Modern Bedroom Lighting Design: Tips and Basics

In bedrooms, we typically aim to achieve a soft, diffused general light and support the main lighting source with strategically placed task lighting for activities that require brighter, direct light.

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^{Callen Medium LED Flush Mount 18", Natural Rope and Gold Leaf with two Joyce Table Lamp 28", Baby Blue}

Flush Mount and Semi-Flush Ceiling Lights

The goal for overhead lighting is an even, inviting light. Use the height of the ceilings in your bedroom to narrow down to the best options for the space. For ceilings 8ft and lower, choosing a flush mount fixture will illuminate the whole room with a diffused light while keeping a short, ceiling-grazing profile.

A transitional white kitchen features three pendants with aged brass stems and glass shades hanging over the island counter near a white subway tile backsplash and shaker cabinets.

A transitional living room features the Harper Semi-Flush 12, Aged Brass fixture with a white tapered shade, set against white walls with crown molding.

Harper Semi-Flush 12", Aged Brass

$239.00

Sabina Semi-Flush Mount 16", Matte Black with Linen Shade

$199.00

Sol Small LED Flush Mount 10", Brushed Brass

$189.00

Irving Small Flush Mount 9", Black

$189.00

Chandeliers

Higher ceilings allow for more options and bigger fixtures. Chandeliers add drama to the modern bedroom, while providing the kind of atmospheric light ideal for bedroom comfort. Most Chandeliers direct light upward, where it’s reflected off the ceiling for a warm, soothing glow throughout the room.

Banks 6 Light Chandelier 48", White and Brass

$1,249.00

Saltair Chandelier 30", Matte Brass with Natural Rope

$979.00

A modern farmhouse living room with an antique iron Thayer 9 Light Chandelier 48

Thayer 9 Light Chandelier 48", Antique Iron

$2,099.00

Open Box Castell 6 Globe Linear LED Pendant 46

A contemporary kitchen featuring the Castell 6 Globe Linear Pendant in aged brass with frosted glass globes over a marble topped walnut island and taupe cabinets.

A contemporary dining room with the Castell 6 Globe Linear Pendant in aged brass over a light wood table with orange chairs and blue-green cabinets.

Castell 6 Globe Linear Pendant 46", Aged Brass

$479.00

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Calista Ceramic Table Lamp, Whitewashed Terracotta

^{Calista Ceramic 23" tall Table Lamp, in Whitewashed Terracotta}

Table Lamps

Table lamps are the classic answer to bedside lighting. While occupying space on the table itself, they’re able to produce all the night time illumination you need right at arm's length. A renter-friendly option with no installation, adding lamps provide a diffused, low-key glow perfect for winding down.

Sconces

Wall sconces are an elegant solution for bedside lighting. Placing one sconce on either side of the bed gives you the nighttime light you need and adds a polished, intentional feel to the space. Modern bedroom lighting styles include a wide range of looks and functionalities. For example, the “swing arm” sconces swivel back and forth, allowing you to direct the light exactly where you need it. Wall sconces offer the added perk of freeing up valuable nightstand real estate, leaving room for your clock, phone chargers, and maybe even a good book.

Hot Tips:
• For placement, measure from the floor to the top of the sconce. It should be roughly 55”-60”
• If your sconce has a switch, review the placement before installing. You want to be sure you can reach it from the bed.

Jade Swing Arm Sconce, White and Antique Brass

Jade Swing Arm Sconce, White and Antique Brass

$239.00

Nilo Adjustable One Arm Wall Light, Satin Brass

Nilo Adjustable One Arm Wall Light, Satin Brass

$99.00

Castell 2 Globe Table Lamp 21", Aged Brass

$179.00

A traditional living room featuring the Hallie Table Lamp 17 inch Jade Glaze with White Shade on a natural wood side table against floral bird wallpaper.

Hallie Table Lamp 17", Jade Glaze with White Shade

$219.00

Owen Table Lamp 20", Polished Nickel

$69.99

A transitional living room with the Hallie Table Lamp 17 inch, White Glaze with White Shade on a walnut side table against beige striped wallpaper.

Hallie Table Lamp 17", White Glaze with White Shade

$219.00

Trudy Floor Lamp in a transitional bedroom

^{Trudy Floor Lamp 68", Matte Black}

Floor Lamps

Visually open up space in your bedroom by adding a floor lamp. Light up dark corners or add a cozy vibe to a sitting area or arm chair.

You can add layers to your modern bedroom lighting, by choosing a variety in your fixtures. Choose complementary elements to unify and enrich your private surroundings. Task lighting near your bed, a warm glow from the lamp across the room, overhead lighting to provide the foundation for mood, each component adds to the restorative power of a private sanctuary.