6 super smart ways to level up your bedroom lighting

Of all the spaces in your home, your bedroom is the one place where you really want to nail the cozy vibes. Think: Fluffy duvets, high-quality sheets, peaceful paint colors, and calming scents. (Lavender pillow spray, anyone?) While houseplants, a favorite stack of books, and a white noise machine all make great supporting cast members, the real star of any restful bedroom is the lighting. Here are a half dozen smart ways to level up your bedroom lighting.

1. Add a Poplight.

The “big light” (AKA that harsh overhead, overstimulating light) has no business being on when you're trying to unwind. Whether you're winding down with a book, indulging in your skincare routine with a face mask on, or just easing into the evening, you need light that works with your turn-down service vibe — not against it. That’s where Poplight comes in. These easy-to-install, wireless wall sconces provide the perfect glow to give you extra light in your choice of warm, neutral, or cool temperatures, and it’s all controllable from an app on your phone.

2. Use LED light strips.

Flashing neon LED strip lights might bring back memories of lockdown-era dance videos that took over TikTok, but there’s a more elevated way to use them to set a more calming tone in your bedroom. For luxury hotel vibes, try installing soft, subtle lighting strips around your bed frame. The result? A gentle glow that doubles as a chic, modern night light. Some people also like using LED strip lights to trace the perimeter of their ceiling to create a soft, warm glow.

3. Put a spotlight on your art.

Have a piece of art that you love in your bedroom? Or how about a plant that’s thriving? Adding a warm-lit gallery light or a well-positioned spotlight can help give an upscale, curated feel to your bedroom lighting. (A Poplight will do the trick, too.) It's an easy-peasy upgrade that puts your favorite pieces — art, greenery, decor — in the literal spotlight.

4. Set up a tableside lamp.

Tableside lamps can do more than just light up your bedroom — they can also make a stylish design statement, whether placed on a nightstand or a dresser. But have you ever thought about the size and height of your lamp? It turns out, proportion matters. Design pros like Mix & Match Design Co. recommend choosing lamps that are around 24 to 28 inches tall. And if you’ll be sitting or reading nearby, aim to have the bottom of the lampshade at eye level to avoid harsh light shining directly into your eyes.

5. Enjoy a star show.

If you grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, we’re willing to bet you have some core memories of those neon green glow-in-the-dark star stickers we plastered to ceilings and walls (or maybe you were envious of the ones your friends had). Bedroom star shows have come a long way since then. For a cozy night in, you can recreate the Northern Lights by projecting the waves of neon lights in your room. It may not be as magical as middle-of-the-night Northern Lights chasing in Iceland, but it’s a fun little upgrade that brings a little wonder indoors. 

6. Try a prism suncatcher for some whimsy.

Most of these tips focus on leveling up your bedroom lighting in the evening. But for a touch of whimsy, let natural light bounce around your room and create little rainbows. You can do this with a prism suncatcher hung near a sunny window or a strategically placed disco ball.