Good lighting plays an essential role in our bedrooms as it adds comfort, style, and coziness to them. The right choice of lighting will ensure a good sleep quality, comfortable reading in the evening time and relaxation.
It’s not just for sleeping that the bedroom is used. We relax there, maybe work or study, and so on. Therefore, it’s important to choose proper lighting solutions for the room. The most significant place needs to be paid to designing around the bed.
Bedroom lighting must be chosen from the very first stage of renovations or even building of the house. It’s important to consider that wiring must be hidden according to all safety regulations.
The lighting system includes the following components: cables and fasteners for lamps sockets and switches. If the walls of the house are made of brick, blocks, or reinforced concrete panels, then the guide channels and niches for electrical equipment are punched with a special tool, that is, they are cut. Sometimes the walls or ceiling are covered with plasterboard sheets or wood panels, stretch or suspended ceilings. In this case, it is permissible to conceal all electrical components within the hollow structures.
The task is rather dusty and dirty. In case the finishing decoration of the room has already been performed, then it will become necessary to perform cosmetic repair again once the task is finished. Wiring laid out without any covers does not comply with all safety regulations and spoils the excellent design of the room.
It is very important to think ahead about how to place lights in the correct places. It is also important to choose appropriate designs of light sources in order to avoid costly modifications later on.
How to Create the Right Bedroom Lighting on the First Try
It is important to determine the position of the furniture first, since the fixtures for extra lighting will depend on how the furniture will be arranged. As an example, even a chandelier nowadays can be positioned not at the center of the ceiling, but above the bed. Furthermore, there are ceiling lamps that serve as backlighting instead of table or sconce lamps.
- Bedroom Lighting
- Lighting Fixtures
- Chandeliers
- Sconces and Backlights
Bedroom lighting must meet certain requirements:
- Create and enhance a relaxing, calming atmosphere;
- Be pleasing to the eye, not too dim, not glaringly bright, and diffused;
- There should be no dark, gloomy corners.
Each of these areas is usually equipped with separate lighting systems, as required. From all these guidelines, one can come to the conclusion that one lamp per entire room does not work. The fanciest chandelier that has a few light bulbs is not what you need here since it will only give you too bright an illumination which may harm your eyes. Moreover, there will be too much contrasting light, which you do not actually need. It’s more appropriate to use several low-and medium-wattage lamps in the room.
Here, we would like to provide you with 15 beautiful bedroom lighting design ideas inspired by modern styles on Pinterest and current bedroom interior design trends.
1. Add Warm Bedside Table Lamps
One of the most straightforward ways of upgrading bedroom lighting is through the use of bedside table lamps. Bedside lamps are timeless when it comes to home lighting ideas.
Bedside lamps with warm tones are perfect for creating a comfortable atmosphere in the bedroom. In addition, using bedside lamps will help create a relaxed mood before going to bed. You should avoid using bulbs with cool white tones since you can opt for warm yellow lights that offer a comfortable feel.
Pinterest bedrooms incorporate two matching bedside lamps on either side of the bed.
For the design of bedside lamps, it may be ideal to use warm LED bulbs and shades made from soft fabrics that give off a calming environment. It is common practice for most people who own homes to ensure their bedroom decoration matches the color schemes of their bedside lamps. Another advantage of bedside lamps is the ability to control the lighting in your bedroom using dimmable bedside lamps.
2. Install LED Strip Lights Behind the Bed
The other bedroom lighting trend that you can find on Pinterest is the use of LED strip lights. They are cost-effective, attractive, and simple to install.
Most individuals tend to put the LED strip lights behind the headboard to create a subtle glow effect. The indirect lighting creates a modern and comfortable atmosphere in the bedroom.
LED strip lights can be installed under the bed frame, behind mirrors, around shelves, and on the ceiling for a modern look. For cozy bedrooms, you can use warm white LED strips while color-changing LEDs are preferred in gaming and teenager rooms. The main advantage of using LED strip lights is their ability to provide an ambient lighting effect without being too bright.
3. Use Pendant Lights Instead of Table Lamps
Pendant lights are those hanging lights which hang from the ceiling. Pendant lighting is getting increasingly popular among bedroom lighting styles in the modern era.
In lieu of using bedside table lamps, you can have pendant lights hung on either side of your bed. Not only will this style be space-saving but will also offer an elegant touch to your interior decor.
Since pendant lights make for an aesthetic look and create a sense of elegance, they work best in minimalist, modern, or Scandinavian bedroom styles. Additionally, a lot of people who live in small spaces also prefer having pendant lights in their rooms to save up on bedside tables.
4. Add Fairy Lights for a Soft Glow
Fairy lights are affordable, inexpensive, and attractive. Fairy lights have the capacity to create a mystical environment anywhere.
The idea of lighting fairy lights is very famous on Pinterest due to its ability to give a dream-like environment while not having to spend too much.
People like decorating fairy lights around their beds, mirrors, shelves, or even curtains to make a soft glow around the room. The most famous rooms for fairy lights are those that are boho-styled or teenage rooms. It is recommended that fairy lights should be warm white.
5. Create Layered Bedroom Lighting
It is always advised by professional interior designers to go for a layered lighting design. This involves mixing several lighting designs rather than using one fixture that hangs from the ceiling. A good layered lighting design incorporates ambient, task, and accent lighting. For instance, a ceiling light provides general illumination, while a bedside lamp assists with reading activities. LED strips or wall scones are used to create mood lighting.
6. Try Wall Sconces for a Hotel Look
Wall sconces are mounted directly on the wall. Many luxury hotels use wall sconces because they look elegant and take up less space.
This lighting trend is very popular on Pinterest and is gaining popularity among minimalistic bedrooms. Sconces on the wall make great bedside lamps and can be adjusted to focus light wherever you want.
These lamps are preferred due to their elegant design and the ability to conserve space and give out soft illumination. They are ideal for small bedrooms, especially where there isn’t enough room for nightstands. Sconces that can be adjusted are excellent choices when it comes to reading in bed.
7. Choose Warm Light Bulbs Instead of Cool White
Many people ignore the importance of bulb color, but it changes the entire feeling of a bedroom.
Cool white lighting often feels too bright and harsh for sleeping spaces. Warm lighting feels softer, calmer, and more relaxing.
Experts usually recommend warm bulbs around 2700K to 3000K for bedrooms.
Warm light helps create:
- A cozy atmosphere
- Better relaxation
- A luxurious feeling
- Softer skin tones
- Comfortable nighttime lighting
If your bedroom currently feels cold or uncomfortable, simply changing the bulbs can make a huge difference.
8. Add a Statement Chandelier
A chandelier instantly becomes the centerpiece of a bedroom.
Modern bedroom chandeliers are no longer overly fancy or traditional. Pinterest trends show many stylish options like:
- Modern gold chandeliers
- Crystal chandeliers
- Minimalist black fixtures
- Woven rattan chandeliers
- Sputnik lighting
A chandelier adds personality and elegance to the room.For smaller bedrooms, choose compact chandeliers so the room does not feel crowded. If you want your bedroom to feel luxurious without doing a full renovation, changing the ceiling light fixture is one of the easiest upgrades.
9. Use Floor Lamps in Empty Corners
Many bedrooms have empty corners that feel dark and unused.
Adding a floor lamp is a simple way to brighten the space while making the room feel more complete.
Floor lamps are perfect near:
- Reading chairs
- Small desks
- Dressers
- Window corners
- Seating areas
Arc floor lamps and tripod lamps are very trendy right now. Soft floor lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere in the evening without needing bright overhead lights.
10. Install Dimmer Switches
Dimmers are devices that let you regulate the intensity of the light produced by a lamp. They are among the most intelligent bedroom lighting upgrades available. Lighting requirements vary during the day, meaning that adjustable light intensity will help you set the desired ambiance in your bedroom at any time. Bright light is essential when you need to clean, organize, or dress up. Soft light, on the other hand, will be appropriate if you want to unwind, watch a movie, read a book, or get ready for bed.
Luxurious-looking bedrooms inspired by Pinterest feature dimmable lighting because it brings a hotel-like ambiance into your bedroom without the need for costly changes. You can use dimmer switches for ceiling lights, bedside table lamps, wall-mounted sconces, and LED strip lights.
11. Highlight Mirrors with Lighting
Mirrors inherently possess reflective properties that not only help the bedroom to look bigger but also brighter. Incorporating lighting fixtures around these mirrors helps to boost the stylishness of the bedroom while enhancing visibility within these dressing/make-up areas.
It is common practice today to see many bedroom designs on Pinterest incorporate round mirrors that have LED backlights as they impart an elegant design to the overall look of the bedroom space. Many people also go for fairy lights incorporated around the mirrors or wall sconces installed along side the mirror.
12. Try Cove Lighting for a Modern Look
The Cove light fixtures are concealed lights placed near the ceiling or within the recesses of the interior walls. Rather than emitting a direct beam of light, this fixture produces a soft luminance that emanates softly into the space. The cove lighting effect is widely used in luxury contemporary bedrooms as it is tranquil, graceful, and soothing.
The Cove lighting fixture is suitable for modern apartments, minimalist designs, and bedrooms with false ceilings. The installation of the cove lighting can be done conveniently using LED strips that are cost-effective and energy-efficient. The indirect lighting technique promotes a serene environment without any blinding illumination in the bedroom.
13. Mix Natural Materials with Lighting
Pinterest bedroom trends demonstrate that numerous individuals appreciate natural materials used for lighting fixtures. Wooden light bulbs, woven pendants, bamboo blinds, and linen bedding bring an organic touch to a bedroom that makes it warm and comfortable right away.
The concept of natural lighting is particularly suitable for boho, Scandinavian, Japandi, rustic, and neutral bedrooms. Rattan pendants and woven hanging lamps have become increasingly popular due to their textured look that adds coziness and relaxation at the same time.
14. Add Reading Lights Beside the Bed
If you like to read before going to sleep, then reading lights will be a perfect addition to your bedroom. They offer lighting without causing disturbance to anyone else around, especially your partner, and without lighting up the whole room.
In most bedrooms today, adjustable wall sconces, mounted reading lights, or swing arm lights installed next to the bed are common. Even some reading lights come with built-in USB charging ports, making them both functional and aesthetic. The optimal lighting type would be warm, adjustable lighting, as it provides a relaxing feel.
15. Maximize Natural Light During the Day
Proper lighting in a bedroom goes beyond just having proper lamps and bulbs since natural light also plays a crucial role. Rooms that have enough natural light tend to look bigger and fresher, and there is always a sense of comfort in them.
A Pinterest-style room will incorporate large windows, sheer curtains, and pastel colors to take advantage of natural light. Ensuring that the windows are clean, adding mirrors to enhance the reflection of natural light, and not having too much furniture blocking the windows can all contribute significantly.
How to Choose the Best Bedroom Lighting
There are many rules familiar to interior decorators that must be adhered to when installing basic lighting.
A chandelier must be placed at the geometric center of the ceiling. This rule does not include hidden spaces such as built-in cupboards, large wardrobe, or any false wall partitions. It means that you consider only the open area. Nevertheless, this rule is flexible.
You can install multiple fixtures for specific purposes. You can even move your chandelier closer to the bed or door. It all depends on your choice.
Light must be soft and cozy. In order to obtain such, LED lamps with color temperature less than 4200 K (yellowish, light orange, reddish, daylight) can be used. Also, incandescent lamps with power up to 60 watts can be considered as an option. Halogen lamps are also appropriate since the color of their light approximates natural light. Fluorescent lamps should be avoided completely. Besides being dangerous because of the toxic mercury vapors released after breaking, they generate a bright blue-white light which does not provide comfort.
Ceiling chandelier is not enough for illuminating the entire room. It is better to organize local lightening in order to read, study, craft.
To ensure softening the bright light beams it is recommended to use lamps whose light will go upwards or towards the upper third part of walls. The best models are lamps with fabric or frosted covers fully covering their lamps. Thus, due to the translucent barrier, the strong light will become very soft and cozy.
Choice of lamps does not depend solely on power, but also design. Their color and form should match the room. Lamps should be consistent with interior and decorate it.
Final Thoughts
Bedroom lighting could change everything in the room. The most comfortable bedrooms will be cozy and welcoming. It is obvious from Pinterest trends that many people prefer cozy lighting with multi-level solutions, warm hues, and elegant fixtures.
There is no need to spend much money on lighting up the room. Just start with one or two simple and beautiful options suitable for you and your room. Gradually you will add various lighting layers creating a comfy room.