Lighting In MBR...

13 years ago

Has anyone actually used desk/ task lighting as bedside lighting instead of actual lamps? I'm thinking about it as I already have this light of which I love the shape and look of. It's not being used anywhere at this time.

Source: ikea.com via Tiffani on Pinterest

and considering this one for DH's side:

Source: ikea.com via Tiffani on Pinterest

or this one which we already have. It looks black but is actually ORB in color.

Source: target.com via Tiffani on Pinterest

We primarily use our bedside lighting when we read at night before going to bed, otherwise we use our chandelier as primary lighting.

I would put our glass chandelier on a dimmer switch a floor lamp in the other corner.

Our MBR is small and any table or wall lamp that I've used just seems to take up so much visual space w/ the shades.

If you think this apothecary style lighting would work would you keep the finishes similar or do you think that the 2 different finishes of the lights that we already have would look okay?

Our bedroom has a mix of stained antique wood bureau and bedside tables and a grey striped bureau w/ black glass pulls in an alcove. Pictures are all black & white in dark wood gallery frames, bed is black wrought iron w/ silver accents and a range of grey, white or dusty blue bedding at any given time. Window treatments are white simple panels w/ fruitwood matchstick blinds. Walls & trim white w/ dark stained doors, seagrass rug.

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Comments (7)

chibimimi
13 years ago
We have used antique lights similar to a table version of #3. They were very useful for bedtime reading! I painted them in a deep red auto paint to funk them up a bit. If you use the two different lamps, keeping the same finish would help tie them together.
cat_ky
13 years ago
I have the second one here. Not using it anywhere at the moment, because, it is very tippy, and spends more time on the floor than it does upright. I wouldnt choose that one again.
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luckygal
13 years ago
Love to see some pics of your bedroom! Might help to visualize what the lamps would look like in the space.

I've never used that type of lamp, at least not since I was a kid and had a MCM desk lamp which probably also functioned as a bedside lamp. Can't really remember but don't remember another lamp.

Whether you *need* them to have matching finishes depends on your esthetic. I wouldn't need them to match but many would.
thefoxesnest
Original Author
13 years ago
Good info about the 2nd light - thanks! I do have pictures of the room but I don't that they'd help much. Decided to stop trying to make the room something that it couldn't ever me w/ what I own. A giant king sized black wrought iron bed can't be modified to be less conspicuous in a 12x13 room. Shabby Chic the room will never be at this time lol!
I took both lamps up that I already have. Not sure how the ORB one will work out because of the way the arm is. Our room is literally bedside table, bed, bedside table crammed together. No wiggle space between them. I'm gonna try though!
bronwynsmom
13 years ago
Yes, I've used good sized task lamps as bedside lamps when they aren't also needed as ambient light.

I like the large ones designed to be used as pairs on drafting tables, with a florescent ring and an incandescent bulb in each.
I expect they are obsolete now, but the good ones move easily in a zillion directions, and the combination light is great for reading.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
13 years ago
In a guest bedroom where my dh often sleeps ( it's ok!) I have a pharmacy lamp that works wonderfully and looks great. It's heavy, adjustable, and very functional. He's happy with it for reading in bed. I love the way it looks.
As far as matching elements, I think some things needs to be identical: height, finish, shade category (i.e. both flared or both drum) but they don't need to match and be the same but there needs to be something that ties them together. And, given the context of the room and its other elements, it's possible those don't need to be written in stone.

I'm preaching to the choir, you know this better than I do! I don't doubt your taste and decorating decisions...use your instincts.
User
13 years ago
I love that lighting style. I bought one for DS's room and it'll be used as a bedsize lamp later. The thing is BRIGHT! I really should put a lower watt bulb in. It's good for reading!

I like the look of mixed bedside lamps but think they should be similar in size and height. It might be the photo, but the head of #2 looks small and the style of lamp looks more contemporary. I think it could be pulled off better with lamp #1 since the finish is closer. I'm having a hard time picturing it.

I would use what you have for now and give yourself a few days to look at it.