Change Up Your Bedroom’s Look With Pendant Lamps
When table lamps seem snoozy or you want to save space, bedside pendant lights are a bright idea
Laura Gaskill
August 14, 2014
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Hanging pendants beside the bed instead of using table lamps is a great way to save precious bedside space — and the lights just might become your favorite part of the room. Here are eight ideas for hanging bedside lamps in a range of styles, from edgy to traditional.
1. Hot-pink cords. Exposed bulbs on bright cords pop against black walls in this eclectic space. This fresh, playful lighting look would work equally well to add a splash of color to a modern white bedroom.
Wall art: typed in Photoshop by homeowner Tom Chalet; enlarged and printed by hellocanvas
Wall art: typed in Photoshop by homeowner Tom Chalet; enlarged and printed by hellocanvas
2. Rustic hanging lights. Rope and wire are a rustic combination that can work with a range of styles, from farmhouse to eclectic modern. Hanging two lights at different heights is a great way to boost the glow.
3. Salvaged tins. These beautiful old lanterns were found at a salvage shop and rewired by interior designer Adelene Keeler Smith for use as pendant lights. Her electrician installed them in the ceiling, connecting them to a switch by the door and one hidden beside the chest. “Not an inexpensive venture,” she says, “but worth every penny.” Pagoda-like details like this beautifully complement a traditional space.
4. Ornate lanterns. Sparkling silver and glass lanterns bring a welcome dose of glam to a sleek space. The neutral walls and bedding allow the lanterns to take the focus here.
See more of this Toronto house
See more of this Toronto house
5. Silver orb. This striking Zenza Filisky ball ceiling light, made by hand in Egypt, adds a touch of exotic style to the bedroom. Try something similar alongside rich, dark colors like navy, black and smoky gray.
The light that comes through the pendant’s small cutouts is just enough to read by.
Wall paint: Cornforth White, Farrow & Ball; pendant: John Lewis
See more photos of this house
The light that comes through the pendant’s small cutouts is just enough to read by.
Wall paint: Cornforth White, Farrow & Ball; pendant: John Lewis
See more photos of this house
6. Full-size chandeliers. Placing full-size chandeliers by the bed is a bold move. Try it in a large bedroom when you want an injection of glamour. In the space here, sheer canopy curtains can be adjusted to soften the glow of the chandeliers.
7. Oversize pendant light. A big pendant light beside the bed is less flashy than a chandelier but still bold. Hanging a statement light, like the faceted, mirrored version shown here, is a great way to spice up a simple contemporary space.
Light: Arteriors
Light: Arteriors
8. Drum shades. Hung from pretty chains, light fixtures with drum shades are understated and elegant in the bedroom. When paired with classic bedding and a soft gray palette, the look is very luxury hotel. Be sure to put lights like this on a dimmer switch so you can control the glow.
Lamps: Meurice, Robert Abbey; throw: Webster & Company (Boston Design Center); pillow fabric: Mokum
More: Browse pendant lights in the Products section
Lamps: Meurice, Robert Abbey; throw: Webster & Company (Boston Design Center); pillow fabric: Mokum
More: Browse pendant lights in the Products section
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More dramatic lighting for the bedroom. See more at tjferrie.com
Lightsculptures Berkley Pendant.
Lightsculptures Swirl Pendant
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