Bedroom Lighting Ideas: Sconces, Pendants and Ceiling Lights

Bedroom lighting ideas are really about mood: the room has to be calm at night, bright enough for getting dressed and comfortable for reading in bed. The best bedroom lighting uses several sources at different heights instead of one overhead light. This guide covers sconces, pendants and ceiling lights, how to choose bulbs and where to place each fixture so the room feels restful.

Plan bedroom lighting in layers

A single ceiling light is the most common bedroom setup and also the least flattering, since it throws harsh light from above. Better results come from three layers:

• General light from a ceiling fixture or pendant, ideally on a dimmer.
• Task light for reading, such as bedside sconces or lamps.
• Accent light for atmosphere, such as a sconce in a corner or a light over a dresser.

Put each layer on its own switch if you can, so you can turn off the bright light and keep a soft one.

Bedroom wall sconces

Bedside sconces save nightstand space and give each person a personal reading light. Mount them about 28 to 30 inches above the mattress, on either side of the headboard. Swing-arm models let you aim the light at the page without waking a partner. Up-and-down sconces give a softer wash on the wall. Our guide to mounting wall sconces shows the heights and spacing for beds in detail.

Browse bedroom wall sconces, swing-arm wall sconces and wall reading lights to find the one that suits your bed.

Bedroom pendant lights

Pendants work well on either side of a bed in place of table lamps, or as a central light in a room with a high ceiling. Hang bedside pendants so that the bottom of the shade is about 50 to 60 inches from the floor for a seated reader, and keep them clear of heads and pillows. Fabric, paper and wood shades soften the light. Glass is brighter. See our bedroom pendant lights for sizes in inches. A pendant over a dressing table also makes a good accent.

Bedroom ceiling lights

Where the ceiling is 8 feet or lower, a flush mount is usually the safest choice because it leaves headroom. Semi-flush fixtures suit higher ceilings. Not sure which suits your room? Read our guide to flush mount vs semi-flush mount. Browse bedroom ceiling lights for diffused designs that avoid glare, and consider a dimmable fixture. If you want a decorative centerpiece, our bedroom chandeliers are sized for the room.

Best light bulbs for a bedroom

For relaxing, choose warm white, around 2700K or warmer. Cooler light is more alerting and is better left to kitchens and offices. Many people like even warmer bulbs, 2200K to 2400K, near bedtime. For reading, you want a bulb that is bright enough, about 450 to 800 lumens at the bedside, with a shade or arm that keeps the light on the page.

Use dimmable bulbs on a compatible dimmer so brightness can follow the time of day. Many bedroom fixtures have integrated LED, so there is no bulb to change. If the fixture takes a bulb, check the base first. Our E26 vs E12 guide explains the difference, and the soft white vs warm white guide explains color and lumens.

Bedroom lighting ideas by situation

• Small bedroom: wall sconces instead of lamps, plus a slim flush mount.
• Bedroom with a low ceiling: flush mount, with sconces for height and depth.
• Shared bedroom: separate reading lights with their own switches, so one person can read while the other sleeps.
• Bedroom with a dressing area: add a light that is bright enough for choosing clothes, at 3000K for better color accuracy.
• Kids' room: a flush mount with an enclosed shade and a gentle night light. See kids room ceiling lights.

Where to place lights

• Avoid placing a bright fixture directly above the bed, where it will shine into your eyes while you lie down.
• Keep bedside lights at a height where the bulb is not visible from your pillow.
• Light the corners with a sconce or a lamp so the room does not feel closed in.
• Think about switches. Wall switches near the door and bedside controls are both convenient.

Installation notes

Most sconces, pendants and ceiling lights are hardwired. Turn off the breaker before working on any fixture, and use a licensed electrician for hardwired fixtures, particularly if you want to add boxes at the bedside or install a dimmer. Follow local electrical code. See our guide to replacing a light fixture safely for an overview. For all the fixture types in one place, see bedroom lighting.

Bedroom lighting by time of day

A bedroom is used differently at different hours, and the best lighting plan follows that rhythm.

• Morning: bright, clear light helps you wake up and get dressed. A ceiling fixture at full brightness, or a slightly cooler bulb near a closet or dressing area, does the job.
• Evening: turn the ceiling light down or off and switch on the bedside lights. Warm, low light signals that the day is ending.
• Night: a very dim light at floor or low level, or a motion-activated light, lets you move around without fully waking up.

To get this flexibility you need controls. Put the ceiling fixture on a dimmer, give each bedside light its own switch and consider a switch by the door that controls at least one light. If the bedside lights are hardwired, ask the electrician to place the switches where you can reach them from the bed.

Think too about what you do in bed. If you read paper books, you need focused light of around 450 to 800 lumens. If you mostly use a phone or tablet, the room needs less task light, and a very low ambient glow is enough. If one partner sleeps earlier, choose reading lights with narrow beams or adjustable arms that stay on one side of the bed.

Finally, check the room at night before you commit. Switch on each fixture in the dark and look for glare, bright spots in your line of sight when lying down and reflections in mirrors or windows. Small changes in height, shade or bulb brightness can make a big difference to how restful the room feels.

Small touches that make a bedroom feel finished

Once the main fixtures are in place, a few details complete the room. Use bulbs with a frosted finish so you never see a bare filament from the pillow. Choose shades in fabric, wood or opal glass for a gentle glow. Check that cords, if any, are tidy and away from where you walk. Repeat one finish, such as black, brass or natural wood, across two or three fixtures. And keep the brightest light away from the sleeping area, so the bed stays the calmest corner of the room. Seasonal changes in daylight also matter, so revisit your dimmer settings when the evenings get darker.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best lighting for a bedroom?

A layered setup: a dimmable ceiling light, bedside reading lights and a soft accent light, all in warm white.

Are bedroom pendant lights a good idea?

Yes. They free up nightstand space and look good beside the bed, provided they hang clear of heads and pillows.

What color temperature is best for a bedroom?

2700K or warmer, which feels cozy and is less stimulating at night.

Do I need a dimmer in the bedroom?

It is not required, but it is one of the most useful upgrades, since it lets one fixture work for both getting dressed and winding down.