Bedroom Lighting Ideas for Kids and Teenagers
A child’s bedroom is probably one of the most unique spaces to design. Almost every aspect of it must grow with them, suit their style and preferences, be customizable, and bring them joy. If you’re the one styling the space it might be hard to know what to choose. There are furniture basics, of course, but then there are additions like bookshelves, chairs or beanbag cushions, desks, and, most importantly, lighting. The art and décor can be added later by the child or teenager themselves, but the lighting is too foundational to put off for another time. Instead, you want to source lighting that is durable, timeless, highly functional, and fun. It must add something to the bedroom while still allowing them to move freely through their day, eras, and interests. To help you find lighting that strikes a balance, we’ve put together some of our best tips and bedroom lighting ideas for kids and teenagers.
Tips for Lighting a Bedroom for Kids and Teenagers
Almost any type of light will do; there aren’t really any wrong choices. But there are a few considerations and tips we’d like to offer as you decide how best to style the lighting in your child’s bedroom.
- Keep it simple. Heavily over-styled rooms make it hard for teenagers to personalize the space and lose their functionality for younger kids. Choose three primary lights—a floor lamp, an overhead light, and a table lamp—and only add in more if there’s a true need for it.
- Don’t adhere to conventional placement. Children can be a bit chaotic and their habits unique. Where you might place an armed wall sconce by their bed, you might want to consider putting it over their desk or by their bookshelf instead. The pendant need not be central, either. Instead, hang it by the best as an alternative to the traditional bedside table light, or in a corner designated for lounging or reading. Style the lights according to the child’s routines, interests, and movement throughout the day.
- Invite the child into the design. We have always believed that children deserve good, quality design, too. Invite them to help choose their lighting, selecting the pieces that really speak to them. And if you are the only one behind the selection, carefully choose lighting that is inviting, easy to use, adaptable, and interesting. That way, the child does not feel left out but rather welcomed in.
Bedroom Lighting Ideas for Kids and Teenagers
If you’re keeping it simple, getting creative with placement, and curating a space where the child feels welcome, then you’ll want to focus on key types of lighting: pendants, portable lamps, wall lights, and unique statement lighting. Select from these categories to achieve a cohesive and warm lighting composition that builds atmosphere and encourages creativity.
Large Pendants
The main reason we suggest large pendant is because they quickly make a statement and provide a decent amount of light without being a boring “big light” or less-than-aesthetic overhead lighting. Find a large pendant with some character and materials that complement those found in the rest of the room and you’ll have a light that brings everything together while providing superior lighting for daily routines.
Our Favorite Pendants:
Flexible (portable) Table Lamps
Flexible, or portable, table lamps are nearly essential, especially for smaller children. Not only does the portable aspect eliminate a cord that could be a hazard, but it makes it easy for them to take the light with them as they move throughout the room. From desk to bedside table to reading nook, they’ll be able to carry it around and keep it close. For teenagers and bigger kids, a portable light is easy to pack and take with them as they go to college and is incredibly adaptable for all phases of life.
The Best Portable Table Lamps:
Subtle Wall Lights
The word subtle is key here because there point of wall lights in a kid’s room is not to be the star of the show or the focal point. Instead, wall lights are there to enhance the atmosphere and provide some ambiance. This might be the light that is left on when they’re away, or the one by their bed to same nightstand tabletop space. Either way, this light should be unobtrusive while still providing valuable illumination.
Browse Our Favorite Wall Lights:
- Loft Table/Wall Light
- N. Ocho Wall Light
- Cubic Sconce
- Tam Tam Wall Sconce - Single Shade
- Cuff Sconce
Unique Statement Lighting
This is where the child’s personality and the style of the room come in. The unique statement light should be a natural part of the ecosystem, bringing a fun, whimsical, or just architectural interesting presence to the bedroom. The point of this light is to be visible, central, and tone defining. If you have a kid who loves art, this type of light should be a priority.
Our Favorite Statement Lights:
Illuminate Childhood
A cornerstone of good design is its approachability. Intentionally crafted pieces appeal to all ages, and especially well-designed light grows with you. Bring amazing illumination into childhood spaces and watch as these timeless pieces bring something new and different to every phase of childhood and beyond. No one is too young to enjoy the best of modern lighting. Browse HORNE’s lighting collection to find the perfect lamp, sconce, or pendant to illuminate childhood.
