1. SWITCH BEDSIDE LAMPS FOR PENDANTS
Switch a traditional bedside lamp for more statement hanging pendants by your bedside table. Not only do they give you more space for side table decor, but look perfectly elegant. This scheme designed by Beata Heuman has a reflective mirror behind the light too, further reflecting its glow.
2. TRY A BEDROOM LIGHT THAT IS FIXED INTO THE HEADBOARD
Elevate your statement headboard even further with an in-built light, making it high tech and an aesthetic talking point. This townhouse bedroom, designed Brooklyn’s Home Studios, embraced the bedroom trend with a custom built-in headboard that incorporates bedside tables.
3. GO FOR LED LIGHTING IN THE BEDROOM
LED lighting can create beautiful moments of lighting in the bedroom that aren't too harsh on the eye. From concealed lighting that is hidden away under the cornicing, providing only a mere suggestion of light, to lighting on the floor, it's a great way of subtly introducing light. LED is also an energy efficient way of lighting your bedroom, so if you're finding your energy consumption getting drained by leaving that bedroom light on, you might want to make the switch.
4. GET A LIGHT THAT WORKS ON THE TABLE OR THE WALL
Bedside table lamps are moving on from the typical format of lampshade-style, and these frosted table lamps are seriously cute for your next bedroom idea. Not only do they provide a warming glow on your bedside table, with a handy dimmer switch so you can control the light, but you can move them around.
5. LAYER YOUR BEDROOM LIGHTING
So in keeping with the rule of three when it comes to bedroom lighting, the easiest way to incorporate task, ambient, and accent is to layer your lighting. As Emma Deterding, Founder and Creative Director of Kelling Designs explain, 'When it comes to lighting your bedroom, it’s important to make sure you have different layers to not only change the atmosphere but also make sure you have the option of ample light. It’s where you spend most of your time, so it is definitely worth investing in.'
6. ADD RUSTIC GLAMOR WITH A STATEMENT CHANDELIER
A chandelier works in any style space, whether you like something rustic or a more minimalist style like this gorgeous white bedroom. And a chandelier doesn't have to mean huge and opulent with glass crystals dripping from the ceiling, there are plenty of modern designs like the chic globe light designs that would fit right into a Mid-century modern style space, or the ever-popular beaded chandeliers that add a slightly laid back, boho touch.
7. FLANK YOUR BED WITH ELEGANT WALL LIGHTS
If space is tight in a small bedroom, or if you don't want to give up valuable bedside space to lighting, wall-mounted designs are the way to go. 'Wall rather than table lights in small bedrooms also avoid cluttered surfaces,' says Charlie Bowles, director at Original BTC
8. GO OVERSIZED TO MAKE A STATEMENT
And pendant lighting doesn't have to be subtle and sleek either, you could choose to go bold and make a statement with something oversized that hangs low over a bedside table. Now bold doesn't always have to overwhelm a room either, as this neutral bedroom proves, you can add some drama without taking away focus from the entire room. Choose larger, oversized designs and let that make the statement, the fabrics, materials, and shapes can be kept chic and simple as can be seen with this voluminous rattan shade.
9. ADD TEXTURE WITH MATERIALS INSPIRED FROM NATURE
We love the idea of using lighting to add an extra layer of texture to a bedroom. A bedroom should be filled with soft, inviting, tactile pieces that shouldn't stop at your lighting. If you love that rustic bedroom look, layered with plenty of linens and slubby materials, mirror that in your lampshades too.
10. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOU BEDSIDE LAMP
The humble bedside table lamp can make all the difference in a bedroom lighting scheme – in fact, we would say it is the most important light source in a bedroom. Pick the right design and it will add all three types of light to your room, task lighting for reading, an all-over glow for ambiance, and a pool of light around your bedside table for accent.
11. HANG CEILING LIGHTS IN GROUPS
This blue bedroom zings with punchy color combinations and quirky yet classic motifs. A trio of oversized yellow globe pendants are hung at different heights, adding more of a statement than just a single light.
12. FOCUS OF CERTAIN ASPECTS WITH ACCENT LIGHTING
Task lighting and ambient lighting are key in a bedroom lighting scheme and you'll find that your bring these sorts of sources into your room without even thinking about it. But accent lighting often gets ignored and yet it's key to creating that all-over soft glow you want in a bedroom.
13. DON'T FORGET THE FLOOR LAMP
Bringing in pools of light and giving your bedroom well-lit corners are the faithful floor lamp. They can be a great additional source of light in softer rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. They create these lovely soft pools of light that are perfect for illuminating dressing tables or if you have a seating area in your bedroom.
14. SWITCH TRADITIONAL LIGHT FIXTURES FOR LANTERNS
Another great example of the mirror trick being used to maximize light. But we are being drawn to the statement, oversized lantern – an unexpected and quirky choice for bedroom lighting, and yet it really works, creating a modern and yet relaxed, boho feel to the room. The fabric adds a softness too which feels just right for the laid-back, neutral bedroom, a traditional, structured bedside lamp would feel out of place amongst all the natural textures and slubby bedlinen.
15. ADD A SOFTNESS WITH FABRIC LIGHTING
A bedroom is a space that's filled with soft textures and layers of tactile fabrics and don't let that stop at your lighting. As Jo Plismy recommends 'I often recommend using fabric with lighting to achieve a romantic and tranquil atmosphere. There’s something timeless and luxurious about using fabric with lighting and I personally love the warmth that can be created with a fabric shade.'
16. KEEP IT SIMPLE WITH EXPOSED BULBS
Sometimes less is more when it comes to bedroom lighting and a single exposed bulb can make just as much of a statement as an oversized chandelier. This kind of simple design can work with so many styles too from industrial to rustic. Just be sure to choose your bulb carefully, you don't want it to cast a harsh light around the room so opt for a tinted LED bulb that will fill the space with warm, glowy light. And if you can, make it dimmable too so you have the option to turn it from task lighting to ambient lighting.
17. INCORPORATE PLENTY OF SWITCH OPTIONS
It's not the most glamorous bedroom lighting idea, but when planning in your lighting be consider how and where each light will turn off. You want plenty of options.