Home Design & Decorating Room Design Bedrooms

32 Bedroom Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Life

bedroom lighting ideas

Design by Thomas Guy / Photo by Jen Burner

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.

  • 01 of 32

    Glass Sconces

    bedroom sconce lighting ideas

    Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

    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.

    Continue to 2 of 32 below
  • 02 of 32

    Industrial Double Sconce

    bedroom double sconce lighting ideas

    @third_floor_left / Instagram

    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.

    Continue to 3 of 32 below
  • 03 of 32

    Long-Necked Sconces

    bedroom wall sconce lighting ideas

    @designbyanais / Instagram

    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.

    Continue to 4 of 32 below
  • 04 of 32

    Small Brass Sconces

    gold-toned bedroom lighting ideas

    @higbydesign / Instagram

    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.

    Continue to 5 of 32 below
  • 05 of 32

    Vintage Globe Sconces

    bedroom globe light sconce ideas

    @l.h_home / Instagram

    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.

    Continue to 6 of 32 below
  • 06 of 32

    Hanging Sconce Lights

    bedroom hanging sconce light ideas

    Design by Cheryl Bafford and Company / Photo by Abigail Jackson

    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.

    Continue to 7 of 32 below
  • 07 of 32

    Bedroom Reading Lights

    bedroom reading corner lighting ideas

    Design by Jessie Tobias / Photo by Sarah Szwajkos

    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.

    Continue to 8 of 32 below
  • 08 of 32

    Plug-In Sconces

    bedroom lighting cord cover ideas

    Design by Thomas Guy Interiors / Photo by Jen Burner

    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.

    Continue to 9 of 32 below
  • 09 of 32

    Pair of Daybed Wall Sconces

    bedroom daybed lighting ideas

    Design by Thomas Guy / Photo by Jen Burner

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

    Continue to 10 of 32 below
  • 10 of 32

    Sculptural Gold Sconces

    stylish bedroom lighting ideas

    @home_ec_op / Instagram

    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.

    Continue to 11 of 32 below
  • 11 of 32

    Integrated Headboard Sconce

    bedroom headboard with integrated lighting

    Design by Darci Goodman / Photo by Molly Rose

    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.

    Continue to 12 of 32 below
  • 12 of 32

    Bunk Bed Reading Light

    bedroom bunk bed lighting ideas

    Design by Darci Goodman / Photo by Molly Rose

    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.

    Continue to 13 of 32 below
  • 13 of 32

    Midcentury Modern Sconce

    midcentury modern bedroom lighting ideas

    Louis Duncan-He

    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.

    Continue to 14 of 32 below
  • 14 of 32

    All-Black Sconce

    black bedroom lighting ideas

    Design by CAROLYNLEONA / Photo by Abigail Jackson

    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.

    Continue to 15 of 32 below
  • 15 of 32

    George Nelson Sconce

    midcentury modern bedroom lighting ideas

    Design by Mary Patton / Photo by Molly Culver

    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.

    Continue to 16 of 32 below
  • 16 of 32

    Black-and-White Lamp

    bedroom lamp ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    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.

    Continue to 17 of 32 below
  • 17 of 32

    Chandelier + Bedside Lamps

    elegant bedroom lighting ideas

    Brexton Cole Interiors

    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.

    Continue to 18 of 32 below
  • 18 of 32

    Burnished Brass Lamps

    modern bedroom nightstand lighting ideas

    Alvin Wayne

    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.

    Continue to 19 of 32 below
  • 19 of 32

    Airy Pendant Light

    bedroom pendant lighting ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    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.

    Continue to 20 of 32 below
  • 20 of 32

    Neon Table Lamp

    colorful bedroom lighting ideas

    Studio Peake

    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.

    Continue to 21 of 32 below
  • 21 of 32

    All-White Table Lamp

    bedroom table lamp lighting ideas

    Jenn Pablo Studio

    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.

    Continue to 22 of 32 below
  • 22 of 32

    Bedside Pendant Lights

    space-saving bedroom lighting ideas

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Justin Levesque

    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.

    Continue to 23 of 32 below
  • 23 of 32

    Transparent Pendant Light

    hanging bedroom lighting ideas

    Jenn Pablo Studio

    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.

    Continue to 24 of 32 below
  • 24 of 32

    Domed Vintage Bedside Lamp

    vintage bedroom lighting ideas

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

    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.

    Continue to 25 of 32 below
  • 25 of 32

    Modern Black Pendant Light

    modern bedroom lighting ideas

    Brexton Cole Interiors

    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.

    Continue to 26 of 32 below
  • 26 of 32

    Midcentury Modern Lamp

    midcentury modern bedroom lighting

    Erin Williamson Design

    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.

    Continue to 27 of 32 below
  • 27 of 32

    Coastal Table Lamps

    coastal bedroom lighting ideas

    Louis Duncan-He Designs / Heather Dunbar Photography

    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.

    Continue to 28 of 32 below
  • 28 of 32

    Bedroom Floor Lamp

    bedroom floor lamp lighting ideas

    K+Co. Living

    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.

    Continue to 29 of 32 below
  • 29 of 32

    Modern Bedside Lamp

    modern bedroom lighting ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    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.

    Continue to 30 of 32 below
  • 30 of 32

    Colorful Two-Tone Lamp

    colorful bedroom lighting ideas

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

    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.

    Continue to 31 of 32 below
  • 31 of 32

    Electric Candelabra Pendant

    elegant bedroom lighting ideas

    Kate Marker Interiors

    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.

    Continue to 32 of 32 below
  • 32 of 32

    Quirky Table Lamp

    quirky bedroom lighting ideas

    Erin Williamson Design

    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.