Bedroom Pendant Lights

Bedroom Pendant Lights: The Complete Guide

Key Points

• Bedroom pendants work well as bedside lights, over-dressing tables, and central room lighting.
• Hang bedside pendants 40-45cm from your pillow and 40-50cm above the mattress level.
• For general bedroom lighting, keep pendants at least 210cm from the floor.
• Fabric shades create soft, sleep-friendly light, while glass gives brighter task lighting.
• Choose warm white (2700-3000K) bulbs that support natural sleep patterns.

Where To Hang A Bedroom Pendant Light

As Bedside Lighting Alternatives

We've found bedside pendants really useful - they give you more room on your nightstand for books, water, or whatever else you like to keep handy.

• Hang one pendant on each side of the bed, about 40-45cm from your pillow.
• Make sure there's enough clearance so you won't bump your head when sitting up.
• For couples, install separate switches for each side - nothing worse than your partner turning off your reading light!.

Above Dressing Tables and Mirrors

Pendant lights work really well above dressing tables. The best setup we have seen is when the pendant hangs at just the right height to light your face evenly without casting those awful shadows.

• Centre a single pendant above the mirror or dressing table.
• For larger areas, try two pendants spaced a minimum of 50-60cm apart.
• Choose glass shades for bright, clear light that shows colours accurately.

Over the Centre of Your Bedroom

Most people stick with the central ceiling light that comes with the room, but a properly chosen pendant can completely change how your bedroom feels.

For standard bedrooms (12-16m²), pendants 30-60cm wide usually work well. Position it over the centre of the room, not necessarily over the bed. And definitely put it on a dimmer switch - you'll thank us later when you want bright light to clean but soft light in the evening.

How High To Hang Bedroom Pendant Lights

The height of your pendant matters a lot in bedrooms - too low, and you'll bump your head; too high, and the light won't be useful.

For bedside reading lights, hang the bottom of the shade about 40-50cm above mattress level. This puts the light source at about the right height for reading without being visible when you're lying down.

In the rest of the bedroom, keep pendants at least 200cm from the floor. If you have high ceilings (over 270cm), try pendants with longer drops to use some of that empty space above.

Which Pendant Light Styles Work Best in Bedrooms

We've installed all sorts of pendants in bedrooms over the years, and not all styles are created equal when it comes to making a relaxing space.

Fabric Shades for Soft Ambient Light

If there's one thing we've learned, it's that harsh light has no place in a bedroom. Fabric pendants are our go-to for most bedroom settings:

• Linen and cotton shades cast warm, soft light, ideal for relaxation.
• Drum shapes spread light evenly throughout the room.
• Light-coloured fabrics give better light distribution.

Just be aware that fabric shades collect dust. If you have allergies, look for washable options or be prepared to vacuum them regularly.

Glass Pendants for Task Areas

For areas where you need clearer light, like dressing tables:

• Clear glass gives bright, true-colour light for makeup and dressing.
• Frosted glass reduces glare while still providing good light.
• Glass pendants are easier to keep clean than fabric ones.

Mini Pendants for Smaller Bedrooms

In smaller bedrooms, oversized pendants can feel overwhelming. Try these instead:

• Choose pendants 15-25cm in diameter.
• Cluster a few small pendants rather than one large one.
• Look for slim designs that don't dominate the space.

How To Choose the Right Brightness for Sleep Spaces

Getting the brightness right in a bedroom is tricky. Too bright and you'll struggle to wind down; too dim and you can't find your socks.

For bedside reading, you want about 400-500 lumens per pendant. That's bright enough to read comfortably without feeling like an interrogation room.

Dressing areas need more - around 600-800 lumens. You need to see colours properly when you're getting dressed.

For general room lighting, aim for about 1500-2000 lumens total for standard bedrooms. If you've got dark walls or furniture, bump that up by about 25%.

Colour Temperatures That Support Sleep

The colour of your light matters more than you might think. We always tell customers to stick with warm white (2700-3000K) in bedrooms. It's similar to sunset light and helps your body prepare for sleep.

Whatever you do, avoid cool white (4000K+) in bedrooms. It might look crisp and modern, but it's terrible for your sleep patterns.

Some newer smart lamp bulbs can actually shift from warmer to cooler tones throughout the day. These are brilliant if you struggle to wake up on winter mornings.

Installation Tips for Bedroom Pendants

Switch Placement for Convenience

Where you put the switches matters a lot:

• Install bedside pendant switches within arm's reach of the bed.
• Consider dual switching for central pendants (by the door and by the bed)
• Nothing's more annoying than having to get out of bed to turn off a light!

Working with Different Ceiling Types

Your ceiling type affects how you'll need to install pendants:

• Solid ceilings need proper anchors rated for the pendant weight.
• Plasterboard ceilings require special cavity fixings or ceiling joists.
• Sloped ceilings need special canopies designed for angles. We will always tell you in the product description if you can install the light on a sloped ceiling.

Always turn off the power at the consumer unit before starting any work. If you're not confident with electrical work, it's worth getting a qualified electrician - especially for new installations where there wasn't a light before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pendant lights good for bedrooms?

Pendant lights are good for bedrooms because they save space, add light near beds or reading spots, and replace table lamps. Use adjustable and dimmable models for better control.

How do I choose pendant lights for my bedroom?

Choose pendant lights for your bedroom by measuring ceiling height, placing lights above nightstands or seating areas, and using dimmable light bulbs. Pick styles that match your room, and keep the bottom of the pendant 40-45cm above the surfaces.

Are pendant lights better than bedside lamps?

Pendant lights are better than bedside lamps if you want to free up space and keep surfaces clear. Lamps are better if you need something easy to move or plug-in. Pick based on how you use the space.