Bedroom Lighting Ideas: Wall Sconces at the Bedside

Looking for a way to free up tabletop space but still get great lighting at your bedside? Why not try these bedroom lighting ideas: add wall sconces or wall lamps! These small, wall-mounted lights combine sleek style with a punch of lighting power. The main difference is that wall lamps often have adjustable arms and wall sconces are generally stationary.

Here are 10 examples of great wall lighting by the bedside so you can get an idea of how to make this look work in your home. 

The brass wall sconces in this cozy traditionally-styled bedroom are a perfect fit for the room’s overall decor theme. They pull down and have opaque shades that concentrate and direct the light down to your book, computer or whatever else needs lighting. Get the look with Crystorama Mitchell wall lamp in aged brass

In this lofty bedroom, a pair of traditional brass sconces flank the bed, plus another pair of smaller sconces adds an extra layer of light at the windows! Get the look with Hudson Valley Dixon Sconce in Aged Brass

If you feel like the shade of your wall sconce could use a little jazzing up, there are lots of ways to add a boost of style! Maybe try hot-gluing on some pretty ribbon–that might be what was done in this bedroom. Get the look with House of Troy Swing-Arm Wall Lamp in Antique Brass (and whatever decor you might want to add)

The headboard of this coastal bedroom also has some built-in shelves (I imagine it’s facing away from the door, but towards a window with a breathtaking ocean view!) and slim sconces so subtle they almost blend in to the background. Get the look with Sonneman Cappio Sconce in Polished Nickel

This bold brown bedroom features sleek, contemporary sconces that complement the look and concentrate the light. Hey, is that a jar of jellybeans on the side table? Get the look with George Kovacs LED Swing Arm Wall Lamp in Copper (or the 2-light Save Your Marriage style)

Speaking of brown, how about this gorgeous chocolate brown bedroom? When you’re done gawking at the beautiful crystal chandelier, look to the bedside at the brass swing-arm sconces. They allow for the display of flowers and other lovely accessories on both side tables. Get the look with Hudson Valley Ludlow wall sconce in polished bronze 

This relaxed, beachy room gets an infusion of drama with the sconces, which have black shades to add style and more intensely direct the light. Get the look with Currey & Company Primo Wall Sconce in Brass

The tufted upholstered headboard goes all the way up to the ceiling in this bedroom, just beckoning you to sit up, sit comfortably and read comfortably with the drum shaded wall sconces. Get the look with Crystorama Marshall wall lamp in polished nickel

When you use a swing-arm wall lamp to light up your bedside, you gain room on your bedside table, thus allowing you to use that space for different purposes–a touch of nature, a bottle of pillow mist, framed pictured of the people (and pets) most important to you…you name it! Get the look with Hinkley Arti wall sconce in black

Soft blue and brown are a harmonious blend in an elegant farmhouse bedroom–and a little extra classic style comes from the sconces mounted above the bed. Get the look with Quorum Traditional wall sconce in oiled bronze

If you’re looking to put wall sconces or wall lamps at the bedside now, here’s how to get the best hanging height:

• Sit in your bed normally, as if you were going to read or use your computer in bed. (If you want to even bring along a book to use as a prop for accuracy’s sake, that’s fine.) Have someone else measure the height up from the floor to just above your shoulder. Remember that the most ideal spot for any task light is between your head and the work surface you want to light.
• If you already have the wall sconces you want to mount beside your bed, have your helper hold them up at the height mentioned before and see if you like it there. Adjust as necessary.
• Minimize glare by choosing wall sconces that have fabric shades, transparent glass or opaque glass.

Shop our selection of wall sconces and wall lamps now.

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