One of the exciting parts of the bedroom makeover is that I have a good excuse to hang around craigslist, thrift stores, and my favorite home decor sites looking for new stuff! I mean, I do this anyway, but when there are things I am actually looking to buy, it is a whole lot more fun. For the bedroom I’m in the market for a new rug, overhead and bedside lights, and art.
However, I’m stuck on the lights. The new nightstands I am working on will be white, and will be lower and wider than the temporary ones that we have now. If you’ll forgive a terrible Photoshop, this is approximately the difference:
I think that something large or tall would help counter the shorter bedside tables and stop everything from feeling “cut off” right at the bed level. But I don’t know whether lamps or sconces would best achieve that. Lamps can be bigger and so can be really striking, but would they feel too bulky? Sconces can make a major statement, but perhaps they would look a little dinky on the small strip of wall, or be too far over from the edge of the bed? Obviously, I need some advice.
I’d also like something that packs a bit of a punch. With light colors and white bedding, tables, and trim, there is space for the lighting to be the star – and I love cool lighting. I think black (potentially with gold or brass accents) would work well for the overall color scheme.
Since I’m undecided on lamps or sconces, I’ve been shopping around for both.
Top Lamps
For something pretty classic, I like the Cylinder Table Lamp from West Elm (although it is a little small?) and the price on the Mitzi lamps from All Modern is pretty great given that it is $130 for the pair.
Although it is usually more of a desktop look, I love the vibe of two-headed mid-century lamps, like the Double Act Table Lamp from Dot & Bo and the Todd Table Lamp with Bell Shades from All Modern (a great deal right now on sale for $86 each).
And for something a little outside the box I kind of love the Spoonbill Lamp from West Elm, and the Advisory Council (a.k.a. Brad) is a fan of anything shaped like a bird, so I doubt this would be a hard sell. However, I’ve had my eyes on the Globe Table Lamp for a while now and I really like it – but the light is directed upward, so maybe isn’t the best for reading in bed?
Top Sconces
My sconce options are limited, as I’m only looking at plug-ins. We’re not interested in making holes in our walls to run wires if it isn’t necessary, and this isn’t necessary. I don’t mind the corded look, actually – I think it adds a little edge. But the Advisory Council isn’t a fan so maybe that will push us more to the lamp side.
Lamps have cords, too, Brad. I’m just saying.
There are a lot of cool options in black and gold, like the Lynwood Sconce or the Cylinder Telescoping Wall Light (both from Rejuvination and so probably out of my price range).
I’ve been crazy about the Issac Sconces from Schoolhouse Electric since I first saw them years ago, so that may be my top contender in the sconce category. But I do love the shade on this one by Stilnovo.
And if I don’t go with black, the brass Pelle Sconce by West Elm is a favorite. I think the long arm would be helpful given that it would be mounted a bit far from the bed. And, price wise, I just have to throw in this sweet sconce by IKEA, coming in at only $20!
So what do you think – lamps or sconces? Do you have a favorite, or a new one to suggest? Are you impressed that I didn’t mistype “sconces” as “scones” even one time in this entire post?
I hate the wires too. Although I love sconces. Go with the lamp. The wires will drive you crazy after awhile.
Thanks, Gail! I don’t have a strong reaction to the wires, but clearly others do!
for style & low price, have you looked at Ikea? they have some great modern looks
I did! I’ll check their lamps out again, though. I mostly looked at sconces because they’ve got so many good plug-in options for renters.
You can always paint the wires the same color as the wall.
Good call! I didn’t think of that. I sort of like the contrast of the cord but Brad certainly doesn’t…
Pay attention, too, to the location of the switch and how easy (or hard) it is to reach it while you’re in bed.
I have bedside lamps that are kinda tall and skinny, and groping under the shade to press the switch can easily knock the lamp over. Poor design!
Yes! Our current tables are so far away from the bed that I need to practically get out to reach the light. That is a big motivation for the wider bedside tables… but, you’re right, too tall of a lamp or a far away sconce would negate that.
I am in love with the lamps, pendants, and sconces at World Market right now!! They are classy and affordable, and on sale right now! Today is the last day of the sale though 😥.. I had a cart with a few items in it but the finances just didn’t roll in this week the way I’d hoped. I hope this is helpful for you, and if you happen to purchase one please share so I can live vicariously through you, ok I kinda do already through the blog 😉 Best wishes, and adventures Mary
Oh, you’re right! They’ve got a good selection. I don’t know why I didn’t think to check there this time – I do love their stuff. Thanks for pointing it out. I love this lamp: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/brass-diamond-table-lamp-base.do?&from=fn – although I wonder if it is too “airy” for the spot, or if that is a good thing?
I was full of practical advice about how nice it is to be able to direct the light in various directions, and it should be easy to turn off from bed, and then I saw the spoonbill lamp. Yes.
Haha, that was my reaction, too. Also how I feel about the West Elm Globe lamp. I think I just need to buy more lamps…
Do consider your arm length and the lamp distance in the bed. Could you knock the lamp off the table or nail the lampshade on the wall?
I saw elsewhere that many senior living centers are encouraging these dimmer switches to prevent falling from bed when rooms do not have lamp switches integrated into bedside walls. You choose the switch for the bulb type you use and it does matter.
http://www.lutron.com/en-US/products/Pages/standalonecontrols/dimmers-switches/credenzalampdimmer/models.aspx
I’m considering these for bedside lamps in the guest room with little hooks on wall or headboard to keep each handy.
Also consider bulb and lamp height in bed and if the bulbs will glare from bed or when out of the bed.
(went through this with an end table in living room.) I learned the hard way you want table lamps that equal 58-64″ high on the end table from floor to top of shade. That range is the typical floor lamp height and you’d want your eye moving around the room to a similar height in all lamps.
My candlestick bedside lamps are on higher-than-mattress nightstands. We like the height and 3-way bulbs and how little space they take up.
Think about the table dimensions and how much space the shade will consume. A “shield” or half shade is designed for being closer to walls. Rectangular shades may be more appealing to you.
wires: you can add paintable wire conduit around the base boards. it pops on and off.
So, new bedside table height= _________
Thus, new lamps height” = 64″-new table height”.
ideas:
http://www.1800lighting.com/Dimond-Lighting/item.cfm?itemsku=D2750
http://www.jcpenney.com/j-hunt-home-textured-owl-table-lamp/prod.jump?ppId=pp5006333599&catId=cat100240024&deptId=dept20000011&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=table+%26+desk+lamps&dimCombo=Categories%7CColor%7CColor%7C&dimComboVal=table+%26+desk+lamps%7Cblack%7Cyellow%7C¤tDim=Color¤tDimVal=yellow&_dyncharset=UTF-8&urlState=/shop-departments/home-decor/shop-/lighting-lamps/table-desk-lamps/black/yellow/_/N-gltk8oZ12zZ132/cat.jump
http://www.jcpenney.com/3-bird-table-lamp/prod.jump?ppId=pp5006181259&catId=cat100240024&deptId=dept20000011&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=table+%26+desk+lamps&dimCombo=Categories%7CColor%7CColor%7C&dimComboVal=table+%26+desk+lamps%7Cblack%7Cyellow%7C¤tDim=Color¤tDimVal=yellow&_dyncharset=UTF-8&urlState=/shop-departments/home-decor/shop-/lighting-lamps/table-desk-lamps/black/yellow/_/N-gltk8oZ12zZ132/cat.jump
Once you know your shape and dimensions needed, you can search ebay, Craigslist, estate sales and auctions too. A rewire, cleaning and paint and you can find some show-shopper lamps for bargains. From personal experience, Lampshades are the hardest and priciest.
Wow, great tips! The new tables are pretty short, so it sounds like my “gut feeling” that I needed tall lamps might be right! Would three foot lamps be excessive? A lot of my options are in the two foot range.
Also, you’ve won Brad over with the 3-bird table lamps. But I do love the Diamond one – I think the sleek black pattern is really cool. A contender! Thanks!
Our bedside table+ lamps to top of shades(no finials sticking up, yet) =56″.
this is a case where i would use some newsprint templates held to wall in different heights and widths with painter’s tape. Draw them in rough shape of the lamps plus shades you are considering and stare at them.
Another tip for lamp height: http://www.tealandlime.com/2013/10/finding-the-right-height-for-a-nightstand-and-lamp/
If your bedside tables are 22-28″ high, 36″ lamps should work. Take turns sitting in bed and having the other one eye the lamp heights to be sure. You could even make a paper template for the base to make sure it works on the table top.
Our shades are a bit lower than typical (less lamp neck showing) so we have a bit less bulb showing when one of us is trying to sleep.
For Brad, the birds are 31″ high… Black diamonds are only 21″ high. If you don’t have any other lamps in the room, you can play with the lamp heights even more.
Newsprint templates are a great idea! I used those with my gallery wall so totally on board that they are a great planning idea. Fortunately these will be the only lamps in the room (the other light is an overhead fixture) so sounds like I’ve got a bit of leeway. (UNLESS I also buy that excellent bird lamp and put it on the vanity…)
I believe you could call the bird lamp an accent light and those are not usually included in the guidelines. Sometimes breaking guidelines can create drama in a good way.
Spouse loves the dresser lights and one on a highboy he uses as a sock light. Two entrances to our bedroom and overhead switch is on one of them. Those 3 lamps are used and the sock lamp is a 3-way bulb like the night stand lamps for night light, summer reading, and dark of winter reading. Sock lamp is well above the guideline height.
I didn’t really think we needed the other 3 lamps, until recently. the room seems cozier now.
I vote for the wall sconces if you can think of a creative way to mask the cord hanging down. The bird one is pretty cool though too. I don’t know… You have some good options though!
Thanks, Victoria! I’m really into the sconces, too, although the comment consensus seems to be coming in for lamps!
https://www.parrotuncle.com/modern-wall-sconces.html check this out xx
Thanks, Chris! Good options there! LOVE this one: https://www.parrotuncle.com/modern-adjustable-black-wall-sconce-with-aluminum-shallow-shade-sdd-sd500371.html
okay tried to put a link to parrot uncle but it would not take so google them they have prices that will make your eyeballs pop and i don’t have any link to them in any way just saying xx
Sorry you were caught in the spam filter! Anything with a link it finds suspicious 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion!
Inexpensive, thrift store lamps can be easy to DIY for a custom look. If you’re going with sconces, the IKEA one is incredibly easy to hack!
Totally! I’ve had great success with thrift lamps, but haven’t found quite the right thing for the bedroom yet on my travels. I’ll definitely keep my eye out.
Personally I hate using the space on my nightstand for a lamp. You can also get a plastic sleeve that attaches to the wall and the cord hides behind it and you can paint the plastic same as the wall so it basically disappears. Also the lamps don’t have to match. Matchy matchy is out.
Oh, I keep going back and forth on matching! On the one hand, I love mismatched stuff, and that would mean I get to pick TWO options 🙂 On the other hand, I’ve already hung shelves on one side but not the other, so perhaps that is enough asymmetry?
Good luck on this. Just make sure it is easy to reach from the lying down position and that it has a dimmer on them both.
Thanks, Lee! That is definitely a point for lamps, as I can set them right on the edge by the bed…
I was always a bedside-lamp person but am now totally converted to the sconce-world! Mostly because it’s so easy to adjust where the light falls. Like, if I’m sitting up against a few pillows it’s fine, but then I decide to slide down and just lay flat and read… If the light is now blinding me, I can just reach over and move an adjustable sconce around so easily! Although the I guess some lamps do that… But those accordion sconces also add some drama!
DRAMA. That is the perfect description of what draws me to the sconces. I think they just add more edge and fun. It’s also tempting because there aren’t a lot of spaces in the house that I could do sconces (i.e., none, this is the only one…) so I am feeling like I’ve got to get it out of my system here. And the adjust-ability is a big seller!
I love the bird lamp, but at less than 2ft tall, I’m not sure it will give you the height you wanted, so I vote that you still buy it but find somewhere else to put it. I don’t know how set you are on having 2 of the same light, but I love the idea of the globe table lamp on one side and one of the Isaac/schoolhouse electric sconce on the other.
A few years ago, for my bedside tables, I bought some tall desk lamps (from target, because I have no patience for shopping around) and love how I can use adjust them for reading. I feel like sconces give you that same freedom, so I think you’d appreciate that aspect of a sconce.
I think you’re right – the bird lamp is clearly a winner but not for this spot. I also think the bird would lose some of its “punch” if there were two of them.
Urban Outfitters has a sconce similar to your schoolhouse electric pick, but with a shorter arm.
It’s only $30.
Wow, you’re right! That is a great deal! http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=35636612&category=A_FURN_LIGHTING I love it, actually.
I am faced with the same decision right now. And, we can’t use table lamps because we both use C-PAP machines and they take up any extra space and do not add any glamour. I am thinking about sconces, but would like to find something with a remote control so that we don’t have to get out of bed to turn them off. I am even thinking about getting some candle sconces and adding the led candles with remotes. DECISIONS! I will be anxious to see what you come up with.
The remote feature is tricky! But I think there are also extension cords you can buy that have a remote on them – so you could do any sort of plug in (lamp or sconce) and have the remote work with it! I’ve never tried it myself so I can’t guarantee anything but it sounds like it might work 🙂
I love the IKEA Ranarp sconce, and if I didn’t live a gazillion miles from the nearest IKEA those would be our bedside lamps already. There’s a reason they’re all over blogland… and you saw this, yes?
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/bronze+dale+swing+arm+wall+sconce.do?&from=Search
Totally! I thought about including the Ranarp in the round-up actually as I’ve loved them in other spaces. But I think this room might need a different vibe. Love the world market one, though! Still a bit of edge, but also some polish.
Given that your bed backs up to the window, and the window is wider than the bed, I think you should go for a table lamp because you can get it so much closer. Make sure you pay attention to where the lamp switches on and off. If that’s at the wall plate on a sconce, you will be irritated by it quickly because it will be hard to reach from the bed. If you have a wall sconce with a very long reach and a switch on the shade, it might work.
Thanks for sharing Naomi! Some really nice lamps on this list. Which one is your favorite?