In today’s age with ever-present social media and the constant chaos of the world, people are looking for a safe retreat from it all. Whether you share your home with one other person or 12, it’s likely that your bedroom is one of the few quiet places for you to relax. Want to take that peace up a level? Think about the design, starting with lighting.
Before you think about which fixtures might be best for you, there are two key rules that you should consider first:
Size Does Matter
If you have a smaller bedroom, don’t get a light fixture or floor lamp that takes up half the available space. At the same time, a supersized master suite with cathedral ceilings wouldn’t look nearly as grand with a single light fixture the size of a dinner plate. If you go with anything that’s not mounted flush to the ceiling, consider its size in proportion to how low it will hang as well.
Brighter Isn’t Always Better
Some are attracted to the glitz and glam of glittery pieces with chrome or gold finishings. Can this bring an aesthetic home? Absolutely. But it can also blind you. Metallic pieces will reflect and refract light all around the room, which can be pretty inconvenient first thing in the morning. If you’re attracted to this aesthetic, or just to bright lights in general, don’t let us stop you; for everyone else, think about using those materials for accent and task lighting instead.
Have some ideas brewing? Good. Let’s figure out which fixtures are the best fit.
Old Reliable
Ceiling-mounted light fixtures are commonplace in homes, and honestly, why fix what isn’t broken? The one thing we will recommend here is that you don’t go with the traditional fixtures with frosted glass coverings; these are best reserved for public spaces, like hallways and bathrooms. Instead, choose something a bit more unique!
A geometric design with a gold finish is perfect for those looking for a subtle contrast that will catch the eye, or perhaps you might like a simpler piece with an off-white lampshade. Whichever choice you make — even if it’s something elegant yet a bit over the top — the important thing to remember is how light will be cast around your room. Will it reflect off of metal pieces, stream through the window and come from your overhead light? If so, go with a simpler piece, so you and guests don’t feel blinded.
Another option (and sort of the only choice for those of us in warm, humid climates) is a light fixture with a ceiling fan. Whether you prefer cold sleeping conditions or the air is just so heavy where you live that it needs to be in constant motion to be bearable (I’m a Houston, Texas, native, so I understand), a ceiling fan is a solid investment. If you’ve got the space, go for a contemporary eight-blade fan that’s guaranteed to make a visual statement. For rooms with lower ceilings, there are plenty of low-profile options like the Low Profile Dempsey from Hunter Fan Company; while less flashy, these won’t crowd the space.
Subtle and Modern
Modernism and minimalism have been gaining momentum for the last few years, and there’s no indication that these design trends intend to slow down. One way homeowners are bringing a modern or contemporary touch to their bedrooms is by installing recessed lighting. Although historically reserved for the kitchen and great room, these dimmable, out-of-the-way lights are available in warm and cool colors, meaning you can adjust them for whatever bedroom activities you may be getting up to (reading. We’re talking about reading. Get your mind out of the gutter).
If you’re looking for something a little more eye-catching, consider a modern chandelier that’s perfect for any space. A fixture with an industrial aesthetic can pair well with similar bedside lamps that serve as accents, or a glitzy chandelier that isn’t subtle but is certainly modern can add immediate glam and style.
If you do decide to go with a shockingly bright chandelier or want to forgo an overhead piece altogether, consider modern sconces to bring some accent lighting into the room. Hanging these on either side of the bed means they can also double as task lighting for reading. For something a bit more unique, go with sconces shaped like animals!
Standing Lights
To add accent or task lighting, or to update existing light fixtures, floor lamps are a great option. There are a plethora of options from Tiffany style lamps that double as a piece of art and a light source to modern, high-tech options with 20 brightness levels and three color temperatures. If you want to use that floor space even more effectively, grab a floor lamp combined with a side table or storage space.
Depending on what you’re using the lighting for will determine the best choice for you. Get a lamp with an upturned, translucent shade to help cast light broadly in darker spaces; if you need lighting for specific tasks, such as reading in bed or working at a desk, a floor lamp with adjustable arms and lights would be ideal.
No matter which lighting you decide to go with in your bedroom, be sure that it suits your needs and doesn’t overcrowd the space. For more design inspiration and to see current new home listings, head over to NewHomeSource and follow us on social media.
Kian Zozobrado joined Builders Digital Experience (BDX) in 2019 as a content writer. A graduate of Southwestern University with a degree in English, Kian is passionate about the written word and making connections. Outside of work, Kian also serves as president of the Board of Directors for the Writers’ League of Texas.