to any bedroom design. A pendant light in a good quality diffusing material that out-spreads soft light can be a brilliant substitute for a night lamp.
The hazard-free round shape of this ball pendant light with the diffusion glass for a soft glow makes it an ideal choice for a low-hanging night lamp. The rich orangish-brown color is a warm addition to a neutral and cool color scheme.
3: Aesthetic lamps
Using lighting fixtures as Charming decorative elements is always a good idea.
These paper-made artistic night lamps are the center of attention, like in this voguish bedroom. The deep blue color scheme for the walls and the ceiling with contrasting deep mauve curtains set a glamorous high street apartment look. The wooden accents of the headboard with the side tables, the soft plush off-white wall-to-wall carpet, and a coordinated pair of comfy bedroom chairs with an origami end table make the perfect subdued environment.
The stark white color of the two eloquent side lamps makes them sparkle like diamonds against an overall deep and muted backdrop, hence the aesthetic heart of the room.
4: Backlit headboards
Backlit headboards are the latest addition in the field of interior decor and eye candy for many designers.
This urban chic bedroom is a shining picture of a backlit headboard as a source of light and aesthetics alike. The overall muted taupe, grey, and beige color scheme of the bedroom set the tone for a soft and calming luxury. The warm and hazy glow of the light behind the headboard transformed the otherwise plane, light taupe wall into an accent wall.
The pale peach-white color of the ceiling reflects the warm glimmer of the light, making it an accent feature effortlessly.
5: Mismatched fun
Add mismatched lighting fixtures throughout the bedroom; the only trick is to keep the color scheme homogenous.
In this bedroom, these two small mismatched hanging lights prove to be the cutest idea for bedside lighting. Two small bulbs at the same spot promise sufficient lighting. The identical shape and the color scheme but the dissimilarity of the sizes make these hanging lights an eye-catching aesthetic feature in this bedroom.
The movement created in the upwards and downward direction of the light bulbs is the real excitement attached to this simple hanging light.
6: Skylights
The best lighting plan is to incorporate natural and artificial lighting as much as possible.
This farmhouse-inspired bedroom is the best example of the use of an architectural feature to enhance available lighting. The whole design of the exposed ceiling beams and also the furniture cleverly revolves around the two skylights. One skylight is for the bed area near the foot side, protecting the headboard from direct sunlight. And the other one is right at the top of the sitting area to provide maximum lighting for reading or performing other day-to-day tasks.
The artificial lighting spots are also fixed only at the ceiling to keep a similar lighting plan for both the day and the night.
7: Adjustable Fixtures
Adjustable lighting fixtures are also a distinguished idea to uplift the lighting plan of a bedroom.
In the picture above, the two black metal lamps are a great source of lighting and enhance the industrial look of the bedroom. In addition to the adjustable height option, these two practical wall-mounted lamps are rotatable sideways also. The sideways rotation possibility makes these two lamps sufficient for the whole room. Use them as a night lamp for the late night reading from bed, or adjust them for ambiance lighting in a corner. The possibilities are endless.
8: Built-in accent lighting
An accent wall with incorporated lighting looks ultra-chic and whiffs like a luxurious-looking bedroom.
Take the game of your bedroom lighting to the next level and create a boutique hotel-style luxury by using rich fabrics, dark woods, and accent lights for a feature wall. The ceiling height aesthetic wall is the replacement of a headboard, with asymmetrically designed accent lights on both sides.
The two extra large black and white glass lamps add an extra layer of lighting and finish off the look artistically.
9: Reflective surfaces
Another brilliant option is to add reflective surfaces to multiply the available lighting.
This spruce loft bedroom is at the pinnacle of functionality and aesthetics. The reflective, bronze, metallic accent wall extended as a false ceiling serves a dual purpose. The continuation of the wall as the ceiling will make the whole bedroom space look spacious and tall, even in dim lighting conditions. The reflective material and the particular color of the metal accent wall multiply the effect of two sleek night lamps and a few accent ceiling lights.
10: Candlelight drama
Say you are in energy-saving mode for the love of mother earth; add candles as accent lighting.
Candles are an all-time favorite to add romance, drama, and ambiance to any given space. Nothing is more romantic than a candle-lit bedroom. Design an aesthetic display of candles around the bedroom. Arrange a cluster of small tea candles or add a few tall, pretty candle stands with slim candles, and the whole mood will be uplifted merely by the presence of candles in the bedroom.
Put scented candles in glass lanterns on the floor accompanied by a few feather accessories and your bedroom for a cozy romantic evening.
11: Neon Signs
Neon signs are an eminent way to incorporate additional layers of lighting into your bedroom.
Replace the emergency night light with a sweet neon sign. In this pleasantly luxurious bedroom, the cool white neon sign is in perfect harmony with the grey-and-white color scheme of the room. Pick out a delightful bedtime wish, get it custom-made, and place it anywhere in your bedroom, but the classic spot is at the back of the headboard.
12: Backlit Mirrors
Turn your dressing mirror into a source of softly glowing concealed lighting.
Backlit mirrors are beneficial in many ways. They provide an evenly spread soft light and a clear illuminated reflection in the mirror. Modern backlit mirrors are mostly thin and can be installed directly on the wall. This modern bedroom has a contemporary geometric dresser with a large backlit mirror, a perfect solution for a small room.
A sleek dressing table with a backlit mirror serves a dual purpose. Firstly, a practical dresser and an additional layer of lighting.
13: Fairy-tale lighting
Add tiny sparkles all around your bedroom to create an ambient fairy-tale lighting effect. Dress up your window curtains with another layer of twinkling string light curtains.
Along with many other layers of lighting, indoor string lights can add a romantic touch and a dreamy glow to your bedroom. Carefully plan a layout for your string lights for an evenly spread misty effect. Put slightly bigger string light bulbs around your swing chair or any other romantic seating present in your bedroom.
Design your own fantasy of tiny sparkles, and your bedroom lighting is Instagram-ready.
14: Bubbles of lights
Let’s get inspired by this super chic girly bedroom.
In this bedroom, the tone-defining piece is the bubble globe light. The circular and drop shape of this featured light is the inspiration for the general aesthetics of the room. A string of tiny dot-like fairy lights along the window frame, a half-circle repetitive pattern along the window’s outer frame, and a few round loose cushions are all extensions of the bubble globe light.
It is a fabulous idea to introduce a statement piece of the lighting fixture and let the rest of the bedroom aesthetics revolve around it.
15: Recess lighting
Recessed lights are way too long-lasting than any other light bulb and are also energy efficient as well. Recessed lights have many titles, such as high hat lights or pot lights, to name a few. Recessed lights usually sit inside the ceiling and can evenly illuminate the whole bedroom.
The trick is not to go overboard with recessed lights and strategically plan a few spots around the room. Like in this bedroom, a single recessed light is placed right at the top of the bed, which serves the purpose of the spot for the artwork at the back of the bed, and also a lamp for late-night reading.
16: Poetic Glow
Design a few imaginative and odd layers of lighting to set a distinctive mood for your bedroom.
Add a big circle or any other geometric shape at one end of your bed and make it glow with a concealed rope light. Keep the rest of the bedroom design minimalist to give this creative light sentimental value. Like in this bedroom, this substantial metal ring is the mood-defining and uplifting element in an otherwise blended grey scheme of the bedroom.
17: Mix & Match accents
Mix and match concealed ceiling and accent wall light to create an eccentric lighting display.
For this bedroom, pick out a 3d wallpaper and frame it with a concealed LED rope light in a rectangular shape. Repeat the same technique for the cove lighting with the pre-installed crown molding at the ceiling. Fix the same warm LED rope light at both spots.
And a layer of coordinated aesthetically rich wall and ceiling accent lighting is ready to glimmer in your bedroom.
18: Minimalist approach
There are many fun ideas to have proper lighting in your bedroom without going overboard, especially if you have a relatively small bedroom.
Install a floating bed with concealed under-the-bed lighting all around it. Add two hanging bulbs as a substitute for the night lamps. Keep the overall color scheme of the bedroom white to multiply the effects of available lighting. And your small space bedroom will flood with illumination without having too many lighting fixtures.
Keep the window curtain sheer for an additional layer of natural light.
19: Twig tree lighting
Get inspired by this artistic display of lighting and design your own version of a standing lamp.
This modern-vintage princess bedroom emits a snowy winter Christmas lighting idea. Fix a twig tree at the side of your nightstand and decorate it with fairy lights. Hang a similar-looking artwork close to your fairy lights twig tree to create visual harmony.
This tree of light can stand there year-round as a dreamy night light.
20: Glowing lines
If you don’t fancy a quote or an inspiring note in the form of a neon sign, then just add an abstract or maybe some meaningful glowing shape.
In this bedroom, this glowing lighting sign makes the accent feature and the headboard’s frame. This neon light could be both a replacement for the night light and an additional layer of aesthetic lighting.
The neon strips are available in both warm and cool light. But, a warm, softly spreading light is wise when it comes to bedroom lighting, especially near the bed.
21: Beams of light
With the help of modern-day technology, there is a broad spectrum to experiment with lighting fixtures and use them for our aesthetic advantages.
This elegant bedroom is a superb example of the flexibility of lighting fixtures. The accent wall has numerous light beams of different lengths weaved together with the wooden beams. The extension of the accent wall into the ceiling with the same treatment of light and wood beams gives this bedroom the feel of a metropolitan city’s skyline. And the two side-hanging lights with a downward glow balance out the upward movement of the light beams.
This artistic situation might sound complicated, but very easy to replicate. And the results are mind-blowing.
22: Black & White
You must have imagined or planned a black-and-white bedroom, but have you ever thought of a black-and-white lighting fixtures scheme in an otherwise colored room?
Here is another exceptional idea to add layers of lighting with uplifted aesthetics. Handpick all black and white lighting fixtures for your bedroom. From hanging pendants to side table lamps, from ceiling recessed lights to floor lamps, all in black and white.
Here is a stylish bedroom with black and white lighting fixtures to give you a clear picture of this idea. The bedroom has a muddy brown, peach, and grey color scheme, with a black-and-white lighting plan. Even the catchy circular artifact on the accent wall has a black-and-white tube, serving the purpose of a tube light.
23: Boho glam
The bohemian style of interiors gives you a lot of freedom to experiment and show off your true artistic nature.
Look at this ultra-chic bohemian bedroom. The focal point of the bedroom is the two blown-up rattan hanging lamps. These hanging lights with the higher voltage of the bulbs are enough to light up the whole space. If your bedroom has a high ceiling, don’t be afraid to have sizeable and chunky hanging lights like these two attractive pieces to uplift the aesthetics of your bedroom lighting.
24: Natural light
One can never deny the effects created by the presence of natural lighting in the bedroom. Indirect sunlight is a healthy blessing to have in our bedroom.
If you have such a scenic view outside your window like this bedroom, then leave the windows curtain free or dress them up minimally only if necessary. Plan your furniture layout according to the direction of the sunlight entering the bedroom. Bask in the morning sun while having your first cup of coffee in bed or sleep while gazing at a starry night.
Take maximum advantage of the windows pouring sun or moonlight, and keep the rest of the layers of lighting to a minimum.
25: Like a street lamp
Design specified corners with purposeful lighting, such as a reading or a sewing nook.
This inviting and relaxing corner has a carefully picked purposeful lighting fixture, a wall-mounted curved reading lamp. In addition to defining the character of the bedroom, this beautiful lighting fixture is also a good spotlight and provides sharp light. It is wise to have such elaborate fixtures in a corner and above the height of the tallest person in the house to avoid walking hazards.
26: Standing lamps
The corner-standing floor lamps are a great way to add finishing touches to the styling of a bedroom. Floor lamps are also an aesthetic way to add ambient lighting in a room.
Create a polished and sophisticated look by adding a coordinated floor lamp with the rest of your bedroom scheme. Take inspiration from this corner of a boho-chic bedroom. A modern black metal and wood floor lamp blends very well with the other wooden, jute, metallic, and feathery pieces of the bedroom.
If truth be told, the accidentally matched floor lamp, the side table, and a tiny black metal light attached to the headboard are the focal points of the tasteful decor and a good lighting source.
27: Pretty light patterns
Add a creative and pleasant surprise to your bedroom through some unusual and artistic lighting.
This out-of-the-box sensuous bedroom has its version of an accent wall and lighting. Instead of one big regular chandelier, there are three prettiest hanging lights. The similar design but the different sizes of all three lights create a visual interest taking this accent wall to a pinnacle of aesthetics.
The repetition of the similar rope light under the bed’s platform is very thoughtful and acts like a cherry on top.
28: Add a task lamp
One of the vital components of a layer of lighting is task lighting. Task light is to provide a sharp light at a specific spot for reading, sewing, and other such works that need additional lighting to see the minor details.
Usually, in the bedroom, a task light or a lamp is placed at a desk or the workstation. But you can always place a task light at your bedside table for late-night reading. A task light can also be a source of ambiance lighting in the bedroom.
29: Barn beam lighting
If you are lucky to have a farmhouse-inspired bedroom with shiplap and exposed beams ceiling, then the barn beam lighting is a dazzling idea to have as accent lighting.
Create a blend of rustic and glamorous accent lighting in your bedroom without spending a lot of time and hassle. Attach a concealed LED rope light at one side of the barn beam and repeat the same style throughout the ceiling on each beam.
Your bedroom will start beaming in no time with seductive ceiling accent lighting.
30: Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are a traditional but necessary element of the layers of bedroom lighting. Match your wall sconces with other lighting fixtures in your bedroom, such as a chandelier, or give them a unique identity; they will look elegant either way.
In this contemporary straight-line bedroom, two wall sconces provide an additional border for the featured artwork. With both upward and downward spread of light, these wall sconces mark their noted presence by becoming part of an accent wall.
Frequently Asked Question
What lighting is best for the bedroom?
According to the experts, warm and neutral white light is ideal for a calming bedroom. It is also highly recommended to have the same intensity and temperature of all the light fixtures in the same bedroom, which means opting for a single type of bulb or light for the whole room.
If you have pleasant windows in your bedroom, take maximum advantage of the soothing evening sunlight. Try to spread your different sources of light around the room and create a nice balance and flow of light.
Smooth, flat neutral colored surfaces such as a white bedspread can be reflective and intensify the lighting in the bedroom, making it look brighter.
Adding small lights closer to the bed, replacing emergency night lights, or a study lamp for a sleep time reading are brilliant ideas.
How do I get better lighting in my bedroom?
The dimensions of a bedroom are the first thing to consider for a better bedroom lighting plan. Large windows flooding with indirect sunlight are blessings for the plenty of natural light in the daytime and also to save energy. Layers of lighting are very important when it comes to a proper lighting plan for any bedroom.
If you have a high ceiling and a comparatively big bedroom, a chandelier can be a pleasing aesthetic option to add to other light sources, such as wall sconces and table lamps.
But if your bedroom is not that sizeable, skip the chandelier, go for a tall standing lamp somewhere in a corner, and blend it with other lighting spots.
Neutral colors, especially the all-white color scheme, bounce back the light hence, making a room look brighter even under dimly lit circumstances. Keep cleaning your lighting fixtures and the bulbs regularly for their proper function and equal dispensation of light.
What should you avoid in the lighting of the bedroom?
Regardless of your bedroom size, never depend on a single source of light; instead, consider layers.
Recess lights have become very popular in recent times as an aesthetic factor of a room design but avoid going overboard as the recess lights are flat and too sharp for a peaceful night’s sleep. Always hang the pendant lights with exposed bulbs above the eye level of the tallest person in the house to avoid direct glare.
Placing a task lamp or a very bright light source near the bed should be avoided. Dimmers are a great invention; not counting on them for proper bedroom lighting can be a mistake. Keep separate switches for different fixtures for the right amount of light according to your needs at any specific time, such as reading time or sleep time.
Spread all the light evenly throughout the bedroom without neglecting any areas, such as the wardrobe or bathroom.
