Bedroom wall lighting ideas are essential to create a warm, cozy and intimate atmosphere that is soft and calming.
While pendant lights and floor lights tend to radiate over larger spaces, these smaller lights are perfect for reading a book, setting your phone alarm for work, or simply taking a sip of water without knocking your glass over.
But, it's not just about finding any old light and sticking it wherever in the room. There are many factors in bedroom lighting that need to be considered.
This may include the height you choose to position the wall light, whether or not you have mirrors, and if you have any bedside lamps that negate the need for wall lighting ideas for the bedroom.
Nonetheless, layering lighting can also help to create depth of atmosphere. So whether you want to create a romantic ambience, dramatic scheme, or even highlight your favorite piece of art – these inspirational ideas will make the lightbulb go off above your head.
Bedroom wall lighting ideas for added ambience
'In the bedroom, wall lights provide a softer, more gentle alternative to the main ceiling light and they can also be a lovely design feature,' says Rohan Blacker, founder, Pooky.
'A general wall light will give a warm ambient glow, while an extendable or swing arm wall light is an excellent substitute for a bedside lamp. For extra ambience, add in a dimmer to create just the right level of illumination.'
1. Source multiple wall lights for shared bedrooms
Hearing kids fighting over toys, electronics and other playthings can be frustrating. But when it comes to bedroom wall lighting ideas – it should be fair game. In a shared bedroom, make sure both children have access to wall lights so that they don't strain their eyes while reading or playing on their devices.
We love the zoning of each individual's space in the wall panel details, and their own bright set of bulbs. If you can, get an electrician to wire the sides of the room separately so that each child can decide whether they need their bedroom wall lighting ideas on or off.
2. Add a glam twenties touch to your space
A simple way to transform a room into a space that oozes glamour and opulence, this stunning Fernherst bedroom lighting idea from Laura Ashley is a beautiful addition to your sleep space. Reminiscent of 1920s Art Deco style, the crystals reflect light for a soft, shimmery glow.
3. Add a vintage touch
This artistic brass bedroom wall lighting idea adds a little something extra to your slumber. It has an industrial style, falling under the steampunk type of shade.
Aptly named as part of the 'Wilhelm' collection of lights, this Germanic design by Iconic Lights is available in grey, duck egg blue, black, cream or white, which makes it a versatile fixture that looks the part in any bedchamber – particularly if you're adding in other vintage bedroom ideas.
4. Add gem-shaped lights to your bedroom
You know what they say... diamonds are a girl's best friend. Perfect as part of a bedroom idea for women, pair with off-white wall paneling for an extra elegant touch.
The Hatton 3 Wall Light by Original BTC has a beautifully intricate and delicate bone china shade, crafted into multi-faceted, symmetrical, gem-like form. When switched 'off' the pendant has an angular sculptural beauty, and when 'on' it provides warm illumination with dramatic lines and shadows.
5. Add some natural texture
Bathe your bohemian bedroom in a soft glow with a singular or pair of Alohi Wall Light by Oliver Bonas. Letting light peak out between the raffia strands, this task light has a geometric silhouette with gold metal ware, a black fabric covered cord and matching rocker switch.
Following on from the organic feel of dried palm tree strands, and as well as the rattan bedside tables and floral motifs, we'd introduce a fresh green palm tree or two too.
Real homes come in all shapes and sizes, and have real problems. So if you are looking for small bedroom ideas (including bedroom wall lighting ideas) stick around for this fabulously innovative and stylish NIT Black Wall Lamp is designed by Barcelona-based design studio, Goula Figuera and beautifully crafted by Faro Barcelona.
This clever lamps structure is based on a folded circle. One side allows you to fix it to the wall, while the second makes a small but perfectly formed shelf.
The lamp holder gives a warm touch, ideal for bedroom lighting. This makes a great bedside light for those short of space. No room for a bedside table? No problem. Place your cup of cocoa, phone or bedtime book on the shelf.
6. Create a cozy garden feel
Garden lovers rejoice! If you're obsessed with being green-fingered, you can bring your exterior influences into your bedroom. White shutters behind the bed, a shiplap-style tray to pop your breakfast (or a houseplant) on, oh and those floral and burlap cushions.
But when it comes to bedroom wall lighting ideas, the Orlando light by Industville in the Pewter finish focuses on all things vintage, combining a rustic, antique look with modern chic for a beautiful finish to any space, cascading light evenly across the space.
These bedroom wall lighting ideas shine particularly bright when hung as a cluster, creating a feature that will certainly not go unnoticed.
7. Choose a child-friendly design
Choosing a bedroom wall lighting idea in a kid's room can be a challenge. You don't want something that looks too adult, but at the same time, children's tastes evolve very quickly so you need something that they can grow with.
This adorable Moon Wall Light by Pooky is made from a beaten concave plate of brass with a gentle antiquing. It produces a lovely warm golden light that is perfect bedtime stories.
8. Match your wall light to your bedding
If you're someone that likes a bit of tradition but you also like a contemporary twist - then this Pringle bedroom wall lighting is perfect.
Made in solid brass and with a lovely wall rose that features six steps of increasing circles, it also features a traditional wax collector just below the bulb holder.
It's neither showy nor timid - just very stylish. Top it off with a beautiful lampshade which matches to your bedding. For example, this pair of lampshades work in tandem with the other yellow bedroom ideas.
9. Choose an adjustable shade
A beautiful cocktail of 1920s and 1950s design, this green bedroom has it all. Wall paneling, a fresh minty hue and a flexible bedroom wall lighting idea.
The Dino Wall Lamp by Gong is made of antique brass and has a luxurious matt enamel shade which contrasts with the warm golden hue inside. It gives a marvellous soft light and its beautiful curved shade is adjustable, allowing it to move for an impressive down or upwards lighting scheme.
10. Opt for a minimalist modern design
When decorating a master bedroom, you may want to create a luxurious space that you literally dream of getting into at the end of the day. Though the best mattress will provide you with a sense of weightlessness, you may want to just sit in bed for a few hours to relax before lights out. And that's where good bedroom wall lighting ideas come in handy.
This Dave wall lamp by Laskasas creates a smooth ambient light while giving dimension to the space. Beautifully minimalistic, it is one of the more premium-looking wall lighting ideas for the bedroom, made from marble and nickel-plated polished stainless steel.
11. Styling for a male? Go for a mid-century modern look
Whether you live in a house share with men, or have an adolescent son who has returned to the nest – it's important to incorporate an a masculine interior style into their sleep space.
The mid-century modern trend which incorporates lots of black furniture is a perfect scheme to base your men's bedroom ideas on. And these Simone bedroom wall lighting ideas from DelightFULL are an idyllic and appropriate choice for a gentleman.
Despite the inclusion of brass and aluminum, this bedroom is warmed up with a cozy faux fur throw and cushions, and a velvet quilted headboard.
11. Choose a gender-neutral design for couples
While bill and bed sharing is a consensual part of co-habiting, choosing a bedroom wall lighting idea can present a challenge for partners who have differing interior tastes.
However, these Buster & Punch Caged Wall Lights are a unique and contemporary design that makes it the ideal candidate as a bedroom idea for couples.
With a choice of polished white or satin black marble, highlight your his and hers lighting with these statement fixtures.
12. Small bedroom? Choose a wall light with a shelf
Real homes come in all shapes and sizes, and have real problems. So if you are looking for small bedroom ideas (including bedroom wall lighting ideas) stick around for this fabulously innovative and stylish NIT Black Wall Lamp is designed by Barcelona-based design studio, Goula Figuera and beautifully crafted by Faro Barcelona.
This clever lamps structure is based on a folded circle. One side allows you to fix it to the wall, while the second makes a small but perfectly formed shelf. The lamp holder gives a warm touch, ideal for bedroom lighting.
This makes a great bedside light for those short of space. No room for a bedside table? No problem. Place your cup of cocoa, phone or bedtime book on the shelf.
Are bedroom wall lights a good idea?
'In a room where space is at a premium, bedside lamps can appear too bulky and fussy,' says Linda Holmes, interiors director, LuxDeco.
'By choosing a brass wall lamp that both up-lights and down-lights, there’s no such hurdle. They slip into place quietly and stylishly, and produce pretty background lighting.'
Where should wall lights be placed in the bedroom?
'Wall lights can make excellent reading lights over the bed,' says Blacker.
'Some wall lights are specifically designed as bedside reading lights, but conventional wall lights can also be a great alternative to a bedside lamp, and some are adjustable for added flexibility.'