10 Bedroom Lighting Ideas to Energize a Room

Posted on October 05, 2023

In the world of interior design, the bedroom space is special. It is the most private and personal area of your home, a cocoon that cradles you during moments of vulnerability and wraps you in an embrace during solitude. 

A room’s decor tells a lot about its occupant’s personality, interests, and passions. Lighting is more than just illumination; it is a powerful tool that can energize and give life to your bedroom. 

Your space does not have to be dull; it can be lit to match your mood at different times of the day. Get ready to illuminate and revitalize your bedroom.

1) Arrange Table Lamps For Symmetry

The secret to good interior design is symmetry and balance.  It will give a sense of cohesion, comfort, and ease of arrangement. 

For example, a room can look symmetrically balanced by placing similar objects on both sides of a central axis. You can do this by arranging two identical table lamps on either side of your bed. 

The simplicity of this arrangement is incredibly versatile and can work in any bedroom environment whether it’s a master bedroom, children's bedroom, or guest bedroom.

Table lamps are also suitable for dressing tables, reading corners, and other places where tasks need concentration. 

To achieve the best illumination, you can position two beautiful lamps on both sides of your dressing mirror, reading table, or any other central axis.

Two matching silver lamps on either side of a bed, with beautiful textured white lamp shades

2) Use a Drum Lampshade for a Contemporary Look

Having the right elements in a bedroom is essential to creating a contemporary bedroom design. One simple yet effective tool for achieving this is the drum lampshade.  

Drum lampshades diffuse light evenly, thereby creating a warm and inviting ambience. Versatile and adaptable, the drum lampshade suits various lighting preferences, from soft, muted tones to bright, stark illumination. 

Here's how drum lampshades can enhance different bedroom settings:

  • Guest bedroom lighting: Infuse a touch of modern elegance, ensuring guests feel both welcomed and impressed.

  • Children’s bedroom lighting: Opt for vibrant colors that captivate young eyes, adding a playful twist.

  • Master bedroom lighting: Elevate the space, ensuring both sophistication and relaxation.

  • Modern bedroom lighting: Emphasize a chic and stylish aesthetic.

  • Romantic bedroom lighting: Cast a consistent and romantic hue, setting the perfect mood for intimacy.

  • Ceiling bedroom lighting: Consider a suspended drum lampshade, like a modern chandelier.

    A diamond-like lamp with a matching lamp shade sitting on a night table next to a bed in an elegant setting.

    3) Layer With a Warmer Light

    Warm tones are often at the heart of most relaxing bedroom lighting ideas. For a well-lit bedroom that exudes warmth and comfort, consider layering your lights. This technique strikes the right balance, offering a sense of warmth and homeliness. 

    During the day, warmer lights impart a subtle glow, while in the evening, they cast enchanting rays and shadows, creating a cozy atmosphere. 

    The idea of warm layered lighting is perfect for:

    • Romantic bedroom lighting: when you're aiming to set an intimate mood.

    • Modern bedroom lighting: for those who desire a stylish yet serene space day and night.

    4) Use Standing Lamps to Create Space

    For small bedrooms, standing lamps are a clever solution to maximize space. When bedside tables aren't feasible for any reason, standing lamps offer both functionality and style. You can use them symmetrically or asymmetrically. 

    They can also make a bold and beautiful statement in your room. While particularly useful in smaller spaces, these standing lamps can also be mixed in with your other bedroom lighting ideas.

    A bedroom with a warm and cozy atmosphere, with white and pink tones and a standing lamp with a warm glow

    5) Use Mirrors to Help the Light Go Further

    A mirror is always a good idea for modern bedroom lighting. 

    Lighting can be used around or behind mirrors to illuminate them. This not only enhances the mirrors themselves but also amplifies the overall aesthetic of the room. 

    This strategy can be deployed universally and mixed in with your other ideas for small bedrooms, master bedrooms, and guest rooms, elevating each space's luminosity and style.

    6) Use Patterned Shades for Your Table Lamps

    Lamp shades for your table lamps can have more than one purpose. When lit, they provide lighting for the space and illuminate the shade. However, even when unlit, a lamp shade with an eye-catching pattern can provide a unique aesthetic, a focal point for a room, or an accent piece to tie other elements of the room together. It can give you that extra boost of intentionality to show how thoughtfully the different elements in the room have been paired together. For these reasons, considering a lamp with a patterned shade can provide you with a multi-faceted aesthetic for your space.

    7) Combine Different Lighting Effects

    Bringing different lighting effects together in a bedroom can pay great dividends. The flexibility of different lights can create an array of moods and set preferred tones. They can also create a fun and varied atmosphere, adding a playful touch to the space.

    A classy bedroom with wood accents and several lighting elements, with multiple lamps and a chandelier

    8) Make a Statement With Chandelier Lamp Shades

    Chandelier lamp shades are ideal for bedrooms where the lighting needs to make a statement. 


    Chandelier lamp shades can often act as a central focal point in the room, and they also serve to evenly cast light throughout the room where they hang, not to mention making the light less harsh to look at.

    9) Match Your Hardware to Your Lighting

    Hardware and lighting should blend and complement each other. This will make your bedroom look more tidy and cozy. Apart from serving its aesthetic purposes, it can also help to make the space feel more cohesive and relaxing.

    A silver and pearl lamp base with a matching pearl lamp shade, sitting on a bedside night table

    10) Use An Alcove to Create More Space

    Alcoves, while usually designed with space conservation in mind, are versatile spaces that can be found throughout various bedroom themes. 

    From children's rooms to modern master suites, guest bedrooms, romantic settings, and even ceiling-focused designs, alcoves serve a dual purpose. 

    These areas are often utilized for space-saving features like shoe racks, wardrobes, and bookshelves. When lights are fixed in these nooks, the room gets a revitalized atmosphere and adds an elegant touch to what might otherwise be a dull and understated space.

    What is the Best Type of Bedroom Lighting?

    Warm lights are generally considered the best for bedrooms, though the ideal type of bedroom lighting ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Warm lights can be used both during the day and at night for bedside table lamps and reading corners. Since warm lights also emit less harsh blue light, they enhance good sleeping health too!

    Get Advice on Bedroom Lighting Ideas

    A bedroom can be way more than just a dull sleeping quarter. If your room is well-lit, the atmosphere can create a real soothing effect. 

    If you’re looking for more advice on the different types of bedroom lighting ideas and how they can be integrated into your bedroom, contact us today.