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10 ways to brighten up a small space |

These small bedroom lighting ideas will help you brighten up your sleeping space.

The key to a well-lit small bedroom is to offer multiple layers that seamlessly integrate both ambient, decorative, and task lighting. Never underestimate the quality of good lighting, especially in a limited square footage space – it is just as important to your well-being and preserving your eyesight, as it is to beauty.

‘The first thing I do when planning lighting is find spots in a space for table lamps, sconces, picture lights, pendants, floor lamps and desk lights—decorative items come first,’ says Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan and Trove. “It’s also worth considering using lighting to add warmth and comfort to your bedroom.”

This is why planning your small bedroom lighting ideas is so important when designing your space and choosing bedroom lighting ideas for your home.

Small bedroom lighting ideas

We’ve curated the best small bedroom lighting ideas to help you on your way to creating the bedroom scheme of your dreams.

1. Simple yet very effective

(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)

‘A minimalist lamp is a perfect fit for smaller bedrooms because it doesn’t eat up your counter space or distract from the minimal decor you’re including in the room,’ says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. (Opens in a new tab). And the angled shade ensures you get the light exactly where you want it when lying in bed.

2. Save space with hanging pendants

(Image credit: Original BTC)

Arranging a small bedroom often requires compromise. This is why bedroom ceiling lighting ideas are the best way to communicate. Pendant lights are eye catching and can be used to highlight a focal point; In this case, they mimic the bedroom’s color scheme.

says Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC (Opens in a new tab).

3. Create a unit using the same accent color

(Image credit: Pooky)

Wondering how you plan to light the bedroom? Good and effective bedroom wall lighting ideas may be just what your sleeping space requires.

“Layering layers of light is key in any room,” says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens. It’s when you use a mix of different style lights, from side to wall options and of course a ceiling light. One way to highlight this is to tie them together in an accent color, in this case a bright sun yellow. It creates a cohesive look and is an essential element of interior design.

4. Large size paper pendant ladder

(Image credit: The White Company)

“The classic, somewhat iconic, oversized paper lantern shade provides lovely diffused light and is perfect if you don’t have room for table lights,” says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. “You can hang it high above the bed and it will blend perfectly with your scheme, no matter what color you choose.”

5. Prioritize form and function

(Image credit: Indoor Fox/Veronica Rodriguez)

Good bedroom wall lighting ideas can make a small bedroom appear larger or add intimacy to a larger room, plus they are perfect for compact spaces with limited floor space.

Wall lamps are a great alternative to table lamps because they save space. Swing-arm wall lights are both decorative and functional. The extendable fixture works to direct light while reading or it can be swiveled to the side for a soft ambient glow, say Jane and Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox. (Opens in a new tab).

6. Invest in space-saving pendants

(Image credit: The Joshua Smith Company)

Choosing pendant light fixtures can be a huge space saver in small bedrooms. “There are so many options to suit your personality and aesthetic, so have fun with them and treat them like an accent piece in the room!” says Joshua Smith, founder and lead designer of Joshua Smith Inc (Opens in a new tab).

7. Choose a table lamp that blends with your nightstand

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

To avoid too many clashing of styles in a fairly neutral scheme, choose a table lamp that matches the wood of your nightstand, and it will tie the two together which will take up less space visually — which, of course, is what you want to achieve in a small bedroom,” says Lucy Searle, editor-in-chief. Universal, Homes & Gardens.

8. The source of an antique chandelier

(Image credit: The White Company)

“Lighting is the easiest way to change the feel of a room, no matter how big it is,” says Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company. (Opens in a new tab). As the nights draw in, adjustable lighting, layers, dimmers, and the use of bulbs, plus the glow from an antique-style chandelier will help create softer layers of light that add comfort and prevent the room from feeling too flat, bright, and sterile.

9. Opt for oversized table lamps for effect

(Image credit: VSP interiors)

“If your nightstand is a good size, you can make an impact with an oversized table lamp,” says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors. Choosing a patterned base will create a decorative feel and can tie in with the colors of the rest of your chosen scheme. Team it with a plain white or off-white shade so the base is the focal point.

10. Consider a slim figure with a touch of symmetry

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

As we know, bedroom wall lights are probably the best space-saving option when your night tables are not to capacity, and for minimalist contemporary designs with slim profiles like this one will do the trick. Look for long arm designs as they will give you the best “lightweight” coverage and who doesn’t love a touch of texture?

How to light a small bedroom?

Lighting will help to visually enlarge a small bedroom. For example, try lighting the narrow sides of a room to create a sense of width, whether with wall lights or tilting spotlights. Choose lampshades that allow light to reflect upwards if you need to give a low ceiling some height as well.

Don’t forget the usefulness of task lighting by the bed or dressing table, and also remember that downlights should be placed around the sides of the room, but not on top of the bed pillows. Angle them towards the curtains or into the cabinets instead, where you need to be able to see clearly,” advises interior designer Staffan Tolgaard. (Opens in a new tab).