Looking for some seriously cool bedroom lighting ideas? We've sifted through our Livingetc archives and pulled out the modern bedrooms with the most striking lighting ideas.
To avoid a harsh overhead light go for a dimmer switch, so that you can tone down the brightness and alter the mood when required.
Reading lamps are a must but if you prefer to keep bedside surfaces clear and uncluttered, a pendant or simple bulb hung either side of the bed makes a great alternative. This look is not only modern and fresh, it will enable you to layer lighting according to the time of year, making your bedroom cocoon-like and cosy in the winter, and providing different options in the summer when there is more natural light.
Hanging a beautiful pendant or lighting centrepiece will elevate a bedroom scheme and pull the look together. The style of light will instantly enhance the vibe you've gone for, like the glamorous chandelier in the frou frou bedroom below, the elegant globe pendants or the dramatic shade in the pared-back monochrome room.
Wall lamps, Swing arm lamps or sconces are another great option for freeing up surface space beside the bed and layering light, while tall table lamps will ooze a more traditional and sophisticated style. Whichever type of bedside light you choose, team it with your ceiling pendant or chandelier, by echoing shapes or coordinating colours, materials and finishes for a cohesive scheme.
Whatever your style and whatever the size of your room, here are 24 of the coolest bedroom lighting ideas.
Want more bedroom inspiration? Check out our modern bedroom ideas gallery.
1. Pulley lights
The mirrored bed base creates the impression of a floating bed, setting a relaxed, luxe tone for this master bedroom. Pulley lights mean the owners can instantly change the room’s ambience.
Get the look: The Gino Sarfatti pendant light is from Flos. The lamp shades were created by Louise Osborn at John Osborn Design and affixed to pulleys. The headboard was made by the Chair Doctor in fabric sourced by Atmosphere at Camilla Hampton. Find a similar throw at Skyeskyns.
2. Glam Look
We love Kelly Wearstler's statement table lamps – perfect for creating a glam look in the bedroom.
Get the look: Vintage bed; ceiling light (seen in mirror) both 1stdibs. Bedside table, 214 Modern Vintage. Linden table lamp, Kelly Wearstler. Mirror, similar at John Lewis & Partners. Wallpaper, Osborne & Little
3. Hanging Low
A green velvet headboard wraps around fitted shelves, adding colour, glamour and drama. Low hanging pendant lamps on either side offer an out-of-the-box approach to bedside reading lights.
Get the look: The map wallpaper is by Love Maps On… The bespoke headboard was designed by Paul and Tim and made by Material Concepts. This is the Tribeca Duane pendant light by Søren Rose for Menu at Nest. The bespoke Andwoodcraft side table includes a Buster + Punch pull handle.
4. Hanging Pendants
Alison Berger’s Moon Pendant lights hang either side of this bed, instead of wall lights, adding to this room’s chic, modern look.
5. Pendant Trio
This master bedroom zings with punchy colour combinations and quirky yet classic motifs. A trio of oversized yellow globe pendants are hung at different heights, adding a sense of fun.
Get the look: The bed is Serena & Lily’s Pondicherry with nailheads, upholstered in the brand’s Kuba cotton in Navy. The wallpaper is Bergius in Cobalt by Designers Guild. This is the Rouge coffee table by Novogratz for CB2.
6. Hanging bedside lamps
Hanging bedside lamps make a cool change from more traditional wall lights. The leather headboard has a subtle, floral cutout design that’s a great choice for this room as it doesn’t detract from the impact of the walls, but still adds detail.
Get the look: The headboard, bed, bedside cabinets, cupboards and brassware are all bespoke designs by Carden Cunietti. These are Amber Tree Lights by Alison Berger Lightworks.
7. Industrial Pendant
An industrial-style pendant light looks perfectly at home alongside the more traditional panelled wall. Get the look: Pendant, Buster + Punch. Bed, Made. Table, The Modern Warehouse. Ruched cushion, Rockett St George.
8. Trio
This master bedroom features three types of lighting; reading spotlights, hanging chandelier-style pendants on either side of the bed, and a large wood statement pendant at the centre.
Get the look: Linen used to make curtains and velvet used to trim them, both de Le Cuona. Bed, Vispring. Walls painted in Shaded White estate emulsion by Farrow & Ball. Linen-weave wallcovering behind bed, Phillip Jeffries.
9. Unexpected Drama
This master bedroom is full of interesting surprises, from the black lacquered horse-inspired bench and turtle shell inspired lamps to the modern chandelier. The pin-striped bed, dark furnishings and dark floors also add drama to this white space.
10. Hanging Lanterns
Large pendant lantern lights hang down on either side of this bed, instead of traditional wall lights. The effect is both modern and relaxed.
Get the look: pendants by global lighting, bed is from room and board, bedside tables from chairish.
11. Grand gesture
Outsize pieces provide the wow factor in this home – such as the Seventies Italian chandelier that drips sensuously from the ceiling in the master bedroom.
Get the look: For a similar Italian chandelier, visit the Midcentury Modern show. The Louis XV caned bed and bedside table are by Simon Horn. The bedspread is made in Circolo by Ulf Moritz for Sahco.
12. Neutrals
Neutrals create a soft, cosseting vibe instead of a minimalist one. The room connects to the garden via slim-profile Crittall-style glazing.
Get the look: Chest of drawers, Porada. Stool, Caravane. Lamp base, Pooky. Pendant light, Pinch.
13. Bare all
The owner wanted to create a calm and tranquil bedroom, with enough warmth and texture to stop it being monastic. Bare pendant bulbs hung either side of the bed are a utilitarian alternative to reading lamps.
Get the look The bedstead is by Feather & Black and painted in Mole’s Breath eggshell by Farrow & Ball.
14. All that glitters
A candle-style chandelier enhances the opulent style of the gilded four-poster.
Get the look Secondome Edizioni vanity dressing table and stool, 1stdibs. Gaetano Scolari pendant, Les Trois Garçons. Thistle Gold rug, Vivienne Westwood at The Rug Company.
15. Soft focus
Swing arm lamps provide light for reading.
Get the look This is the Albini desk by Franco Albini for Knoll, teamed with a B&B Italia chair from Coexistance. The headboard and side table were designed by Gregory Phillips Architects and made by DHJ Furniture. The Artemide Tolomeo wall-mounted light is from The Light Corporation.
16. Shine on
The couple moved their bedroom to the back of the house, where doors open on to a semi-circular balcony. The natural light is lovely in here and the pretty lamps add a glamorous touch.
Get the look Both the Bloom ceiling light and the Bourgie table lamp are by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell. Find Love and Black Marilyn limited-edition prints by Peter Blake at artrepublic.com.
17. Rustic charm
The wood wall was made from old grape pallets that a farmer had thrown away, mainly as a place to hang the three pod lights. The concrete and glass table beneath it was also a DIY job. Soft fabrics contrast with the hard surfaces and make the bed even more inviting.
Get the look: For woven pendant lights in a pod-like style, try Louise Tucker. Gray Concrete could make a table like this. The ottoman is from DAG in Cape Town. Head to George Smith for similar. The painting is by the home owner. Try degreeart.com for similar artwork. For a throw like this, try The French Bedroom Company.
18. Black & white
A monochrome palette, teamed with pattern and textured throws, rugs and cushions creates an enticing bedroom space, enhanced by this eye-catching pendant.
Get the look: The bed is by West Elm. The pendant light is by Folklore. The wall lights and silver wardrobe are by Abigail Ahern. The rug and bed cover are from The Curious Cockney. The bedside cabinet is by Kartell. The glass table is from Aria. The dream catcher was bought in Mexico. The You Blow My Mind print is by Lauren Baker. The Good Lovin’ and Turtle Dovin’ print is by Charley Harper.
19. Time to shine
The bedroom looks simple, but an opalescent headboard and a retro chandelier add glamour. The light looks magical at night, when the crystals reflect across the ceiling.
Get the look: The Moon in the Afternoon painting is by Marc Dennis; illustrations of little girls by Nara. Carpet, David Hicks; Pendant light, vintage. Bed, custom made.
20. Clean and serene
Simple spherical lights have been hung on extra long cables either side of the bed, instead of having reading lamps. This frees up surface space and creates a clean, elegant look.
Get the look: The bespoke wrap around headboard in Romo’s Launay fabric is by Alter London in Romo Launay fabric. The sphere lights are by Michael Anastassiades for Flos. The cushions are from H&M Home. The bedside tables are from West Elm.
21. Golden touch
This colourful bedroom suite is given a glamorous boost with gold taps and handles in the bathroom, while hinges, switches, bolts and Lee Broom lights in the bedroom give off a special gleam.
Get the look: The bed is vintage French. The light is by Lee Broom. The wallpaper is Designers Guild. The bedside table was from Alfies Antique Market. Wild & Wolf does a turquoise Trim phone.
22. Out of this world
There’s an other-worldly quality to the Zeppelin chandeliers that hang in this master suite.
Get the look: The walls are painted in Oval Room Blue, Farrow & Ball. The bed is by Schramm and the chandelier is the Zeppelin by Marcel Wanders for Flos. The build was by Galower Builders.
23. Oh the glamour
There’s an airy tranquillity that filters around the double-height proportions of this bedroom. Touches such as the ostrich-feather lamp, glass chandelier and mirrored furniture add grandeur and decadence.
Get the Look: Chandelier vintage. Ostrich feather lamp from A Modern Grand Tour. Bedding, Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams. Bedside lights from a dealer at the Battersea art and design fair. Mirror chair, chest and side tables all Tann Rokka. Chair covered in fabric by Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little. Vase, Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams. Globe from Alfies Antiques Market. On walls, Light Blue by Farrow & Ball. Graphic leopard print wallpaper by Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little. Picnic print by Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little used for tablecloth on balcony table.
24. STAY IN NEUTRAL
Here, home is a sanctum, so calm colours were chosen for the bedroom to keep it feeling serene. Low hung beaded chandeliers either side of the bed create impact and exude a softer light than a central pendant.
Get the look: Bed and lights next to bed, Restoration Hardware.
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