Shop premium brands including House of Troy, Currey & Company, Hubbardton Forge, and Visual Comfort for bedroom lighting that helps you unwind, read, and rest.
Bedroom Table Lamps
Table lamps are the most essential bedroom lighting, providing bedside illumination for reading, relaxing, and navigating at night.
Table Lamps — Position on nightstands beside your bed for reading light and ambient warmth. Matching pairs create symmetry in master bedrooms, while mismatched heights add visual interest in eclectic spaces.
Buffet and Accent Lamps — Slender profiles for dressers, vanities, and narrow nightstands where full-size table lamps would overwhelm. These accent lamps add soft ambient lighting without consuming surface space.
Desk and Bankers Lamps — Task-focused lighting for bedroom desks, writing areas, and home office corners within master suites.
Piano Lamps — Specialized illumination for bedrooms featuring pianos or music practice areas.
Bedside Lamp Height Guide
The Golden Rule: When seated in bed, the bottom of your lampshade should be at eye level. This prevents glare while directing light onto books and devices.
| Nightstand Height | Ideal Lamp Height | Total Height from Floor |
|---|---|---|
| 24 inches | 24-27 inches | 48-51 inches |
| 26 inches | 22-25 inches | 48-51 inches |
| 28 inches | 20-23 inches | 48-51 inches |
| 30 inches | 18-21 inches | 48-51 inches |
Quick Formula: Your nightstand height plus lamp height should equal approximately 48-51 inches total for standard bed heights.
Choosing the Right Shade
- Light-colored shades: Diffuse more light for reading
- Dark shades: Create focused, intimate ambiance
- Drum shades: Even light distribution
- Empire shades: Classic, directional illumination
Bedroom Chandeliers
Chandeliers add elegance and drama to master bedrooms, transforming functional spaces into luxurious retreats.
Mini Chandeliers — Perfect for small bedrooms, nurseries, and walk-in closets. Compact designs deliver chandelier elegance without overwhelming intimate spaces.
Small Chandeliers — Scaled for standard bedrooms with 8-9 foot ceilings. Ideal above beds in rooms measuring 10x12 feet or smaller.
Medium Chandeliers — The most popular master bedroom size, suited for rooms with 9-10 foot ceilings and spaces measuring 12x14 feet or larger.
Large Chandeliers — Statement fixtures for spacious master suites with 10-12 foot ceilings and sitting areas.
Grand and Custom Chandeliers — Dramatic centerpieces for luxury master bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, two-story spaces, or resort-style suites.
Bedroom Chandelier Placement
Over the Bed
Center your chandelier over the bed for dramatic impact. This creates a stunning focal point visible from the doorway and transforms the bed into the room's centerpiece.
Room Center
For bedrooms with seating areas or when the bed isn't centered, position the chandelier in the room's visual center for balanced illumination.
Chandelier Sizing for Bedrooms
| Room Size | Ceiling Height | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 ft | 8-9 ft | Mini or Small (12-20") |
| 12x12 ft | 9 ft | Small (18-24") |
| 12x14 ft | 9-10 ft | Medium (24-30") |
| 14x16 ft | 10-11 ft | Large (30-36") |
| 16x18+ ft | 11+ ft | Large or Grand (36"+) |
Hanging Height
In bedrooms, hang chandeliers at least 7 feet from the floor at their lowest point. For chandeliers over beds, ensure at least 12-18 inches clearance above the mattress for sitting up comfortably.
Bedroom Ceiling Fixtures
Not every bedroom needs a chandelier. Ceiling fixtures provide practical overhead illumination for various bedroom styles and ceiling heights.
Flush Mount — Essential for bedrooms with 8-foot ceilings where hanging fixtures would feel cramped. Flush mount bedroom lights sit close to the ceiling while providing ambient illumination. Crystal and decorative options maintain elegance in low-clearance spaces.
Semi-Flush — Fixtures dropping 4-8 inches from ceilings, adding visual interest while maintaining headroom. Ideal for bedrooms with 8.5-9 foot ceilings.
Foyer and Hallway — Transitional fixtures for master suite entries, bedroom hallways, and connecting spaces like walk-in closets.
Bedroom Wall Sconces
Wall sconces free up nightstand space while providing focused reading light and ambient illumination.
One Light Wall Sconces — Mount beside beds as alternatives to table lamps, flanking headboards for symmetrical bedside lighting. Also ideal for accent lighting on bedroom walls.
Two Light Wall Sconces — Broader coverage for larger wall expanses, above headboards, or flanking bedroom mirrors and artwork.
Wall Sconce Placement in Bedrooms
Beside the Bed:
- Mount 48-54 inches from floor to sconce center
- Position 8-10 inches from headboard edges
- Choose sconces with adjustable arms for reading flexibility
Above the Headboard:
- Center a single sconce or pair of sconces above the bed
- Mount 6-12 inches above headboard top
- Provides ambient glow rather than task lighting
Flanking Mirrors/Artwork:
- Mount at 60-66 inches from floor
- Space 28-36 inches apart depending on mirror width
Bedroom Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans combine air circulation with lighting, making them popular bedroom choices for comfort and energy efficiency.
Indoor Ceiling Fans — Climate control for master bedrooms, guest rooms, and kids' bedrooms. Many include integrated lights or accept light kit additions, eliminating the need for separate ceiling fixtures.
Outdoor Ceiling Fans — Damp-rated options for sunrooms, screened porches used as sleeping spaces, and bedrooms in humid climates.
Bedroom Ceiling Fan Sizing
| Room Size | Recommended Fan Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 75 sq ft | 29-36 inches |
| 76-144 sq ft | 36-44 inches |
| 144-225 sq ft | 44-54 inches |
| 225-400 sq ft | 54-60 inches |
Quiet Operation
For bedrooms, prioritize fans rated for quiet operation. Look for DC motors and noise ratings below 50 decibels for undisturbed sleep.
Layered Bedroom Lighting
The best bedroom lighting combines multiple layers for flexibility throughout the day:
Ambient Layer — Your chandelier, ceiling fixture, or ceiling fan provides overall room illumination for dressing, cleaning, and general activities.
Task Layer — Bedside table lamps or wall sconces deliver focused light for reading, working on devices, and bedtime routines.
Accent Layer — Decorative sconces, buffet lamps on dressers, and closet lighting add warmth and highlight bedroom features.
Dimmer Controls — Essential for bedrooms. Bright light for morning routines, moderate levels for evening activities, dim ambiance for winding down before sleep.
Bedroom Lighting by Room Type
Master Bedroom
Layer a statement chandelier or decorative ceiling fixture with matching bedside lamps and accent sconces. Include task lighting at vanities and reading chairs.
Guest Bedroom
Prioritize functional bedside lighting with easy-to-operate switches. Include adequate ambient lighting for unfamiliar navigation at night.
Kids' Bedroom
Choose durable fixtures with secure installations. Dimmable options help with bedtime routines. Avoid glass shades in young children's rooms.
Nursery
Soft, warm lighting with dimming capability for nighttime feedings. Position lamps away from cribs to avoid direct light in baby's eyes.
Teen Bedroom
Combine ambient lighting with strong task lighting at desks and study areas. Consider smart bulbs for customizable color temperatures.
Bedroom Lighting Tips
Match lamp heights — Bedside lamps should be similar heights for visual balance, even if styles differ.
Consider bed height — Platform beds and tall mattresses affect optimal lamp heights. Adjust accordingly.
Add closet lighting — Don't overlook walk-in closets. Flush mounts or semi-flush fixtures make morning routines easier.
Use warm color temperatures — 2700K-3000K bulbs promote relaxation and better sleep compared to cool daylight tones.
Install three-way switches — Control bedroom lights from the doorway and beside the bed for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size lamp for my nightstand?
Your lamp should be roughly 1.5 times the height of your nightstand. For a 26-inch nightstand, choose a lamp approximately 24-27 inches tall.
Can I put a chandelier in my bedroom?
Absolutely. Bedroom chandeliers add elegance and serve as dramatic focal points. Size appropriately for your room and ceiling height, and hang at least 7 feet from the floor.
How many light sources does a bedroom need?
Most bedrooms benefit from 3-4 light sources: one overhead fixture or ceiling fan, two bedside lamps, and optional accent lighting like wall sconces or dresser lamps.
Are ceiling fans with lights good for bedrooms?
Yes. Ceiling fans with integrated lights combine air circulation and illumination in one fixture, saving ceiling space while providing both comfort and function.
What's the best light color for bedrooms?
Warm white (2700K-3000K) promotes relaxation and supports natural sleep rhythms. Avoid cool daylight tones (4000K+) in bedroom spaces.
Should bedroom lamps match?
Matching lamps create formal symmetry, but coordinated (not identical) lamps add visual interest. Match heights and finish tones while varying shapes or styles for eclectic appeal.