The Lighting Trick That'll Make The Most Of Small Nightstands

Not all nightstands are created equal. Some don't offer much surface area, while others allow for a larger curation of items to be placed on top. While the needs and style preferences of each individual vary, the most important feature of any nightstand is some source of lighting. While this traditionally has simply meant the use of a tabletop lamp, many people are choosing to opt for something a bit more chic that also conserves the limited space on top of their nightstand.

As important as it is to have enough bedside lighting, the reality is that when you use a tabletop lamp, anything additional you add to the surface can make it look cluttered. Using a lamp also prevents you from being able to use the valuable space for other things you may need or want to have close by. Swapping out a lamp for a pendant light that hangs from the ceiling above your nightstand is a great way to conserve surface area while also elevating your bedroom's style.

In addition to freeing up a lot of valuable space on your nightstand, pendant lighting allows you to add character to your bedroom through the use of color, texture, and an elevated sense of visual interest. Whether your vibe is boho, glam, or minimalistic, choosing a stylish and space-saving pendant that represents your own unique style is a simple yet impactful way to spice up your space. Further, installing pendant lights is a great option for renters who want to make a stylish statement without making permanent changes, as most pendant lights don't require any sort of hardwiring to install. 

Just like with traditional lamps, it's important to be mindful about the proportions of your pendant in relation to the rest of your bedroom. As a general rule of thumb, hang your pendant light so that it is roughly 28 to 32 inches above the surface of your nightstand. This will allow enough space for you to add other decorative elements without impeding the pendant or visually cluttering the space. Ensuring the diameter of the pendant is about the sum of the length and width numbers of your bedroom in inches is way to guarantee the scale of the lighting is proportionate. For instance, if the room is 10 feet by 10 feet, the diameter of your pendant should be around 20 inches. 

If you use a pendant lamp as your source of bedside lighting, it's important to be considerate of the length of whichever style you choose. Not only is bedside lighting important for convenience, it also serves as a strategic way to fill the open wall space above your nightstand while evening out the overall proportions of the vignette.

Lighting can serve as a main focal point of your bedroom and is a great way to fill the empty visual space. A pendant lamp with a long, vertical shape is the best option for filling in the awkward gap of space that the lack of a tabletop lamp leaves. If your pendant light isn't able to be hung low enough to fully fill the space, decorate with something else that stands vertically, such as a tall potted plant or a vase that's filled with flowers. This will help close the gap between your lighting and the surface of your nightstand, which will make the vignette look well-designed.