There's something rather lovely about those last few moments before sleep, isn't there? That gentle wind-down when you're tucked under the duvet with a book, or simply lying there letting the day drift away. And the lighting you choose for these quiet rituals makes all the difference between a bedroom that feels like a sanctuary and one that just feels... well, a bit off.
The dilemma facing most of us is charmingly simple: wall lights or table lamps? Both have their devoted followers, and for good reason. This is your warm, design-led guide to working out which suits your bedroom layout, your style, and those nightly routines that bookend your days.
What does the best bedside lighting mean for your bedroom
Before you fall down the rabbit hole of beautiful fixtures (and there are many), it's worth pausing to think about how you actually use your bedroom at night. Are you a devoted reader who works through novels at an alarming rate? Do you journal, scroll, or simply enjoy a bit of gentle ambient light before sleep?
These personal habits shape what counts as the best bedside lighting for you. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, which is rather liberating when you think about it.
Take a moment to assess your bedside table situation. Is it generously proportioned or more of a modest perch? Consider your room size and existing décor too. The good news? Both wall lights and table lamps are brilliant options. It's simply about finding which works best for your particular corner of the world.
A glimpse at bedside wall lights
Wall lights bring a certain calm elegance to bedrooms. They free up your bedside surfaces entirely, which is rather wonderful if you're someone who likes a clear, uncluttered nightstand for that glass of water, a book, and perhaps a small pot plant.
When it comes to bedroom wall lights you've got some lovely options. Slim sconces create a modern, architectural feel. Compact uplighters wash soft light across the wall. Or perhaps warm fabric-shaded wall lights appeal, offering that gentle, diffused illumination that's ideal for winding down.
The beauty of wall lights in bedroom is how they create soft, eye-level glow without taking up an inch of surface space. They're particularly brilliant for small bedrooms where every centimetre counts, or for modern, uncluttered interiors where you want that streamlined look.
Worried about installation? Don't be. Most wall lights are straightforward to fit, and if you're handy with a drill, you can manage it yourself. It's far less daunting than it sounds.
A closer look at bedside table lamps
Urnie bedside lamp in blush pink resin
Now, if wall lights are the elegant minimalists of bedroom lighting, bedside table lamps are the characterful companions. There's something wonderfully cosy and tactile about a table lamp, isn't there? That pool of warm light, the pleasing weight of a ceramic base, the gentle glow filtering through a fabric shade.
What makes table lamps particularly appealing is their flexibility. Fancy a change? Swap the shade. Want to rearrange your room? Take the lamp with you. This adaptability is gold for anyone who likes refreshing their space without starting from scratch.
Use lamps to add colour, shape and texture beside your bed. Table lamps are wonderful for renters who can't install wall lights, for eclectic decorators who love layering, and for anyone who genuinely enjoys the ritual of styling their bedside table.
Here's a rather clever trick: table lamps layer beautifully with wall lights to create depth and flexibility that's hard to achieve with either option alone.
Choosing the best bedside lighting
Both options work beautifully, but each suits different needs and spaces. Here's how they compare when you're weighing up what matters most to you:
| What you want from the best bedside lighting | Wall Lights | Table Lamps |
|---|---|---|
| Best option for small bedrooms | Save space and keep surfaces clear | Can crowd smaller tables |
| Clean, streamlined bedroom look | Calm and tidy | Cosy but fuller |
| Ideal for night-time reading | Consistent, directed glow | May need brighter bulbs |
| Flexible styling | Fixed once placed | Easy to move or restyle |
| Decorative emphasis | Subtle architecture | Plenty of texture and personality |
| Easiest setup | Requires basic fitting | Plug in and go |
Bedroom wall lighting ideas that work well beside the bed
If you're leaning towards wall lights, here are some ideas to create that perfect bedside glow. Consider adding two bedroom wall lights for symmetry and softness, and for broader bedroom wall lighting ideas, it can help to browse a full edit of ceiling lights, wall lights and lamps designed specifically for sleep spaces.
Fabric or pleated shades work particularly well for gentle, soothing glow. They diffuse light beautifully, avoiding harsh glare whilst still providing enough illumination for reading.
For devoted book lovers, directional wall lights with adjustable arms let you angle the light exactly where you need it. In smaller rooms or contemporary spaces, slim, subtle sconces keep things feeling open and uncluttered.
Styling simple bedside lighting that feels intentional
Regardless of which option you choose, a few thoughtful touches make all the difference.
Use warm bulbs to create a soft, sleep-friendly atmosphere. Keep bedside surfaces tidy for a clean look with either option. Mix textures thoughtfully: pleated shades bring softness, ceramic bases add artisan appeal, brass sconces introduce warmth.
Do avoid direct glare when lying down. Position lights so they illuminate without shining directly into your eyes as you're drifting off.
Here's a rather lovely option: pair one wall light with one table lamp for a relaxed but curated look. This achieves the best bedside lighting balance, combining the space-saving elegance of wall lights with the flexibility and texture of table lamps.
Pooky's picks for the best bedside lighting
A classic bedside table lamp
A perfectly proportioned table lamp brings a soft pool of light to each side of the bed, ideal for winding down with a book or cup of tea before sleep.
A focused reading light
An adjustable design lets you tilt and swivel the beam exactly where you need it, giving crisp light for late-night reading without disturbing anyone else.
A space-saving wall light
A neat wall light frees up your bedside table and keeps cables out of sight, while still providing gentle, eye-level light for reading and relaxing.
A pretty patterned shade to finish the look
A patterned or pleated shade adds a final layer of character to your bedside, softening the light and tying together colours from your bedding and accessories.
FAQs
Which lighting works best in a small bedroom?
Wall lights are brilliant for small bedrooms as they save precious surface space whilst still delivering lovely bedside illumination. Choose slim sconces or compact designs that don't protrude too far from the wall.
How high should wall lights be positioned beside a bed?
Generally, position wall lights about 60-70cm above your mattress, or roughly at seated eye level. This provides comfortable reading light without glare. For exact heights and spacing, it is worth checking an expert guide on how to position wall lights so they are comfortable for reading without glare.
Can wall lights and table lamps be used together?
Absolutely, and it's a rather lovely combination. Pair one wall light with one table lamp on opposite sides for an asymmetrical, layered look that's both practical and characterful.
Which light is best for a bedside lamp?
Warm white bulbs (2700-3000K) create the most restful atmosphere for bedrooms. Choose LED bulbs for longevity and energy efficiency, and consider dimmable options for ultimate flexibility.
What is the rule of thumb for bedside lamps?
Your lamp should be roughly one-third the width of your bedside table, with the bottom of the shade sitting at about eye level when you're seated in bed. But rules are made to be gently bent if something looks wonderful.
Find the best bedside lighting for your bedroom
Now comes the enjoyable bit. Take a browse through our collection of bedside wall lights, table lamps and shades and see what sparks joy by your bed. Whether you fancy the tidy elegance of wall lights or the cosy glow of a table lamp, there's something waiting to make those last pages, late nights and lazy lie-ins feel even better.
