How to Choose Bedroom Lighting Fixtures (Lowest Budget Ever)

Finding the perfect bedroom lighting fixtures is hard…especially on a budget. I felt the same exact way, until I realized that I can choose the best bedroom lighting even if I’m on a budget. All it takes is a few steps to understand bedroom lighting and what’ll work best in your room. So let’s dive right into how to choose bedroom lighting fixtures on the lowest budget possible!

In this guide, I’ll cover exactly what you need to do to completely transform your bedroom decor and lighting. I understand how important it is to master the perfect lighting fixtures in your bedroom.

That is exactly why I’m here to help you understand your bedroom lighting needs, the MANY types of bedroom lighting fixtures, affordable bedroom design tips, and low cost installation + maintenance strategies.

Ok, that’s enough chit chat. Time to get to designing!

Understanding Your Bedroom Lighting Needs

This step is crucial because it significantly lowers the amount of money you spend. How?

Well, if your understand your and your bedroom lighting needs, you won’t need to purchase a gazillion lighting fixtures before finding the best one.

Step 1: Assessing Your Bedroom’s Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of this step is assessing what kind of lighting you need the most. And figuring that out can be a long process, which is why I’m here to make it as simple and easy as possible.

The first question you need to ask yourself is “what do you do most in your room?” I recognize that this can be a hard question to answer because you can have so many answers. Cause let’s be real, who does ONE thing in their room the entire day?

That’s why I like to chunk this question down into 3 categories: reading, relaxation, or task-oriented work.

Of these categories, what do you think you do the most? To make the best lighting decisions possible, be as honest as you can.

Here’s an image to help you out:

Here’s a common complaint I receive: “what if I read for relaxation in my bed?”

In that case, I suggest that you opt for reading as your primary category and explore the “mood options” below.

Step 2: Assessing Your Mood

I apologize if my assumption is wrong, but if I’m not wrong then we all want to be comfortable in our bedrooms. Correct?

And as far as my psychology education goes, I’m fairy positive that we all have different moods. In fact, our own moods can vary depending on the time of day. I find that so fascinating about our brains. But anyways, back to bedroom lighting.

To create the ambiance and a cozy atmosphere tailored to your needs, picture the type of person you generally are.

Question to ask yourself: do you like a lively atmosphere with vibrant and dynamic lighting or a peaceful atmosphere with warm and dim lighting?

I highly suggest that you choose one option, but if you really can’t choose then I’d suggest opting for vibrant and dynamic. Why? Because most vibrant lighting options can change colors, suiting both moods well.

Step 3: Assessing Your Current Bedroom

You’re almost done with the assessments. And trust me, this is the hardest part of how to choose bedroom lighting.

Assessing what kind of bedroom you have involves a variety of factors. These factors are fairly easy to determine, but there are quite a bit so bear with me for a minute here.

I’m going to ask you a few questions that you should answer to the best of your ability. Some of these questions are a bit tricky (and vague), so I’ll be clarifying them below.

1. What is your bedroom size?
2. What kind of lighting do you have?
3. What is the color of your walls?
4. Do you have a fan?
5. Do you have a bedside table?
6. What is your ceiling height?

Time for clarification!

Clarification for question 1: It can be hard to determine whether your bedroom size is small, medium, or large. The general guide that I recommend is using the average bedroom size in America, which is 132 square feet (11 feet x 12 feet).

If you don’t know your bedroom size, you can simply use measuring tape to calculate the width and length.

Clarification for question 2: Most bedrooms are typically built with standard ceiling lights. But you may also have fan lights, a floor lamp, or even a bedside lamp.

Clarification for question 6: Don’t worry, you don’t need to pull out a measuring tape and actually measure your ceiling height.

9 out of 10 people have normal ceiling heights, and you should know if you have low ceilings or high ceilings. If you’re unsure, you most likely have a normal height ceiling.

If you need clarification for any other question, don’t hesitate to comment down below or even reach out to me personally at [email protected]. I respond to everyone!

Types of Bedroom Lighting Fixtures to Fit Your Needs

Good news, you’re done the hard part of how to choose bedroom lighting! Leave the rest up to me.

Based on your answers above, I will recommend the best type of lighting fixtures for you.

Here, I am only providing a description of each type of bedroom lighting fixture and who it’s best for. If you want specific budget-friendly product recommendations, then keep scrolling.

Ceiling Lights

I primarily recommend ceiling lights for medium to large bedrooms whose primary purpose (answered above) is task-oriented work because your entire bedroom receives light. This provides the perfect task lighting for you.

I also recommend ceiling lights if you couldn’t choose between vibrant/lively or peaceful/dim bedroom lighting. (That’s the “Assessing Your Mood” section from above).

Recessed Ceiling Lights for General Illumination

As I said earlier, my bedroom originally acme with ceiling lights. Specifically, I had recessed lighting, which is the most common type of ceiling lights.

Ceiling lights are great for general illumination of your entire bedroom, especially if you have a large room that can’t be lit up with smaller/dimmer lighting options.

Another reason why I love recessed ceiling lights is because they work well with any color walls. They’re honestly the most versatile bedroom lighting option.

My biggest setback for this type of bedroom lighting is that they are not suitable for an elegant bedroom design. In my opinion, they’re just simply too bright.

That’s why I recommend a dimmer switch if you opt for recessed ceiling lights.

Or, you can also explore the following ceiling lighting option!

Ceiling Fans Lighting (Or a Chandelier?)

Most people have a ceiling fan in their bedroom. I have a ceiling fan in my bedroom, and yes, it provides great lighting that isn’t too bright either.

But there’s just one problem.

The fan hangs right in the middle of your bedroom. That’s the spot where an elegant chandelier could fit perfectly. Here’s where many people have a SERIOUS misconception.

People always tend to think that chandeliers are always expensive and not for budget bedroom lighting. But I’m here to tell you that that simply isn’t true.

You certainly can have budget bedroom lighting even if you want that sparkly chandelier hanging in your bedroom.

There’s only one disadvantage. The chandelier will replace your ceiling fan as they both are placed in the middle of your room.

That’s why I recommend a chandelier if you want a more elegant/luxurious bedroom design.

Flush Mount Lights

Flush mount lights are the best alternative to chandeliers.

These lights also hang from the ceiling (in your bedroom they’d likely hang from the middle of the ceiling) but do not show any stem (the rod that extends from the ceiling). In other words, they look like they are protruding directly from the ceiling.

So should you choose these lights?

Well, if you prefer a peaceful/calm bedroom atmosphere, and you’re aiming for a more modern design, I’d suggest these lights for you!

Here’s a bonus: these lights are dim yet they light up your entire room, making them ideal for task lighting or relaxation!

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are typically suited for a living room or dining room. But I’ve seen some bedrooms look phenomenal with them. Emphasis on some.

While pendant lights look great and contribute to a peaceful bedroom atmosphere, I don’t highly recommend them. Why?

Because their stem (the rod that extends from the ceiling) is too long for the average bedroom ceiling height. This is why I asked you to assess your ceiling height.

If you have average or shorter ceiling, I highly advise against pendant lights. However, if you have high ceilings and want that classy, unique bedroom design with a peaceful atmosphere, then they’d work perfectly!

Wall Sconces (Wall-Mounted Lights)

Wall sconces or wall-mounted lights? You may have heard of both terms before and wondered “what’s the difference.”

Guess what? There is no difference. Phew, one less bedroom lighting term to remember. To avoid confusion, I’m going to use “wall sconces” for the rest of this article.

Wall sconces are typically used in living rooms or your hallway, but there is one place in your bedroom where they look absolutely amazing.

And that place is…drumroll…on both sides of your bed! Wall sconces look even better if you have a bedside table on both sides. Ah, that’s my favorite bedroom lighting fixture combo.

Who Are Wall Sconces the Best For?

Wall sconces typically have low brightness, which is why I primarily recommend them for small bedrooms. But if you have a medium to large bedroom and love these lights (just like I do), then you can pair these with flush mount lights.

Just make sure to get the same color and a similar design. But keep in mind that combining two different types of lights can get a little expensive, which is why I don’t recommend it.

Wall sconces are also for those who answered “relaxation” or “reading” as the primary purpose of their bedroom. If you plan on working at your bedroom desk, then I guarantee that you will not get enough light.

Bonus Tip: wall sconces look best in minimalist bedroom designs, such as black bedrooms. In other words, if your bedroom has colorful walls, they likely would not fit the vibe of your bedroom.

Bedside Table Lamps (Nightstand)

I probably don’t need to go into much explanation about bedside table lamps as they’re one of the most common types of bedroom lighting options.

In my years of reviewing home gadgets, I’ve never come across better bedside lighting than bedside table lamps. While they don’t add the same modern design look to your bedroom as wall sconces, they do cast more illumination.

Therefore, they work better for larger rooms.

Keep this potential extra cost in mind: if you do NOT already have a bedside table, I suggest that you do not invest in bedside table lamps. You’ll also have to spend more on a bedside table, which, let me tell you, is not healthy for your wallet.

Bonus Tip: if you plan on getting wall sconces to place on both sides of your bed, I suggest that you don’t invest in bedside table lamps. That’s because they serve the same purpose, which is to provide you with the perfect reading light (or bedside light for relaxation).

Floor Lamps

Here’s where I start to get a bit wary. I’ll be straight up with you. Some floor lamps are SO ugly and do not fit with the bedroom’s vibe in any way.

But if you do it right, floor lamps can also add SO much to your bedroom.

One of my favorite parts about floor lamps is that they’re almost always dimmable. This makes them suitable for ALL 3 bedroom purposes mentioned above.

You can increase the brightness if you want more light for task-oriented work while maintaining that classy, peaceful atmosphere. Or, you can dim the brightness if you want to create a chill vibe and just relax.

I also recommend floor lamps if you have low bedroom ceilings as they tend to fit the vibe better.

Fairy Lights (String Lights)

So far, all the lights we’ve covered are primarily for a peaceful bedroom atmosphere. With bedroom fairy lights you can really get wild and vibrant/lively.

Why is this possible with JUST fairy lights?

Most light fixtures typically come with warm white lightbulbs that have a warm glow. But not fairy lights.

While fairy lights are known to have a more calm vibe, most people forget about one crucial feature. Almost all fairy lights have different movement modes (such as flashing lights) and many can change colors.

This makes them perfect if you want a vibrant and lively bedroom atmosphere, a calm and dim atmosphere, or even a combination of both.

Honestly, I recommend fairy lights for everyone. I find them so versatile that I feel that they can add value to any bedroom.

They fit every bedroom purpose, every mood, and best of all, every bedroom style. Oh yeah and how could I forget: they’re affordable.

Maintenance Costs to Keep in Mind

Some light fixtures are cheaper to purchase upfront, but have much more expensive maintenance costs. The biggest example of this are recessed lights.

That’s why to make sure that you stay within your budget in the LONG TERM too, I highly recommend that you compare the average maintenance cost for each light.

Based on my experience, here is the average maintenance cost for each bedroom light fixture. The most expensive are typically recessed lights, while the least expensive are string lights.

My Top Budget Bedroom Lighting Suggestions for How to Choose Bedroom Lighting Fixtures

We’ve talked about so many different bedroom lighting options and who they’re best for.

At this point, you may or may not be certain about what bedroom light fixture you want. Either way, I assure you that you are right on track.

I’ll provide my favorite budget bedroom lighting fixture picks for each type of light fixture we’ve discussed so far.

If you’re already certain, take a look at each of my picks for whatever light fixture you have decided on.

Or if you still need more information, take a look at whatever light fixtures interests you even a little bit and explore the different features of each specific option. It’s totally possible that something might pop out to you that didn’t before!

Whatever your situation may be right now, I guarantee that you will find your perfect fit.

I call it the lightbulb promise. That got kinda cringey, huh?

Budget Bedroom Ceiling Lights Ideas

Within ceiling lights, we discussed recessed lights, ceiling fan lights, chandeliers, flush mount lights, and pendant lights.

Essentially, what I mean to say is that there are just so many types of ceiling lights. I feel that giving 3 recommendations for each specific ceiling light fixture might be quite overwhelming. So I’ll give my favorite pick for each fixture instead.

If you want more recommendations for a certain light fixture, drop the request in the comments below or email me personally at [email protected]. I respond to everything!

Of the following affordable bedroom light ideas, my favorite is the flush mount lights. They give the perfect modern bedroom design appearance.

I highly recommend that you at least check them out.

• Recessed lights: 12 Pack Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Light with Dimmable Functionality (Check current price on Amazon)
• Ceiling fan lights: FandelierFlush Mount Ceiling Fan with Lights and Remote (Check current price on Amazon)
• Chandelier: Crystal Chandelier Bedroom Lighting Fixture (Check current price on Amazon)
• Flush mount lights: Modern Sputnik Flush Mount Dimmable Ceiling Light Fixture (Check current price on Amazon)
• Pendant lights: 15 ft Pendant Light with Fabric Shade (Check current price on Amazon)

Budget Wall Sconces Ideas

I’ll let you in on a little secret about myself. Wall sconces are my favorite type of bedroom lights.

So here are my top 3 favorite picks!

1. Set of 2 Rechargeable Wall Lights without Wiring (Check current price on Amazon)
2. Matte Black Acrylic Glass Modern Wall Sconce (Check current price on Amazon)
3. Wall Sconce with Milky Glass Shade (Check current price on Amazon)

BONUS: Don’t want a modern pair of wall sconces? Try rustic wall sconces.

Budget Bedside Table Lamps Ideas

My favorite part about these bedroom lamps is that they can also function as a nightstand. I call that double value, same price.

Here are my top 2 favorite picks:

1. Unique and modern: 3 Pack Metallic Spiral LED Table Lamp (Check current price on Amazon)
2. Typical design: Dimmable Nightstand Lamp with Round Fabric Shade (Check current price on Amazon)

Budget Floor Lamps Ideas

Earlier I said that many floor lamps are flat out ugly. But don’t worry. I made sure that my top picks are actually appealing for your bedroom.

Good news: you can even use these for your living room decor!

Here are my top 2 picks:

1. Elegant and high functionality: 3 Color Temperature Wood Floor Lamp with Shelves (Check current price on Amazon)
2. High Tech: Smart Modern Floor Lamp with Music Sync and 16 Million DIY Colors (Check current price on Amazon)

Budget Fairy Lights Ideas

Earlier, I promised you that I would provide color-changing fairy lights for your lively bedroom atmosphere. Now, I am fulfilling my promise.

Here are my top 3 picks for affordable fairy lights for your bedroom:

1. For a lively atmosphere: 33 ft Color Changing Fairy String Lights (Check current price on Amazon)
2. For sophistication: 69 ft Warm White LED Fairy Lights (Check current price on Koo Power)
3. For memories above your bedding: 17 ft Photo Clip Fairy Lighting (Check current price on Amazon)

Tips for Affordable Installation and Maintenance

Say you’ve finally decided on which light to go for. But that isn’t the end of how to choose bedroom lighting fixtures.

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen buy one of my recommended budget light fixtures only to spend WAY too much money on installation and maintenance.

Don’t let that be you.

In most cases, you can install it by yourself. All you need is a tutorial on YouTube to follow along with.

Here is my personal favorite light fixture installation tutorial video that can help you install almost any bedroom light all by yourself.

Additionally, to avoid wasting your hard-earned money on repairs (or even replaces), make sure that you are maintaining your lights properly.

Refer to the image below for the top 5 light fixture maintenance tips to save money:

Conclusion

This article on how to choose bedroom lighting fixtures had TONS of information in it. By the time you reach the end, you may have even forgotten some of the primary steps that go into how to choose bedroom lighting.

So here’s a quick summary for you of all the steps.

1. Assessments, assessments, assessments. This step is when you understand your bedroom lighting needs by assessing your primary purpose, mood, and current bedroom.
2. Understanding the various types of cheap bedroom lighting fixtures
3. Exploring budget options for whatever light style interests you
4. Installing your brand new light using a tutorial on YouTube
5. And finally, maintenance.

I hope you found this article helpful and were able to learn how to choose bedroom lighting fixtures even on a budget. If you liked this article, drop a comment below. Also, follow our Pinterest page where I publish budget home decor ideas every single day.

FAQs

How bright should a bedroom light be?

The brightness of your bedroom light depends on what you need it for. For relaxation purposes, most people prefer a dim light for soft glow. But for other purposes, people usually want a bright light.

That’s why I always recommend that you get a bedroom light that has a dimmable function. Trust me, it makes your bedroom lighting so much better.

Which is the best place to buy bedroom ceiling lights?

The best place to buy bedroom ceiling lights is Amazon or Wayfair. Most people prefer Amazon because of free shipping and excellent customer service. At Amazon, you can also return your product if anything is wrong with it without losing any money.

This makes it much easier to save money and stick to your budget. I promise you don’t need to go over your budget by even a dime.

What is a cheap lighting setup idea for small bedrooms?

The best cheap lighting setup idea for small bedrooms is 2 wall sconces on both sides of your bed, a ceiling fan light, and fairy lights that run around all 4 walls.

The total cost of this entire setup should come out to about $100-150 if you invest in budget lighting options as discussed above.

This combination is absolutely deadly because it conserves space and gives your bedroom a modern design. With these lights, you can read whenever, do any work whenever, and read whenever.

Meet The Author

Hi! I’m Anish, your budget buying guide! I’ve been reviewing home gadgets and accessories for the past 3 years, so it’s safe to say I know a thing or two about home products.

So why did I start writing these guides? Because I saw that people were spending WAY too much money on home products when there were SO MANY cheaper alternatives out there.

I want to help you save money on your home gadgets without compromising the appearance and functionality of your home. So what better way is there than simply writing about how I do it myself?

I want to show you how you can change the landscape of your home without spending a dime more than what is required. You can save more money than you might think!

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