Switching out your regular bedside lamp for a hanging pendant can make a big difference in how your bedroom feels and functions. Hanging bedside lamps free up space, add a bit of style, and can even become the main feature in your room. Whether you want something playful, bold, or natural, there are so many ways to hang bedside lights that fit your taste. Here are ten creative ideas to help you style hanging bedside lamps for a modern bedroom.
Key Takeaways
- Hanging bedside lamps help save space and keep your nightstand clear.
- Mixing materials like metal, rope, or rattan can set the mood of your bedroom.
- Choosing bold colors or shapes can turn your lamp into a statement piece.
- Adjust the lamp height to fit your needs, whether for reading or just soft light.
- There’s a hanging lamp style for every vibe—modern, rustic, or artistic.
Hot-Pink Cord Pendant
Looking to punch up your bedroom without a total overhaul? Hanging lamps with hot-pink cords are honestly one of the easiest ways. The burst of vivid color draws your eyes instantly, whether you’re aiming for a bold feel or you just want a bit of energy next to your bed. A hot-pink cord pendant lets you turn predictable bedside lighting into a playful, unmistakable statement.
Here are a few pointers if you're considering this look:
- Choose a pendant with an adjustable cord. This helps you get the height right above your nightstand: you don’t want it at eye-level when you sit up in bed.
- Pair a basic exposed bulb with a colored cord for a minimalist vibe, or go for a hand-painted shade to double down on artistic detail.
- Keep the rest of your space calm—like black, white, or even neutral walls—so the hot-pink doesn’t fight with other colors.
- Mix in matching or complementary small accents (think: a pink throw, a bright vase) to keep things feeling tied together.
Sitting back under a bright cord lamp feels a little like being in an art gallery, but the light is warm, soft, and a touch quirky—nothing too polished or stiff.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get this effect. Some of the most stylish options, like the Colorful Pendant Lamp, are designed for easy installation and let you swap out the cord or bulb whenever you’re in the mood for change. It’s functional, fun, and completely customizable for different moods and seasons.
Rustic Rope Pendant
Rustic rope pendants are such a casual and easy way to add personality to your bedside. I love how they don't take themselves too seriously—just a simple thick jute rope, often with visible knots, looped through a classic or industrial-style bulb. They bring earthy texture and warmth that you just can't get with metal or glass fixtures.
When picking or styling a rope pendant, think about these tips:
- Choose natural fibers: Jute, sisal, or hemp ropes give the most authentic, grounded look.
- Play with the knot design: From a tidy sailor's coil to a chunky overhand knot, the style can really change the vibe. Some folks even drape the rope casually for extra charm.
- Pair with Edison bulbs: Exposed amber bulbs with visible filaments keep the look classic and cozy, not harsh.
If you're worried about cleaning, a regular dusting is usually all these need. The nice thing about rope is that a little wear only makes it more interesting.
Rope pendants are especially nice in bedrooms that mix modern and rustic elements—like a minimalist room with wood accents. They're simple, but they really catch your eye and save bedside table space for actual stuff, not just a lamp base.
Salvaged Tin Lantern
There's something satisfying about finding new uses for old things, and salvaged tin lanterns are a perfect example. Hanging one or two of these beside your bed makes the lighting feel personal and adds a bit of history to your space. These lanterns bring character and a lived-in feel that most store-bought lights just can’t match. Plus, you're doing your bit for the environment by keeping materials out of the landfill.
Here's how you might work salvaged tin lanterns into a modern bedroom:
- Choose lanterns with enough space inside for modern bulbs, so you aren’t limited to dim candlelight.
- Rewire the lanterns, or have an electrician add new sockets and safe cabling so you can use them just like any other pendant light.
- Mix textures: put your salvaged lanterns against a backdrop of clean white walls and sleek bedding for a look that blends old and new.
- Consider layering lighting by pairing these lanterns with modern lighting fixtures for better brightness and a more adaptable room feel.
If you’re worried about the lanterns making the room feel too rustic or mismatched, remember that combining different styles is what makes modern bedrooms unique and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to hang your lanterns at slightly different heights. It usually feels more welcoming than trying to get everything lined up perfectly.
Whether they have faded paint, little dents, or decorative details, salvaged tin lanterns are perfect for people who want their bedroom to feel a bit different, without trying too hard or buying more mass-produced stuff.
Silver Glass Lantern
There’s something about a silver glass lantern hanging by your bedside that just works, especially if you like the look of crisp metal and clear lines. Silver glass lanterns throw off a soft, gleaming light, which makes them perfect for evening reading or just setting a relaxed mood in your bedroom. Unlike regular table lamps, these pendants clear up space on your nightstand, which is always a bonus when you need a spot for your phone or a glass of water.
If you’re drawn to modern design but still want a warm touch, silver glass has this magic—reflective, not too flashy, and works with just about any color palette. Try pairing a lantern like this with dark or minimal bedding for contrast, or use it to balance more rustic textures if you’ve gone heavy with woods and linens above the bed.
A few ways to get the most out of this style:
- Choose a lantern with a frosted or textured finish to soften shadows and avoid harsh glares
- Install a dimmer switch to adjust light as needed and save energy (lots of new pendants have this option)
- Hang the lantern about 30–42 inches above your bedside table for easy reach and good visibility at night
If you want plenty of style choices, there’s a huge selection of wall lights in all sorts of finishes—chrome, matte, or even mixed metal—so it’s easy to find something that fits your taste.
Some mornings, the way the light catches on silver glass feels like a small luxury, even if you’re just getting ready for work. When you use a lantern like this, you’ll start noticing how much a single design detail can change how your whole bedroom feels, all without making a big mess or spending a fortune.
Full-Size Chandelier
A full-size chandelier by the bedside might sound over-the-top, but for modern bedrooms, it makes a surprising statement. The trick is picking a style and placement that feels intentional, not just oversized. Think about the different moods you want the space to have—soft, cozy light for winding down, or something a bit brighter for reading.
A chandelier adds drama the way a great rug or piece of art does: it catches the eye right away. But there are a few things to keep in mind so it works in your favor:
- Proportion is everything. Don’t hang a massive fixture in a small, low-ceilinged room. Use the combined length and width of your space (in feet) to help pick a suitable diameter (in inches).
- Consider finish and materials. Sleek metals or minimal designs, like those in modern black and gold finishes, help it blend in if you want a lighter look.
- Be sure it's not too low over your nightstand; around 24-30 inches from the ceiling helps keep things feeling open but still distinct.
- Pair with dimmable bulbs, so you’re not stuck with one harsh light setting.
- Chandeliers with multiple arms spread light more evenly—ideal for large rooms or spaces with vaulted ceilings.
Hanging a full-size chandelier at the bedside is bold, but it can easily become the room’s centerpiece if you’re careful with scale and balance. Try to match the lighting warmth to your bedroom’s general palette for the best effect.
Chandeliers can look high-maintenance, but modern fixtures are often easy to clean, energy-efficient, and surprisingly simple to install. This kind of overhead light isn’t just for grand dining rooms anymore—it totally works for bedrooms if you treat it as both art and function.
Oversize Faceted Pendant
If you want to go bold by your bedside, an oversize faceted pendant brings a striking twist that’s modern but not try-hard. These geometric lights are statement-makers that instantly anchor the space, drawing the eye without feeling fussy. Their angular shapes play off the softer elements in your bedroom, like your bedding or curtains, making the whole look feel fresh and unexpected.
Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re eyeing an oversize faceted design:
- Pick a size that suits your bedside table and bed. The pendant should be a bit smaller than your nightstand so things don’t look top-heavy.
- Play with height. Aim for the bottom of the pendant to hang between 30 to 35 inches above your tabletop—it’s a sweet spot for usefulness and style.
- Balance the shapes. If your headboard or furniture is streamlined or boxy, the jagged angles on a faceted pendant add a nice bit of tension.
- Match your finishes. Faceted pendants are available in everything from glossy white to smoked glass to raw metal, letting you suit the look to your space easily.
| Pendant Type | Diameter (inches) | Works Best Above |
|---|---|---|
| Small Faceted | 8–12 | Tight spaces |
| Medium Faceted | 14–18 | Standard beds |
| Oversize Faceted | 20–26+ | King/large beds |
A unique oversized geometric pendant beside the bed creates an instant focal point, even if the rest of your choices are simple. Sometimes, one bold shape is all you need to wake up a room.
If you want more inspiration or ready-made options to compare, take a browse through 1500+ styles of pendant lights and chandeliers that are gaining a reputation for show-stopping design as well as easy installation.
Drum Shade Light
If you want bedside lighting that feels easygoing but still has presence, a drum shade pendant is your best friend. Drum shade lights are classics for a reason—they give off soft, even light that’s just right for winding down with a book or popping awake early. What makes them so useful in a modern bedroom, though, is how flexible they are with both style and placement.
Here’s what you can keep in mind when picking and styling drum shade bedside pendants:
- Go for fabric shades to dial down harshness and keep the vibe calm and cozy.
- Keep the drum’s diameter to about half to two-thirds that of your bedside table’s width—too big looks awkward, too small can feel lost.
- Don’t hesitate to pick bold patterns or colors if you want your lighting to double as décor.
- Mount them so the bottom edge rests about shoulder-height when you’re sitting up in bed. That’s low enough for good reading light but high enough to avoid knock-overs.
| Shade Material | Light Diffusion | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Very soft | Relaxed, airy feel |
| Cotton | Moderate | Clean, bright look |
| Silk | Gentle glow | Subtly fancy rooms |
| Rattan | Patterned | Natural touch |
Drum shades paired with a dimmable bulb let you adjust the mood—bright for laundry-folding or soft for nighttime. With so many fabric options, you can also freshen up the look just by swapping shades.
For fans of organic style, sustainable materials like bamboo in lighting—similar to the Kyoto bamboo pendant—work just as well in drum-shaped pendants, adding a subtle nod to nature without competing with other décor.
Mix and match colors, textures, or simply stick to a crisp white drum for that hotel-room freshness. It’s hard to go wrong with this style, and it always feels welcoming.
Kyoto Bamboo Pendant
The Kyoto bamboo pendant is just right if you're after something that stands out, but not in a way that overwhelms your bedroom. This style brings a subtle, calming presence with its geometric lines and eco-friendly material. Japanese-inspired, it uses thin bamboo strips wrapped or woven into clean, delicate forms—think soft, honey-colored light that falls gently over your space.
Why consider a Kyoto bamboo pendant? Here’s what makes it unique:
- Naturally sustainable: Bamboo renews fast, so your lighting choice is gentle on the planet.
- Soft illumination: The woven pattern filters light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere—not too bright, not too harsh.
- Works with all styles: Whether your bedroom’s minimal, boho, or even vintage, the simplicity of bamboo fits right in.
If you’re thinking about hanging one over your bedside, just keep the proportions in mind. Go for a pendant about 12 to 16 inches in diameter if your bedside table is average-sized. This keeps the scale balanced and helps the lamp do its job without crowding the area.
The best thing about Kyoto bamboo pendants is how they instantly change the mood of your room, turning it into a peaceful spot you’ll want to relax in—you might even forget to check your phone before bed.
Rattan Bohemian Pendant
A rattan bohemian pendant is basically the laid-back hero of modern bedside lighting.
It casts mellow, filtered light through its woven strands, which instantly shapes a calm retreat vibe in your bedroom. Rattan not only introduces organic texture, but it’s also a smart, eco-friendly pick. These fixtures go well with Scandinavian decor or even a fully boho-inspired room that mixes patterns, macrame, and soft linens.
Why do people keep coming back to rattan? For starters, it never seems to go out of style, and that sort of lived-in earthiness is something you can't really find in plastic or metal. Each rattan lamp is just a bit different, since they’re hand-woven using natural fibers.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when styling a rattan pendant by your bed:
- Hang it low enough to provide reading light, but high enough so it doesn't block your view or become a hazard.
- Pair it with a dimmable LED bulb for control over the mood in your space.
- Try mixing in other organic materials—like a bamboo side table or grasscloth wallpaper—for a cohesive look.
One bonus: rattan shades create shadow patterns on your walls that change throughout the day as the sunlight shifts. It's subtle, but it’s one of those details that ends up bringing you comfort night after night. If you’re after an understated yet personal finishing touch, the rattan pendant really gets the job done and rivals fixtures like the Modern Ball Pendant Light for adding warmth to a contemporary bedroom.
You don’t need a huge budget or a designer pedigree—hanging a rattan pendant next to your bed makes your space feel instantly cozier and more intentional, even if the rest of your life is a bit chaotic.
Tom Dixon Beat Light
If you’re craving a truly memorable bedside lamp, try the Tom Dixon Beat Light. This pendant is all about clean lines, bold shapes, and that classic matte black finish, making it a real eye-catcher in any modern bedroom. It doesn’t just light your space—it turns into a statement piece that grabs attention, even when switched off.
These lights work best when you play around with their placement. Some ideas to consider:
- Hang one on each side of the bed for symmetry, but don’t be afraid to mix up the heights.
- Pair the round version with the wide or tall shapes for a playful, collected look that feels intentional.
- If your room already has black accents (like a headboard or side table), the Beat Light will connect everything visually.
There’s a lot of reason people keep picking this lamp:
- The distinctive metal shade gives off a focused, dramatic pool of light—perfect for nighttime reading.
- It complements minimal and bold bedroom designs alike.
- Since it’s a classic design, it won’t go out of style next year.
Good lighting doesn’t just brighten a room, it totally changes how the space feels by setting the mood and drawing your eye. A Tom Dixon Beat Light does all that without much effort, and you barely have to style the rest of the bedside area to make it shine (pun intended).
You might end up finding yourself sitting in bed longer than usual, just soaking in the glow.
Wrapping Up: Hanging Bedside Lamps Make a Difference
So, there you have it—ten different ways to style hanging bedside lamps that can really change the feel of your bedroom. Whether you go for something bold and colorful, keep it simple with glass, or try out a rustic look, there’s a style out there for everyone. The best part is, you get to free up space on your nightstand and add a bit of personality to your room at the same time. Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect. Sometimes the most interesting setups come from mixing things up and trying something new. If you’re not sure where to start, just pick a lamp you like and see how it looks. You can always swap it out later. At the end of the day, your bedroom should feel comfortable and reflect your own style. Happy decorating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use hanging bedside lamps instead of table lamps?
Hanging bedside lamps save space on your nightstand, making your bedroom look less cluttered. They also add a unique style and can become a cool feature in your room.
How high should I hang my bedside pendant lamp?
A good rule is to hang the lamp so the bottom is about 30 to 36 inches above your nightstand. This height gives you enough light for reading and won’t get in the way.
Can I install a hanging bedside lamp by myself?
If the lamp is a plug-in style, you can usually hang it yourself. For hardwired lamps, it’s safer to have an electrician do the installation.
What kind of bulbs work best for bedside pendant lights?
LED bulbs are a great choice because they don’t get hot and last a long time. Choose a soft white or warm light so your bedroom feels cozy.
Do hanging bedside lamps work in small bedrooms?
Yes! Hanging lamps are perfect for small bedrooms because they free up space on your nightstand and make the room feel bigger.
How do I pick the right style of hanging lamp for my bedroom?
Think about the look you want. For a modern vibe, go with simple shapes and metal or glass. For a cozy or natural feel, try woven or wood designs. Choose a lamp that matches your room’s colors and mood.
