10 bedside lighting ideas for every style and space

Creating the perfect bedroom ambience starts with thoughtful lighting choices. The right bedside lighting doesn't just help with practical tasks like reading or winding down, it can also set the tone for your entire space.

From freestanding lamps to sleek wall-mounted sconces, each option comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Choosing the right fixtures will help you make the most of your bedside space while adding a personal touch to your décor.

The best bedroom lighting strikes a balance between style, convenience, and comfort. Whether you prefer traditional plug-in lamps or modern smart lights, below we share 10 creative bedside lighting ideas to help you illuminate your space.

Bedside lighting ideas: What you should consider

According to Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder of lighting brand, Dowsing & Reynolds, your bedside lighting should feel ambient and cosy, so choosing lighting that can help you achieve this is key.

"The first thing to consider is whether you want a plug-in lamp or wired-in lights, such as pendants and wall lights," explains Ally. "Plug-in lamps are a great way to add character to a space, and they’re ideal for renters, however wall lights and pendants work particularly well in smaller bedrooms, where space is limited, to reduce visual clutter."

When planning your bedside lighting design, Ally recommends thinking about your bedtime routine, "Do you tend to read before falling asleep? Do you have a bedside skincare regime? All these things will affect the lighting you choose. Ask yourself how you use the space, how you want to feel in the space, and what design choices can you make to reflect your personal style."

With all this in mind, we've rounded up 10 bedside lighting ideas to brighten your space no matter your aesthetic:

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds 

1. Stick with a classic: Plug-in bedside lamps

There’s a well-known saying, "If it’s not broken, don’t fix it." So, why reinvent the wheel when you could always opt for the classic plug-in bedside lamp? With endless styles to choose from, you’re practically guaranteed to find a design that suits your bedroom aesthetic.

When in doubt, look for bedside lamps with a soft or fabric shade to diffuse light and create a cosy atmosphere that encourages a good night’s sleep. Consider the lamp's size in relation to your bedside table – too large, and it could overwhelm the space; too small, and it may not provide sufficient light. Also, think about the lamp’s height to ensure it offers the right amount of illumination for reading in bed without causing glare.

"We always say to our customers that adding bedside table lamps is a great way to add a pop of colour to your bedroom," says Ashleigh Berry from Ruma. "But it also helps to add a warm white bulb instead of bright white, as warm light helps to wind down after a long day."

2. Get flexible with adjustable swing-arm lamps

Swing-arm lamps combine flexibility with functionality, making them ideal for bedtime reading or focused tasks – whether it’s diving into a book or tackling your evening skincare routine. Available in wall-mounted, tabletop, or freestanding designs, these lamps let you adjust the direction of light precisely where you need it.

The adjustable features make swing-arm lamps far more versatile than standard bedside options, especially in shared bedrooms where personal control over lighting is essential. With finishes like brushed metal or polished brass, they’re a great choice for anyone looking to achieve an industrial or vintage aesthetic in their bedroom. Many styles also come with integrated dimming features, giving you even more control over your bedroom ambience.

3. Opt for convenience with rechargeable touch lamps

Rechargeable touch lamps, like the Carson Touch Light from Next (pictured above) are a brilliant choice for bedside lighting. With a simple tap, you can easily adjust the brightness or turn the lamp on and off, making them perfect for those moments when you don’t want to fumble for a switch in the dark.

Since many rechargeable touch lamps operate without wires when fully charged, they offer the flexibility to be placed anywhere, without the need for a nearby plug. Most models also feature adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to create soft, ambient lighting for relaxation or a brighter glow for reading in bed.

4. Free up space with ceiling-hung pendant lights

Ceiling lights are a stylish and practical way to illuminate your bedside, as they can free up valuable space on your nightstand. They come in a wide variety of designs, making them a versatile choice that can provide both task and ambient lighting to suit your needs.

Choosing a pendant with an adjustable height lets you control how much light floods your bedside area, making it a flexible option for both modern and traditional bedrooms alike. For added convenience, consider using dimmable bulbs to fine-tune brightness levels and create the perfect atmosphere.

"The only downside to ceiling-hung pendant lights is that they make it hard to rearrange your furniture, so it’s important to note that they are a more permanent option," advises Ally Dowsing-Reynolds.

5. Bookend your bed with freestanding floor lamps

For a fresh take on bedside lighting, consider using a freestanding floor lamp with built-in shelves or storage, in place of a traditional nightstand. These lamps offer extra surface space for books, glasses, or decorative items, and many designs also feature adjustable heads, making them ideal for providing focused lighting.

Choose a style that complements your bedroom décor, from traditional brass to sleek minimalist designs for modern bedrooms. Just be mindful of the lamp’s height and scale to ensure it balances well within the room without overpowering your space

6. Maximise ambience with clever LED strip lighting

Consider adding built-in lighting to your bedside tables by placing small motion sensor lights within them or positioning LED strip lights along the underside of floating bedside shelves to create a relaxing glow that doesn’t take up any additional space.

Perfect for small bedrooms, this approach eliminates the need to have a separate bedside lamp, keeping your nightstand clear of clutter. LED strip lights – like these from Amazon – are also energy-efficient and can be adjusted to different brightness levels or even colours to suit your mood and bedroom aesthetic.

7. Add elegance with a pair of matching wall sconces

"Instead of a traditional lamp, try looking into wall light that sits just above your bedside tables," advises Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder of Dowsing & Reynolds. Wall sconces are perfect for saving space and adding a sophisticated touch to your bedroom. Installing a matching pair on either side of your bed will help to balance the room and provide ample light without cluttering your bedside tables.

“If you don’t fancy rewiring, try a plug-in wall lamp,” says Ally. “This type of lighting offers all the benefits of normal wall lights, but you simply plug them in like a normal lamp. This is great for renters or if you just want to spruce your space with minimal fuss.”

8. Layer Your Lighting for a Cosy, Relaxing Space

"Your bedroom should be a place where you can relax, so creating a cosy and calming environment is key, lighting is key to achieving this," explains Sue Jones, Co-founder and Creative Director at OKA.

"I like to dot different types of lighting around the room at various heights, and use lampshades with patterns and colours inspired by nature," Sue continues. "This might mean a floor lamp nestled into a corner behind an armchair, and a table lamp on a chest of drawers. But if you're short on surface space, installing sconces or wall lamps can help save room on your nightstand for your favourite book or candle. Again, a mini wireless table lamp is perfect for a bedroom with limited space or if wall sockets are a little sparse or not near your bed.”

Sue Jones

Sue Jones, along with her friends Annabel Astor and Lucinda Waterhouse, founded OKA in 1999, a British brand known for its distinctive furniture and lighting. Sue’s global travels have shaped her unique style, which continues to influence every aspect of the brand, reflecting her passion for timeless, eclectic design.

9. Take control with smart bedside lighting

Smart lighting allows you to control your bedside lamps through your phone, tablet, or voice-activated home systems like Alexa or Google Home. This tech-savvy option lets you adjust brightness, set timers, and even change the light's colour, depending on your mood.

Many smart lamps also allow you to dim them, so you can relax and unwind with soft lighting or set brighter modes for reading in bed. For a seamless experience, connect your smart bedside lights with other smart home devices. You can create automatic routines, like dimming the lights for bedtime or gradually brightening them in the morning to mimic a sunrise.

10. Combine style and functionality with USB ports

Ever wake up and realise you forgot to charge your phone? A bedside lamp with built-in USB ports solves that problem, letting you charge your devices without needing extra plug sockets. These lamps come in a range of styles, from modern and sleek to more traditional designs, so you are bound to find a design that suits your personal taste.

FAQs

What is the best type of material for a bedside lamp?

"You want a light that will create enough light when reading in bed, but it is also essential to have a light that creates a soft relaxed feel to the bedroom to help your body get ready for sleep," explains Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC. "Bone china is a fantastic material for this with its soft ambient glow and can also function well for task lighting."

Charlie Bowles

Charlie is the Director at Original BTC; dedicated to designing and creating innovative and high quality lighting for the retail and leisure sectors. With extensive experience in design and engineering, he works with clients to develop a suite of lighting to best reflect their brand, using a combination of current styles and bespoke designs.

How can I make my bedroom lighting feel cosier?

To create a cosier atmosphere, opt for warmer tones, such as soft white or warm yellow bulbs. A dimmer switch will also allow you to adjust brightness levels depending on the time of day or mood. Using lampshades made from fabric or natural materials will also help soften the light and create a more relaxing ambience.

If you’re still unsure which type of lighting to choose, take a look at the latest lighting trends for more inspiration. There's really no right or wrong way to design your bedside lighting, as long as it illuminates your nightstand and enhances the comfort and style of your space.