Bedroom ceiling light ideas – 15 ways to brighten up your sleep space

These bedroom ceiling light ideas will inspire you to create your dream scheme. 

Getting your lighting right is possibly the single most important decision you will make when decorating a room. It isn’t simply a matter of function. Bedroom ceiling lights can be objects of beauty and the right choice can transform the character of your scheme. 

Bedroom ceiling light ideas – 15 ways to brighten up your room with decorative lighting

We've curated the best bedroom ceiling light ideas to help you on your way to creating a dream bedroom scheme.

1. Go for a large light

‘The trend for oversized pendant lights is gathering pace,' says Charles Edwards, Charles Edwards Lighting. 'Hanging a light above a bed or dressing table is a smart lighting idea for the bedroom because it will define the area and add a decorative element. Lights hanging above a bed can be positioned slightly lower. Consider a light that is fitted with a diffuser, to avoid unwanted glare and reflection.’

A great option for making a statement with your bedroom ceiling ideas.

2. Create a layered look

'All types of lighting should be considered when creating a restful bedroom environment,' explains Chris Jordan, Managing Director at Christopher Wray. 'When you plan bedroom lighting for rooms with higher ceiling heights, there is a greater flexibility in terms of the types of fittings that can be used.

The light cast by a shade suspension, pendant or even a small chandelier can tend to be too dim on its own, resulting in poor lighting. However, paired with a table or wall lighting this adds to a layered effect that can be built on when needed, meaning you do not need to compromise on a beautiful and key design feature in the room.

A general rule and bedroom lighting tip would be to use a flush mounted ceiling or pendant light, if the ceiling height permits, alongside table or floor lamps to create a soft warm feeling in a bedroom.'

3. Invest in quality

Go for a decorative, design-led approach when choosing a ceiling light. 'In terms of materials, Murano glass is one of our favourite materials to use as the colours and effects which can be created are incredible,' says Chris Jordan.

'The crystal sparkles and refracts the light better, creating multiple spectrums of colour. Additionally, the skill and craftsmanship that goes into creating such pieces is second to none and only adds to its appeal.'

4. Incorporate directional light

Adding discreet warm white LEDs in the ceiling can help channel light to the right places. Here, they illuminate an artwork, which gives the eye something striking to focus on.

5. Hang it up

No space for a bedside table and lamp? Bedroom wall lighting or simple pendant lights can be suspended in the best position for reading, adding a feature that is as eye-catching as it is practical.

6. Make a statement

‘My advice is to go as big as you dare,’ advises interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch. ‘Large lamps make a statement and glass options are good, as they don’t look too bulky.’ Always put lights on dimmers; lamps should be on a 5-amp circuit and switches placed at the bedside and the door.

7. Take it to new heights

Pendant lights catch the eye and can be used to highlight a focal point; in this case, the beauty of the intricately patterned wallpaper.

8. Add glamor with a chandelier

The star of the show in this elegant bedroom idea is a sparkling chandelier, which makes a beautiful statement, whether on or off. A king-size bed with a unique headboard accentuates the dramatic effect in this design.

9. Choose task lighting

LED downlights provide the general lighting and wash down the tall cupboards to create a striking effect in this scheme. Adding a few LED downlights creates reflected light on the walls for a subtle lighting boost.

10. Keep it simple 

Light fixtures don't always have to be eye-catching. If your ceiling is the star of the show, keep lampshades simple, understated and elegant. This clear, glass design is the perfect example of sophisticated designed.

11. Choose a glass design in a colorful room

If you are looking for ceiling lights for a colorful bedroom, which will make a statement without clashing with the palette, then why not consider a sculptural glass design? Sculptural yet transparent this pendant adds interest whilst not deterring from the vibrant blue walls and chinoiserie panels.

'If you want to make a statement of the lighting fixture, then a pendant in glass, metallics or something in wood or rattan will look the part and create a focal point in the ceiling, after all, your lighting should look the part whether switched on or off,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative Director, Kelling Designs. Be sure to fit a dimmer control as it will allow you to change the mood and atmosphere with ease, whilst creating a calm and cosy feel when needed in the evenings,' 

12. Choose an ornate crystal pendant 

Statement lighting needn't be reserved for large bedrooms as this attic bedroom proves. In fact, ceiling lights can be a great way to add decorative interest to smaller bedrooms where scope for introducing pattern and color may be limited.

‘Ceiling lights provide an opportunity to be more creative,' says Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. 'Choose a colorful or ornate piece to provide a focal point in the room, or for the more adventurous, a chandelier is a great addition to a bedroom to create a sense of grandeur.’

13. Hang pendant lights over bedside tables

If you're looking to light a small bedroom then hanging low-level pendant lamps can be a practical space-saving solution. In this space by VSP Interiors simple and discreet hanging lights free up space on the bedside tables, but also make a beautiful design statement. Positioned framing the bed to crate elegant symmetry, the lamps also help draw the eye to the decorative sculptures on the bedside tables while their metallic finish adds to the feeling of luxury.

14. Add spotlights over a desk area

With more people working from home than ever before, in smaller properties bedrooms are sometimes doubling as office space during the day. If you are looking to create a bedroom layout idea with a desk then be sure to factor in the right task lighting above the desk to make it a practical workspace as done here in this TG studio project.

15. Take a cue from the architecture

Bedrooms with high ceilings are the perfect place to make a large, eye-catching pendant lamp, giving space to really show off a statement design. When thinking about what lighting fixtures might best suit a space be sure to think about the architectural features that may already exist as this can help guide the design choice. Echoing the strong angles of the multiple roof beams, this pendant lamp with multiple arms in a brass finish is the perfect finishing touch to this loft bedroom.

What is the best lighting for low ceilings?

A low ceiling is a common problem in a bedroom. It crops up in period properties but also in modern basement conversions and it can feel a little claustrophobic. It is not a feature that is easy to change in itself but you can play clever games with layout, finishes and lighting to balance proportions and create an illusion of great space.

Make sure you consider the size of your room before choosing your ceiling lighting and think about the functionality. While a low hanging pendant may fit in a dining room setting, we recommend opting for something a little more practical in a smaller space, such as the bedroom.

Positioning lamps in the corner of a room will naturally take the eye out to the edge of the room and make it appear more expansive. Bedrooms with low ceilings can also benefit from one or two uprights, too, as they throw light onto the ceiling, which then bounces back into the room.

You may want to consider up-lighting above tall wardrobes and bookcases, which can make a ceiling appear higher, and recessed or wall instead of pendant lighting.

How do I choose a ceiling light for a bedroom? 

It’s vital to consider both ambience and practicality when lighting a bedroom, especially if it’s a compact space. Choose layered lighting that can be used for different purposes. A pendant or ceiling lamp will illuminate the whole room, which is perfect for dressing.

'Ceiling lights provide an opportunity to be more creative,' explains Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. 'Choose a colourful or ornate piece to provide a focal point in the room, or for the more adventurous, a chandelier is a great addition to a bedroom to create a sense of grandeur.

Consider hanging pendants over each bedside table for an interesting alternative to a table lamp or wall light. A dimmer switch is always a good option for the bedroom, it offers flexibility, providing brighter lighting for when you are getting dressed and softer mood lighting for bedtimes.'

Bedrooms are all about creating atmosphere, and mood lighting plays an important role. 'In a modern scheme, lighting needs to be both architectural (almost invisible) and also decorative,' advises interior designer Staffan Tollgård.

'Pendant lights should add to the design and enjoyment of the room. Soft, atmospheric lighting that doesn’t create glare can be achieved with angled downlights from the ceiling, while pendants next to the bed that hang down to between a metre and 150cms from the floor level add a beautiful touch.'

Can I put a chandelier in my bedroom?

A chandelier is not just for the living room or hall. In fact, in the right scheme, it can make a wonderful addition to a bedroom. 'Aim for a mix of traditional and contemporary styles within a home,' says Luke Thomas, John Cullen Lighting.

'In a period bedroom with decorative cornicing, for example, why not consider a very modern chandelier, rather than a classic option. Discreet, low-glare, architectural style lighting can work well with most schemes, as it will subtly enhance your chosen style.'