Bedroom

A bedroom needs light that can shift through the day. In the morning you want enough to find a matching pair of socks; at night you want a low, warm glow that tells your body it is time to slow down. This collection gathers the pieces that do both: flush and semi flush ceiling lights, wall sconces and swing arm reading lamps, bedside and table lamps, rechargeable and mushroom lamps, plus curtains, throw pillows and throw blankets to finish the bed and the windows.

Plan the bedroom in layers

• Overhead: A flush or low profile ceiling light keeps clearance over the bed and suits standard 8 foot ceilings. Wood grain, woven bamboo and glass globe designs give a softer look than a plain fixture.
• Reading: Swing arm sconces and rotatable reading wall lamps aim light at the page and free up the nightstand. Mount them so the light falls across the pillow when you sit up, often about 48 to 60 inches from the floor.
• Glow: A mushroom lamp, a rechargeable table lamp or a small night light gives just enough light for a late trip to the bathroom without waking anyone.
• No wiring: Plug in sconces run on a cord to a nearby outlet, so renters can add wall light without opening the wall.

Warmth, dimming and fabric

Choose warm white around 2700K for the bedroom, and favor dimmable lamps so the room can drop to a low glow before sleep. Cool white is better saved for a closet or a vanity. Curtains and drapes matter as much as the fixtures: heavier fabric helps keep streetlight and early sun out, while sheer panels soften daylight. A throw blanket and a few pillows in the same color family as the lampshades pull the whole room together.

For more ideas, read our bedroom lighting ideas and the plug in wall sconces guide, or shop bedside lamps and swing arm sconces.