Unique wall lighting ideas to brighten your bedroom

We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms on a daily basis, doing a variety of things: getting dressed, reading in bed, watching television—the list goes on. Lighting has a functional role to play in making these tasks easier but is also an important mood-setter. By following a few tips and utilising a few tricks, you can use bedroom wall lights to achieve the best of both worlds.

One of the most critical decisions when installing wall lights in your room is to know where to position them. Bedside lights on either side of your bed are ones you can bank on and are popularly used in homes throughout Australia. If you're the type who likes to unwind by reading in bed just before going to sleep, then bedside lights are a great choice. Installing lights on either side of the bed also helps establish the bed as the room's main feature.

Adjustable wall lighting allows you to bend and move your wall lights so that they can be used in a few different ways. They can provide excellent task lighting making great reading lights, grooming lights, spotlights and more with tremendous flexibility to work the way you want them to. Since adjustable lights can move in a circle around their central point, they offer a great range of coverage over a wide area.

Related article: Popular types of wall lights to consider for your home

Every room needs a little charm and character and nothing adds more of both than vintage lighting. The great thing about vintage lighting is that it's a very broad category and includes a range of different styles, including Victorian, antique, retro and even more modern choices like steampunk. A unique advantage of vintage lights is that they can help create a theme in a room that you can shape your personal style and tastes around.

Those who aren't fond of traditional styles should look to modern lighting. Unlike vintage lighting, modern lighting is sleek and simplistic, utilising straight lines and minimalist principles. That being said, you can also find more avant-garde designs for an interesting post-modern look, one that is sure to elevate your artistic design credentials.

If you’re lucky enough to have a room with some precious possessions, accent lighting can help bring them into focus. Perhaps you painted something you're proud of or have some collector’s memorabilia or sculptures. Accent lighting can shine down towards it, creating depth and a distinct focal point.

A fantastic innovation in modern technology is motion sensors which allow us to activate things with a simple wave of the hand or flick of the wrist. Combined with voice recognition and smart technology, you can take control of your wall lights from the comfort of your own bed.

Related article: The advantages and disadvantages of smart lighting

Some lights may have been designed as ceiling lights or floor lights but could be repurposed as wall lights. If you're feeling creative, or want to do something unique, try to repurpose a pendant light or some ceiling lighting into a wall light. This obviously won’t be feasible for every ceiling or floor light out there but you might be surprised how many of these stylish designs make great wall sconces too.

Though not lights themselves, dimmer switches are useful for any lighting system. They’ve been around for decades and are still among the most popular flexible lighting feautres. They allow you to change your lighting according to different times of day, for different moods, creating different effects. They're also great for saving power and can even extend the lifespan of your bulbs.

Related article: Tips for creating great mood lighting in your home

While some favour vintage and others prefer a more modern style, some look to the future and beyond for inspiration. The futuristic style is a legitimate one that first became popular in the 1950s with a presence in lighting ever since. It’s an exciting style that's always evolving in conjunction with technological design and popular culture. These days it's typically represented by sleek, clean and compact designs and is a great choice for staying on-trend.

Opting for a classic style of lights might seem cliched, but some things are classics for a reason. These lamps have a simple design that has seen them stand the test of time in many countries and cultures across the world.

Related article: The best lamp placements - tips to follow

Lighting has long been a place for artists to experiment. You'll find no shortage of creative wall lights from top designers across Australia. This range offers a huge variety of styles and expressions, with something to appeal to everyone's different tastes. An artistic light of any kind will add a bit of creative flair to any bedroom, which will be a great source of inspiration in itself.

If one wall light doesn't make a statement, a line of lights will. Something about patterns seems to speak to us, especially when the patterns are basic. These lights can be used to create a larger focus in the room, accentuating its dimensions and the feeling of spaciousness.

When we hear spotlights, we're used to thinking about concerts, musicals, and other stage shows, but that's not the only place they're used. A smaller, dimmer version is often used in bedrooms to create a small concentrated light when it's needed. This can work well, especially in small bedrooms where it can actually provide quite a decent amount of coverage.

For added versatility, try colour-changing LED wall lights. These allow you to adjust the colour of the light depending on the mood you want to create, whether for a relaxing night or a lively gathering. Many models also come with app controls or remote access for convenient adjustments.

Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide - FAQs, costs & more

Inspired by nature, these lighting solutions can help you bring the outdoors in. Look for wall lights with botanical or wood-like designs that add a calming, earthy touch to your bedroom. This style is especially beneficial for creating a serene, nature-inspired retreat.

As you can see, there are some great bedroom wall light ideas you can implement quickly and easily. Whether you go for a trusted pair of bedside lights, a charming vintage design or a futuristic spotlight, you’ll find your new source of light elevates your room’s style and atmosphere effortlessly.

This article was updated on 19th of December 2024

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