Light It Up: 12 Illuminating Ideas for the Bedroom

Wall sconces, whether modern or antique-inspired, are a gorgeous way to frame a bed. The designers at Rethink Design Studio wanted to enhance the contemporary yet romantic feel of this master bedroom by focusing on the light sources. The mirrored sconces provide a sleek and simple decorative element and allow the nightstand to display fresh flowers and decorative accents instead of a bulky light fixture.

To create a clean, balanced look with a touch of eclectic flair, symmetry is key. Jamie Laubhan-Oliver of D Home suggests buying bedside lamps, nightstands and coordinating accessories in pairs. "Since I tend to decorate in a very eclectic style, duplicates of items help to keep it from looking chaotic," she says regarding her master bedroom style. In her antique-inspired retreat, Jamie uses a matching pair of metallic table lamps and an elegant crystal chandelier as the room's primary light sources. "Chandeliers are the jewelry of your home; whether small or large, they add drama to any room." Photography by Manny Rodriguez

The regal purple headboard and bedding are certainly gorgeous, but the most eye-catching and dramatic elements of this master bedroom are the gold-accented pendant lights suspended above the nightstands. "They are functional, dramatic and keep the top of the nightstand free for other items," designer Peg Berens says. "For ease of use, the fixtures can be turned on and off by a small remote control kept in each nightstand drawer." The fixtures are convenient but can also be dimmed to instantly alter the mood of the room. Design by Peg Berens of Peg Berens Interior Design LLC. Photography by Robert Naik Photography

When choosing lighting for your bedroom, remember that beyond serving an obvious function, it can also provide a stunning accent within the space. Designer Pierre Jean-Baptiste suggests choosing one primary source of lighting and then choosing smaller fixtures for soft additional lighting. "Each light can be used for a specific task or in conjunction to set the mood of the room," he says. Plus, you can easily alter the tone of the room by using a dimmer on the main source of lighting. "This gives you flexibility on those early mornings when the full light may be too bright, but if dimmers aren't an option, try a three-way bulb — the varied wattages will allow you to create the mood you want without changing out your switch." Design by Pierre Jean-Baptiste of Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors