Creative Ideas for Space-Saving Bedside Lighting

When it comes to the bedroom, a lot of thought usually goes into choosing the perfect nightstand. So it always surprises me when homeowners then proceed to clutter those precious bedside tabletops with the typical pair of matching oversize lamps. There are so many bright ideas out there that help free up that space: floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants and more. Here are some options for illuminating your bedside without cluttering up your nightstand surface.

Floor Lamps

It’s natural to expect a bedside lamp to sit on a bedside table, but a floor lamp saves table space (especially important if you don’t have much room in the first place) and can float a little closer to the bed to more directly illuminate your reading material.

Choose one with a slim, flat base that can slide under your nightstand, or pair it with a leggy, open table so the two don’t fight for space.

A style with an arc, or a bend in the middle, can sit behind the table and reach forward so the shade ends up over the table or bed and not butted up to the wall.


Or try one that points a more focused beam down and a bit forward. I love how this floor fixture is paired with a tray-topped table — no lamp in the way means no excuse for someone not to bring you breakfast in bed.


Table-Lamp Combo

An eye-catching twist on the classic table-lamp pairing is a floor lamp with a table built in. I used this black bronze version to add sophisticated masculine character to a renovated urban condo. Choose a gold- or silver-hued version for timeless appeal.


Pendants

A pendant hung low over a bedside table also frees up space on the table surface, just as a floor lamp does. The one here helps create a very dreamy, romantic air.


For a more modern flavor, use a simple cord with an Edison bulb (there are also plug-in options) and hang it extra low so the warm, relaxing light reaches you for nighttime reading.


You can also hang two lights at different heights for a fun asymmetrical twist, especially if only one sleeper reads in bed.

Tip: To hide cords of nonhardwired (that is, plug-in) pendants, try snaking the cords neatly to a drapery wall and letting them run down to the floor undercover.


Sconces

Yet another space saver, a bedside sconce is great for giving a room a general glow (especially when paired with a central fixture). If you don’t tend to need light directly in bed, a wall hugger like this can give the room extra general illumination and create a sleek modern statement.


If you prefer a task light, you can attach a swing-arm sconce beside the bed. Swing it to where it’s needed and swing it back when you’re finished for the night.



If you have a wide headboard, try attaching the light directly to the headboard itself, rather than to the wall, to bring it closer.


Another advantage of the headboard lamp is the ability to hide cords. You can tuck them behind the panels of an upholstered wall panel, or clamp them directly to the top or face of the headboard and let the wires hang behind, eliminating physical and visual clutter.


Another great approach to a plug-in sconce (or even a wired one) is to completely avoid subtlety and let the bracket become a dramatic feature. This beautiful gold-tone hardware is clearly the statement here (paired with a simple shade), and the matching wire just adds to the jewelry-like appeal.


The look can even work in more traditional or rustic settings. Try classic black bronze hardware and black wires (even painting the cables to match).

More:
Change Up Your Bedroom’s Look With Pendant Lamps
11 Vignettes to Inspire a Clutter-Free Nightstand

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