Bedrooms are primarily used for sleeping but are they meant to be dark at all times? Definitely not! Bedrooms are a busy place during waking hours and should be well-lit to help you dress, read, and relax.
In this guide, let’s look at some of the best lighting options, from side tables to portables and bedroom ceiling lights, synonymous with a well-lit space. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Best Lighting for The Bedroom:
Chandelier
The most formal style of ceiling fixture is the chandeliers.
Chandeliers look absolutely fabulous on high ceilings. It’s a balancing act when it comes to hanging them, and generally, the lower you hang one – the larger it should be. However, don’t go for too large a size and instead choose a small piece and it will go with any bedroom style you have.
As a general rule of thumb, a chandelier 20 inches in diameter is sufficient for a small bedroom. On the other hand, you can go for a larger ceiling fixture – up to 30 inches in a large-sized bedroom.
When it comes to lighting, the chandeliers vary in the intensity of the light they offer. Since the bedroom is a secluded area, you would want lights that cast a moderate glow.
When hanging the ceiling lights, don’t hang the chandelier directly over the head of your bed. Instead, please keep it in the center of your room, near the footer of the bed.
Recessed Light
Recessed lights, also known as can lights or pot lights, are modern light fixtures standard in the living areas of the house. However, they look elegant in a bedroom and cast a contemporary illusion – regardless of the style.
When installing these lights, make sure to space them out evenly around 3 to 5 feet apart. They look best when installed around the room’s perimeter, with 6 to 8 lights enough to light up an average-sized bedroom.
A dimmer is also a must for these types of lights and will help you change the lights’ intensity depending on the mood and the task.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are another type of modern light fixture that goes with every kind of room design. They are ideally installed on each side of the bed and make nighttime reading enjoyable and more comfortable.
As a general rule of thumb, the wall sconces should be placed at the height of 6 feet. However, you can make some adjustments according to the size of the ceiling and the bed.
Sconces with adjustable swing arms are also available and make it easy to position the light right where you need reading in bed.
Table Lamps
Every bedroom needs a bedside light of some kind, so if it’s not the sconce, then it’s the table lamp. However, instead of a fancy table lamp, go for something practical with an easily reachable switch from the bed.
For the most comfortable light, pick a lamp that is a couple of inches taller than your nightstand to keep the light out of your eyes – but enough to keep the comfort level optimal.
You can also choose to have a dimmer light on your table lamp to adjust the brightness level according to your mood.
Standing Lamp
A standing lamp is a perfect décor and lighting item for any room of the house. They are available in endless variety, and you are unlikely not to find one that matches your room décor.
Ideally, they should be three to six feet tall and can be propped up in any corner of the room. However, we suggest going for one lamp in a small room and two if you have a large room. If the bed is not shared, you can save up on room space by using a standing lamp in place of one nightstand table.
Pendant Ceiling Lights
Another modern bedroom ceiling lights are the pendant lights. These hang down from the ceiling on a chain or a long rod and make a unique décor piece in any room.
However, they look best if you have high ceilings. The pendant ceiling lights are generally placed in the middle of the room, near the bed’s end. But you can use them in place of bedside lighting by placing them as dropdowns over the nightstands.
When choosing lights for the pendant light fixtures, make sure that you select lights that are not too bright. The designs should not be too open as well, or the glare will cause discomfort in the bedroom atmosphere.
Flush Ceiling Lights
Perhaps the most common style of bedroom ceiling lights is the flush ceiling lights. Unlike the low-hanging lighting styles, the flush ceiling lights sit directly against the ceiling. Generally, they are bulbs covered by decorative cover but provide the ultimate light you need in a small to a mid-sized bedroom.
In fact, a couple of these and will be the only light you will need in your bedroom.
When choosing the flush ceiling style of lights, go for those with a covered bottom. Otherwise, you will be looking at an unpleasant glare when lying on your bed.
Choose decorative elements that match the décor of your room. Look for stained glass or frosted variety. Clear glass is generally too bright for a bedroom, so look for an alternative in the cover to prevent over-brightness.
Semi-Flush Ceiling Lights
Similar to the flush ceiling lights, there are semi-flush decorative light fixtures. However, unlike the flush variety, these drop down a little from the ceiling and have a small gap between the top and the light.
Generally, they are ideal if you have high ceilings – around 10 feet or more.
In comparison, this type of light provides a better ambient light effect than the flushed variety and is the most preferred option for living spaces.
The bulb used in this style is easier to replace as well since you don’t have to take the whole thing out. The shades are available in a wide variety of styles, and you are bound to find one that is suitable for your bedroom aesthetic.
Ceiling Fan
Lastly, we have ceiling fans in place of lights. Find one with the attached light kit, and you will benefit from both – cool air in the warm summer nights and comfortable lighting.
When choosing the light used in the fan fixtures, avoid styles with candle-shaped or cups style lighting. They look best in the living areas. For the bedroom, go for fixtures with bowl-covered bulbs. Moreover, choose covers that are opaque or frosted instead of clear and transparent to avoid bright glare.
The fans are available in various colors, and you can find one that complements your bedroom décor easily.
A remote controller is a must for a fan, so you don’t have to get up repeatedly to fix the fan’s temperature and the intensity of the lighting.
Over to You!
Now that you know all about bedroom lights, it’s up to you to browse a range of ceiling lights and choose the best one for your room. Good luck!
