Smart Small Bedroom Lighting Ideas for Cozy, Functional Spaces
Make your small space shine.
Thoughtful lighting can make your home feel bigger, brighter, and cozier. Decorating a bedroom when you’re lacking square footage can feel challenging. Luckily, choosing the right lighting can help you expand your space. Read on for 12 brilliant small bedroom lighting ideas to elevate your cozy haven.
Tip!
Are you a total beginner when it comes to lighting? No worries, start here: Your Ultimate Guide to Types of Lighting
1. Choose Flush Mount Ceiling Lights
Opt for flush-mount or semi-flush mount ceiling lights for small bedrooms to create a sense of height. Keeping lighting close to the ceiling creates the illusion of taller ceilings, which helps smaller bedrooms appear more spacious. These fixtures provide diffuse overhead lighting, making these fixtures great for brightening up small spaces and for layering your lighting.
When you have a small bedroom, surface space is precious. Opt for small pendant lights to free up your nightstands. Centering one pendant light over each nightstand provides supplemental reading light and allows you to see what you’re doing if you wake up for a drink in the night. This gives you more space on your nightstands for books, a carafe of water, or your favorite decor.
Another brilliant way to save nightstand space is by opting for wall sconce bedside lighting. Choose a set of wall sconces with shades that direct the light down to your bedside tables. Position them just above the height of your headboard, or where the top of your head would be if you were sitting up in bed. This provides the perfect lighting for reading and illuminating your bedside table.
Table lamps are classic nightstand companions. Luckily, opting for a set of table lamps in a small bedroom is totally doable. Just be sure to choose miniature to small-sized table lamps, so you can get the most out of your bedside tables. Not only does this free up functional surface space, it also prevents a disproportionate look. Placing large table lamps in a small bedroom can feel imposing and easily overwhelm your tranquil space – in this case, less really is more!
Love to read or do crossword puzzles in bed? You may want to invest in movable bedside reading lights. Install wall-mounted swing-arm lights so you can shine light exactly where you need it. Don’t want to go through the hassle of installing? Adjustable light fixtures come in table top and floor lamps as well.
Including several types of light fixtures in one space gives you the most flexibility when it comes to lighting your bedroom. Include overhead light, such as a pendant or small chandelier, a table lamp, and a wall sconce above each nightstand to create the ultimate layered lighting. This allows you to make things bright when you’re getting ready, or tone things down for a cozy atmosphere when it’s time to settle in and do some bedtime reading. Choose lighting with smart technology so you can control everything from bed.
Another great way to get your lighting just right is by choosing dimmable light fixtures and bulbs. Opt for a dimmable pendant light or chandelier centered on your ceiling for customizable overhead lighting. Crank the lights during the day when you’re doing your makeup or trying on clothes. Dim the lights down as you get closer to bedtime to naturally wind down for sleep – your circadian rhythm will thank you!
Much like choosing flush-mount lighting for ceilings, wall-mounted accent lights can create the illusion of a larger space when installed high up on walls. Install a single wall sconce high up on a wall where you want accent lighting to make your walls appear higher. If you have a gallery wall or piece of artwork you want to highlight, elevate your space by installing a picture light the largest piece to draw the eyes up to your artwork.
Tip!
Gallery walls are a great way to make a small bedroom feel grand. Check out our guide to learn How to Make a Gallery Wall and How to Choose the Best Lighting for Artwork.
9. Pick Warm Lighting for a Cozy Glow
Small bedrooms are already great for creating a cozy, secure atmosphere. Lean into these comforting vibes by opting for warm lighting with your ceiling lights, table lamps, and wall sconces. Opt for yellow light bulbs and semi-opaque shades to create a lovely glow. Up the ambience by adding warm-toned string lights or flameless candles.
If you want to include a floor lamp in your small bedroom, look for one with a slim base and stem. This will help keep precious floor space free and keep the lamp from getting in your way when tidying up. For convenience, opt for a floor lamp with a switch that’s high up or a foot switch so you don’t have to bend over to turn it off and on.
Whenever you’re working with a small space, it’s important to maximize the functionality of each piece of furniture or decor. In this case, your small bedroom lighting should do more than simply illuminate your space. Opt for bedside table lamps with built-in charging ports for your phone and other devices. If you use an essential oil diffuser or a humidifier in the winter, choose one with built-in lighting so you can keep the bedside clutter to a minimum.
Some bedroom lighting also functions as decor. Choosing a light fixture that also looks good and fits your unique style is always a small bedroom win! Go with a novelty table lamp or a wall sconce that elevates your bedroom style. Create visual interest and ambience by placing candles on your bedside table or dresser as well.
Tip!
Want more help lighting your bedroom the right way? Check out our helpful guides:
Bedroom Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Boudoir
Cozy Lighting Ideas to Glow Up Your Home
