Set The Mood With Bedroom Lighting Ideas 

Lighting plays a big role in how a room feels. In a space like your bedroom, it can help you unwind, ready for a good night’s rest, or help you wake up on the right side of bed. It can also be multi-purpose to help you sink into your space and invite different moods, whether that’s sleep time, relaxation, reading or drawing attention to a specific design feature. 

 So how do you choose the best lighting for your bedroom? Let’s take a closer look at the different types of lighting and how to mix and match the different styles to help you create a sanctuary for rest and relaxation.  

The best bedroom lighting for your space 

Think of your lighting like any other type of bedroom furniture. It should match your needs and lifestyle, so spend some time thinking about its purpose. This will help you pick the right lighting for every need, whether it’s your own bedroom, a child’s room or guest room. Here are the different lighting types to consider.  

General lighting 

General lighting is the primary source of light in your bedroom. It’s those general, overhead lights, like downlights, that help illuminate the overall space. Also referred to as bedroom ambient lighting, it helps to set the tone for the entire room.  

 Pendant lights and flush mounts can help ensure your general lighting blends seamlessly into the rest of your room. Ceiling fans with lights are also a popular choice when it comes to modern bedroom lighting, helping provide airflow year-round, as well as some cooling during the warmer months.  

Task lighting

The bedroom is often not used just for sleeping. It may be a retreat for your nighttime routine with activities like reading or writing in your journal. These lights can help you perform a task without straining your eyes, with options to suit a range of different designs.  

Bedside table lamps or floor lamps positioned in a reading nook or corners can help give you adjustable lighting anytime you need it. They come in a wide range of sizes with shades to suit any aesthetic. Plus, you can easily swap out the bulbs or use smart lighting connected to your phone to change the tone or how much light you need at any given moment. 

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is for when you want to emphasise a particular item or object in your room. It helps to create visual interest by creating focal points. Think of a painting with a dedicated light or wall scones to highlight a particular wall colour.  

Some popular options for accent lighting include wall fixtures, spotlights and even under-cabinet lighting to highlight certain displays.  

Decorative lighting

Lighting can be a decoration as much as a picture or soft furnishings. Exploring fun lighting options, like decorative lamps and chandeliers, can help you add personality to your space, while giving you more mood lighting for your bedroom. 

 Decorative lighting can also be a fun addition for a kid's room. Children’s lighting for bedroom spaces come in a wide range of styles and colours, such as fun LED lights in different shapes (think unicorns, rainbows, gaming controllers, words, and lamps shaped as animals).

What type of lighting is best for a bedroom?

The best lighting for your sleep haven will depend on you and the space you’re trying to create. Whether you’re after a moody room that exudes luxury or a light and airy space, there are so many options to help you customise your space and enhance the functionality of your room.  

 Having different lighting options (like overhead lighting and lamps) can also work together to create the right mood, so play around with what works for your space. 

How to choose bedroom lighting

With all this in mind, how do you actually choose the right bedroom lighting design?  

Start with looking at how you use your space. Do you want a dedicated reading area to help you switch off? Task lighting will be your best friend! Or do you have a piece of art that you want to highlight? You may want to invest in some accent lighting to bring it to life. With this in mind, you can find the right lighting to match.

Consider how colours and materials impact lighting for a bedroom 

While lighting is important, so are the colours you choose to decorate your room. After all, the colours in your bedroom can impact how well you relax, with the right combination helping you to unwind at the end of each day.  

Light vs dark

Wondering how to improve bedroom lighting with colour? It’s all down to your design choices. Looking for a dark, moody space that feels luxurious? Opt for an upholstered bed frame in a range of neutral colours to help add a touch of elegance to your space. Don’t forget to add layers with quality sheets and quilts, as well as throws and pillows in darker tones like emerald green or even navy blue.  

For a more natural and light look, you may want to opt for a wooden bed frame with neutral soft furnishings in creams and beige. For a calming space, consider colours like serene blues, soft pinks or earthy tones like shades of green. 

 Choose your colours carefully 

Before choosing your lighting or making changes to your room, consider how everything works as one cohesive design. The colour of your walls, furnishings, curtains and other decor can change the way light works in your bedroom, so it is good to consider before making changes.  Lighter colours on your walls, bed linen and even your curtains can help your bedroom feel brighter and even more spacious. White, beige and lighter blue shades can help create a bright, airy space, while darker colours can help enhance mood lighting. If you want more natural light, using sheer curtains can help you add privacy to your room during the day, while allowing light to filter in.  

Looking for more bedroom design inspiration? The Snooze blog has everything you need to help you design the perfect bedroom space, including picking the right bed, mattress, wall colours and more.