5 Wall Light Ideas by Bed: Creative bedside wall lights for small bedrooms — practical, stylish, and space-saving

I once had a client who wanted bedside sconces that doubled as a plant hanger — yes, living ficus over the pillow. I tried it (don’t ask about the soil), and that little disaster taught me how much personality wall lights can add to a bedroom without eating floor space. Small bedrooms push you to be inventive, and bedside wall lights are one of my favorite shortcuts to big impact.

1. Swing-arm reading sconces

Swing-arm sconces give you targeted light for reading and can fold back against the wall when you need the headboard to breathe. I’ve used them in studio apartments where a bedside lamp would have crowded the nightstand; the advantage is focused task lighting and flexible angles. The tiny trade-off is installation — you’ll need a stud or good anchors, and wiring if you don’t choose plug-in models.

save pin

2. Adjustable gooseneck lights

Gooseneck wall lights feel a bit industrial but are incredibly practical: bend the neck to aim light precisely. In a cramped rental I designed, these lights replaced a floor lamp and instantly freed up space for a small desk. They’re usually lightweight and easy to mount, though some cheaper models can wobble over time — choose solid brass or steel finishes for longevity.

save pin

3. Integrated shelf sconces

Combine a slim floating shelf with a built-in wall light, and you get a bedside landing spot plus illumination. I specified this in a kid’s room once so a bedtime book and alarm clock had a single home. The bonus is decluttering: fewer pieces, cleaner lines. On the flip side, installation needs precision and it’s not as easy to swap the light fixture later without redoing the shelf.

save pin

4. Dimmer-capable LED strips above headboard

LED strip lighting mounted behind or above the headboard gives soft ambient glow for relaxation and can be dimmable for bedtime. I installed warm-tone strips in a rental master bedroom and the client loved the hotel-like vibe. They’re energy efficient and low-profile, but the edges can show if your headboard material is thin — a shallow valance often hides seams nicely.

save pin

5. Minimalist plug-in sconces

If you’re avoiding hardwiring, plug-in wall sconces are lifesavers. I recommend hardwired for a seamless look, but I’ve saved more than one design budget with elegant plug-in options that look custom. The perk is portability and no electrician cost; the downside is the visible cord, which you can hide with a cord cover painted to match the wall.

For layout planning and to visualize how these bedside lighting options will sit in your room, I often sketch and then use tools like the 3D floor planner to test scale and sightlines.

save pin

Tips 1:

Lighting temperature matters: aim for 2700K–3000K bedside to keep things cozy. Use dimmers where possible to adapt from reading to winding down. If you rent, prioritize plug-in or wall-mounted options that require minimal drilling.

save pin

FAQ

Q: What wall lights are best for reading in bed?

A: Adjustable swing-arm or gooseneck sconces are ideal because they direct light precisely without disturbing a partner. Look for warm color temperature (2700K–3000K) and at least 400 lumens for comfortable reading.

Q: Can I install wall lights myself?

A: Plug-in sconces and some mounted shelves with lights can be DIY projects. Hardwired fixtures usually require an electrician for safety and code compliance.

Q: How high should wall lights be placed by the bed?

A: A common guideline is 40–48 inches (100–120 cm) from the floor to the center of the fixture, or about 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) above the mattress surface for reading lights.

Q: Are LED strips suitable for bedside lighting?

A: Yes, when used as ambient or accent light behind headboards. Choose dimmable, warm-white strips and conceal seams with a valance for a polished effect.

Q: How do I hide cords for plug-in wall sconces?

A: Use paintable cord covers or run the cord down behind the nightstand. For a cleaner look, consider routing to a nearby outlet or installing a recessed cord channel.

Q: Do dimmers work with LED bedside lights?

A: Many LEDs are dimmable, but you must match the bulb and dimmer compatibility. Check manufacturer specs to avoid flicker.

Q: What’s an affordable bedside wall light option?

A: Minimalist plug-in sconces or basic gooseneck lamps offer style without a big budget. I once fitted a guest room with budget sconces that looked premium when paired with smart bulbs.

Q: Where can I try layout tools to visualize bedside lighting?

A: I recommend using a reliable room planner to mock up scale and sightlines before buying fixtures. For authoritative guidelines on lighting standards, refer to the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) publications at https://www.ies.org/ which provide industry-accepted recommendations.

save pin