Heads up! We may use affiliate links in this post. You'll never pay more, but we might earn a small commission if you buy - thanks for supporting us! See our full disclosure here.
If we’re to take notes from many interior design trends like the enchanting Forestcore, quirky Bobbin homeware trend or Hygge – the ever-popular Danish interior trend, we’ve learned that with just a few tweaks here and there you can completely transform a space.
Well, lighting can do that too! Not only does lighting play an essential role in setting the mood and ambience of any room, but when it comes to a small bedroom, it can make or break the space.
With the right lighting, you can create the illusion of a bigger room, make your bedroom appear more luxurious and make it a cosy and relaxing area to rest and recharge.
In this article, I will share 10 small bedroom lighting ideas to transform your space.
The Importance Of Lighting In A Small Bedroom
A small bedroom can feel cramped and claustrophobic, but with the right lighting, you can make it feel more spacious and inviting.
Lighting can help create focal points, highlight artwork, and add depth to a room. It can also set the mood for different activities like reading, relaxing, or working.
When choosing to light a small bedroom, it’s important to consider the size of the room, the natural light available, and the colour scheme.
A well-lit room can make a small space feel more open and airy, while a poorly lit room can feel cramped and dull.
Different Types Of Lighting
There are three main types of lighting for small bedrooms: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
- General Lighting: This type of lighting provides overall illumination for the room. It can come from ceiling fixtures like flush mounts which sit ‘flush’ with the ceiling. Another option is to use a pendant light. These fixtures hang from the ceiling and come in a variety of styles and finishes. They can be used to add a decorative touch to the room while still providing adequate illumination.
- Task Lighting: Task lighting is essential for small bedrooms, especially if you like to read or work in bed. A bedside table lamp is a classic option for task lighting. Choose a lamp with a flexible arm or adjustable shade so you can direct the light where you need it. If you have limited space on your bedside table, consider a wall-mounted reading light instead. Another option is a desk lamp. If you have a small desk or vanity in your bedroom, a desk lamp can provide focused light for work or grooming.
- Accent Lighting: This type of lighting is used to highlight specific features in the room like artwork or architectural details. It can come from wall sconces which can (if you opt for swing-arm sconces) double as task lighting. They also take up minimal space and can be used in place of a bedside table lamp. Floor lamps offer a slim profile whilst still providing ample light – choose a lamp with a unique design or colourful shade to add a pop of colour to your decor. Another option for accent lighting is spotlights which can be mounted on the ceiling or wall (inside recessed wall shelving to highlight artwork or sculptures looks amazing!)
1. Utilise Natural Light
If your small bedroom has a window, make the most of it by allowing natural light to flood in. Opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to pass through while still providing privacy.
Consider arranging the furniture in a way that maximises the natural light’s reach.
2. Layer Lighting
One key to creating a well-lit small bedroom is to incorporate different layers of lighting.
This includes ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting can be achieved through a central ceiling fixture or recessed lighting.
Task lighting, such as a bedside reading lamp or a desk lamp, provides focused light for specific activities.
Accent lighting, like wall sconces or string lights, adds a touch of warmth and visual interest.
3. Wall-Mounted Fixtures
To save space and maximise floor space in a small bedroom, consider using wall-mounted lighting fixtures.
Wall sconces provide both ambient and task lighting without taking up precious surface area.
They can be positioned strategically to provide light where it’s needed most, such as above a nightstand or near a vanity.
4. Mirrors and Lighting
If natural light is scarce in your bedroom you can enhance the lighting by strategically placing mirrors.
Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of a larger space. Consider adding a large mirror opposite a window or wall lights to bounce natural light around the room.
Additionally, backlit mirrors or vanity mirrors with built-in lights can provide both functional and decorative lighting.
5. Use Smart Lighting
With smart lighting systems, you can control the brightness, colour temperature, and even schedule lighting changes through a smartphone app or voice command.
This is especially helpful in a small bedroom where space is limited, as it allows you to adjust the lighting without getting out of bed or cluttering the room with additional switches.
6. String Lights
Create a whimsical and cosy ambience with fairy lights or string lights.
You can create a canopy over your bed, frame them around artwork or a mirror or hang along a wall to create a warm and inviting glow.
7. Under-Bed Lighting
Install LED strip lights under the bed frame to add a subtle, indirect glow.
Not only does it illuminate the floor area by eliminating dark corners and shadows, making the room appear brighter and more open, but under-bed lighting can also create a sense of depth and dimension in a small bedroom.
By illuminating the floor beneath the bed, it gives the impression of a raised platform or additional space.
8. Install A Dimmer Light
Dimmer lights can create an illusion of a larger space in a small bedroom by manipulating the perception of depth and ambience.
By adjusting the intensity of the lighting, you can control the mood and atmosphere of the room.
9. Neon Wall Lights
Neon lights create a unique and vibrant atmosphere in any space. In a small bedroom, they can instantly add a touch of style and personality because they are often customisable to say whatever you like!
Great for space-saving too; neon lights are typically slim and flexible, making them an excellent choice for small bedrooms.
They can be mounted on walls, hung from the ceiling, or even wrapped around furniture, without taking up much room.
10. Hang A Pendant Light
A hanging pendant light can be a game-changer when it comes to lighting a small bedroom where every inch matters.
A hanging pendant light can help to save floor space that would otherwise be occupied by a floor or table lamp. You can hang a pendant light above the nightstand, freeing up space for other essential items or furniture.
From reading and working to getting ready for work in the early hours of the morning, pendant lights can provide both task lighting and ambient lighting in a small bedroom.
