How to Select Wall-Mounted Lighting for a Bedroom

Your bedroom is more than the place where you sleep, and the lighting that you choose should reflect that. Adding wall-mounted lighting can provide task, mood and accent lighting to the ambient lighting provided by your overhead ceiling fixture.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper
• Internet access
• A tape measure

Instructions

1. Think about how you use your room to help you plan your lighting scheme. Do you need task lighting (for reading in bed, working on the computer, putting on makeup)? Do you want mood lighting? Do you want to increase the ambient lighting?

2. Choose where you want to place your wall-mounted lamps or fixtures. Place wall-mounted lights where they will illuminate work spaces or accent areas.

3. Measure the space available for each wall-mounted unit.

4. Decide whether the lamps will be controlled by a wall switch or dimmer, or whether they should be self-contained. If they will plug into an electrical outlet, be sure that you locate them close to the outlets.

5. Decide whether to use wall mounted lamps that plug into an outlet, or whether to hard-wire them into the electrical system of your house.

6. Consider your budget when deciding what type of wall-mounted lights to get.

7. Consider the décor and style of your bedroom to help you narrow your choices.

8. Spend some time looking at available styles of wall lights and sconces online.

9. Visit local stores with a selection of wall-mounted lighting.

10. Measure lights before you buy to be sure that they will fit your space.

Tips & Warnings

• The most common choices for bedroom wall lighting are swing arm lamps. A swing arm lamp mounted on each side of the headboard will allow you to direct light where you need it when you're reading or working in bed.

• Add accent and ambient lighting with wall sconces that direct light upward toward the ceiling.

• Choose spotlights or lamps with shades that direct light downward for task lighting purposes.

• If you're not comfortable working with electricity, have a professional electrician install your new lights.