WHAT BEDSIDE LIGHTING SHOULD I CHOOSE?

The right bedside lighting is one of those small design details that makes a massive impact on both the look of your bedroom and your nightly wind-down routine. Whether you love the classic look of a table lamp or the modern, hotel-vibe of a wall-mounted sconce, getting the scale right is key.

THE CLASSIC BEDSIDE LAMP

If you’re opting for a traditional lamp, the most common mistake is choosing one that's too small. A tiny lamp on a large nightstand looks out of proportion and won't provide enough light for reading.

Height: Aim for a lamp that stands between 24" and 27" tall.
Width: The base of the shade should ideally take up about 1/2 the width of your nightstand. This leaves plenty of room for your phone, water, and books without the surface feeling cluttered.
The "Chin" Rule: For the best glare-free reading experience, the bottom of the lampshade should be roughly at chin level when you are sitting up in bed.

THE BEDSIDE SCONCE

Wall-mounted sconces are a designer favorite because they clear up your nightstand entirely. They create a clean, sophisticated look and work beautifully in smaller rooms.

Vertical Placement: Position the mounting point about 60" from the floor.
The Sweet Spot: This height ensures the light is high enough to cast a wide glow over your reading material, but low enough that you aren't staring directly into a bulb from the mattress.
Alignment: Center the sconce over the middle of your nightstand to maintain a balanced, symmetrical aesthetic.

Designer Tip: Since bed height varies, you may want to adjust the height slightly above or below 60”. Be sure to take individual measurements into account and select a height that works for everyone.

Or, if you have the space, do both!

SHOP BEDSIDE LIGHTING

I’ve curated a list of lamps and sconces to get your sourcing off to a strong start (as well as a full shop of curated products sorted by category).

If you’d like additional help with product sourcing, schedule a quick design chat to share the details, and I’ll help you find your perfect piece!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve suggested, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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