20 Unique Bedside Lighting Ideas To Brighten Up Your Space

Whether used to illuminate the pages of a book, softly transition the room from afternoon to evening, or discreetly light the path to the bathroom in the dead of night, bedside lighting is a must-have addition to any boudoir. As noted by Livingetc, while most lighting can be categorized as either accent, task, or ambient, bedside lighting is especially important because it must be suitable for focused tasks like reading, as well as capable of giving off that classic warm and cozy ambient glow. So it's definitely a layer you don't want to leave out when curating your lighting scheme!

Best of all, your room can benefit from bedside lighting regardless of whether you have space for bedside tables. From stringing fairy lights across your headboard to suspending ornamental pendants from the ceiling on each side of the bed, the possibilities are endless. If you're feeling ready to embrace a more unique style of bedside lighting, then read on for guaranteed inspiration.

If you're after a lighting solution that's as much of a décor feature as a functional addition to your bedroom, you can't go wrong with a floor lamp. Available in lots of different styles, go for a retro desk lamp style like this if you're intent on curating an industrial space.

For a soft and diffused kind of light that's perfect for bringing about bedtime bliss, suspend rattan pendant lampshades from the ceiling on either side of the bed.

A fabulous fixture, brass sconces instantly up the elegance in any bedroom. Although, it's wise to keep in mind that set sconces like this cannot be moved — so they're perhaps not the best choice if you're planning on using them specifically for reading.

When wrapped around an industrial-style frame, a set of string lights can really soften the look of a bedroom while also providing some atmospheric ambient lighting.

If you've only got space for one floor lamp, but share a bed with a significant other, then an arc style is the way to go if you both want to benefit from some added brightness. Plus, thanks to their gorgeous sculptural shape, these types of floor lamps also make a great decorative statement.

Very on-trend, curved wall lights make a brilliant ambient lighting addition to any bedroom. There are many styles to choose from but go for darker fabrics like this if you want a subtle glow.

Quite often operated by touch or phone, these smart orb lights are brilliant if you like to be able to customize the hue and brightness of your light. Far more interesting than your typical bedside table lamp!

Wall sconces don't always have to be wired in by an electrician — there are plenty of plug-in options also available. This exposed bulb and wood style is becoming increasingly popular amongst those looking to emulate a rustic farmhouse-style bedroom.

A classic option that's ideal for bookworms, plug-in reading lights are a great bedside option. If you don't want to get one that affixes to your wall, there are also lots of options available that clip to bed frames. 

Adjustable and typically pretty affordable, swing arm sconces are great for creating a cozy glow and illuminating the pages of your favorite book.

Why have just one pendant each when you can have two? Sculptural glass orb pendants look chic when used as bedside lighting and can be strung at slightly different heights for more of a layered effect.

If you've got a four-post bed, decorating it with an LED light curtain is a great way to create a softer light scheme that's perfect for the evenings.

Boring lamps don't bring anything decoratively to a bedroom — so if you're intent on bedside tables, then make sure you pick accompanying lamps that are oversized or boast bold patterns that make a statement in the space.

Plug-in spotlights like these are perfect for reading, as they can typically be tilted slightly to suit where you need your light directed. 

Suspending pendants directly above the center of the bed is a really effective way to physically highlight the most important piece of furniture in the room. To ensure they provide the right kind of ambient light, pair them with low-wattage bulbs in a warm white or amber hue.

Bring a bohemian feel to your bedside lighting by swapping the more permanent fixtures for a gorgeous lantern or a collection of stylistically arranged LED candles.

To create a truly unique and artistic lighting set-up, pick a mismatch of light fixtures from the same collection. They don't have to match — they just need to look cohesive as a set.

More traditional in style, fabric lampshades have a far more cozy feel than contemporary glass or metal designs. They're usually fixed relatively flush to the ceiling but feel just as inviting when hung lower and used as bedside pendants.

Typically slightly more stout than other floor lamp styles, column lamps look fantastic when placed on either side of a bed. 

Supposedly capable of cleaning the air and boosting your body's production of happy hormones, Himalayan salt lamps also make great decorative additions to any bedside table. Best of all, they give off a warm amber glow that's supposedly the perfect hue for the hours before bed when you're winding down and getting ready to sleep.