When most of us outfit our bedrooms, we tend to stock up on classic finds like headboards, linens, and nightstands. And in the process of getting our eye-level aesthetic just right, we neglect to do something very simple: look up.

Though the ceiling may not be the first thing we see when we walk into a room, it can have a major impact on a space—and lighting fixtures can make or break the décor schemes we so carefully curated. Nothing kills the mood like a tacky lighting fixture in a thoughtfully styled room, and too often, the fixtures we inherited when moving in just don’t suit the tone of the space.

Thankfully, we’re rarely stuck with the lights we already have. We can trade our overhead lights for more stylish options, like wireless sconces and stunning table lamps, which don't even require the trouble of rewiring a fixture. Options abound in the lighting space, so you easily curate a set-up that meets your needs, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget.

01 Load Up on Statement-Makers

Crystal Fluted Finial Pendant with Tumbled Brass Finish - Hand-Blown Cut Crystal Clear Glass Shade with Fluted Effect and Finial Details for Living Room, Bedroom

Most bedrooms contain more than one lighting fixture: a chandelier over your bed, a table lamp on your nightstand, and maybe even a floor lamp in a bare corner. All of them can be as bold as you want them to be, so stock up on statement-makers and display them from floor to ceiling.

02 Make Space for Unusual Finds

If you come across a statement-maker you can’t stop staring at, buy it—and then make room for it in your space. The geometric table lamp can absolutely transform your bedroom. All you need to do is give it a little space to shine.

03 Blend Old and New

If your space is filled with a mix of contemporary and antique pieces, why not buy lighting fixtures to match? Put classic ceramic table lamps on your nightstands, and hang a bold chandelier from your ceiling.

04 Mix and Match

Coordinating your lighting fixtures can be a great way to make your space feel balanced and cohesive, but it’s not the only option on offer. If you’d prefer a more varied approach, try pairing a sleek floor lamp with a contemporary sconce—and throwing in a woven chandelier for good measure.

05 Balance Texture With Low-Profile Pieces

Adjustable Arm Linen Pleated Brass Wall Sconce, 14.75 Inch Vintage Industrial Wall Light Fixture for Bedroom, Home Office, Living Room, Hallway

Modern design is known for its bold lines and sleek silhouettes—but that doesn’t mean texture is totally off-limits. If you’ve found a sconce you love, hang it from your wall, then balance it out by filling your space with sleeker, more contemporary pieces.

06 Invest in Statement-Making Sconces 

Glowing Conical Sconce - Modern Style with Solid Brass and Conical Shade, Featuring a Sleek Arched Pole - Perfect for Exterior Wall Lights and Outdoor Wall Lights, Ideal for Candle Wall Sconces

When many of us hear the phrase “bedroom lighting,” sconces aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. But, they can make a sleek addition to any bedroom—not to mention, an incredibly practical one, too.

If you’re looking to free up space on your nightstand or to forgo having a nightstand entirely, consider mounting a couple of striking sconces on your wall.

07 Spring for Sleek Materials

Modern lighting fixtures abound, and most of them could pass as works of abstract art. But, if you’re not a fan of these striking silhouettes, consider picking a more classic lamp that’s rendered in a sleek material, instead.

Just about anything looks modern when it’s crafted from textured cement, sleek plastic, or shiny metal. Balance things out by keeping your materials modern and your lines a little more traditional.

08 Pair Bold With Bold

Once you’ve sprung for a statement-making chandelier, you may be tempted to keep the rest of your lighting fixtures pretty simple. But, there’s no reason they can’t be bold too.

Pair a striking overhead light with some equally striking table lamps. To keep your space feeling cohesive, look for pieces that match similar colors, shapes, or textures to balance out your space.

09 Keep Your Lines Consistent

If you’ve decided to stock up on statement-making finds, look for ways to keep them in harmony. Are there lines in your chandelier that you could echo in your table lamps? Even pieces that are crafted from totally different materials—and rendered in completely different colors—can look coordinated if they boast similar lines.

10 Play With Contrast

Lighting can be a great way to cement the aesthetic of your space, but it can also be a great way to make your space feel more dynamic. Don’t be afraid to play with contrast. If your rustic bedroom is feeling a little too classic, balance out the room with a couple of surprisingly sleek table lamps.