To this day, midcentury modern design remains of the most popular styles in home decor, and for good reason. It's clean and simple, while remaining inviting and interesting — no easy feat! Warm woods, brass metals, simple lines, and sculptural, geometric elements are all tell-tale signs of the aesthetic.
If you're wondering how you can incorporate this style into your bedroom, take it from us and start with the lighting — midcentury design has some of the most distinctive options to choose from. And the best part? The simple but impactful designs allow them to fit in effortlessly with just about any decor.
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Ahead, we've rounded up seven of the best midcentury modern bedroom lighting ideas to infuse the perfect touch of retro charm into your sleeping quarters.
1. Add a Hint of Geometric Flair
This midcentury modern bedroom lighting idea from the bloggers behind Young House Love is the perfect easy entry into retro decor. A blue and cream colored table lamp adds just a hint of midcentury flavor with geometric shapes and a clean, streamlined base. Pair with a more decorative, traditional nightstand for balance and juxtaposition.
Get the look: Project 62 Cohasset Dipped Ceramic Table Lamp, $56
2. Inject Texture with a Woven Shade
Natural, organic materials are a staple of midcentury design, so this inexpensive woven pendant from IKEA in Orlando Soria's bedroom makeover injects just the right amount of midcentury style. Woven textures are a great option for adding much needed texture and interest without the use of color or patterns.
Get the look: IKEA Sinnerlig Pendant lamp, $69.99
3. Feature a Sputnik Chandelier
A sputnik chandelier is a signature statement in any midcentury home, but it truly shines in a bedroom as a hint of modern glamour. Choose a gold or brass shade to add warmth, or silver if you want to achieve a more neutral tone (like this room belonging to Katie from The Plank Cottage).
4. Opt for a Plug-In Sconce
This midcentury modern bedroom lighting idea goes out to those in cozy sleeping quarters, rather than grand master suites. In addition to being perfectly on point with midcentury style, these plug-in sconces mean that you can save precious floor or tabletop space by hanging your bedside lighting on the wall instead. Cozy up with a book first before installing so you can note the ideal height.
Get the look: Schoolhouse Electric Donna Plug-In Fixture, $499
5. Mix Wood with Gold Task Lamps
The warmth in the wood and brass plays together like a dream in this bedroom from McGee & Co. Midcentury style greatly favors function and practical design, making task lighting a natural fit for the aesthetic. Balance the warmth with grays, whites, and blues for the perfect room "temperature."
Get the look: Clemente Table Lamp, $590
6. Color Match for an Ultra Minimal Vibe
While midcentury style is fairly minimal and streamlined as is, you can take it a step further by choosing a wall sconce that's the same color as your bedroom walls for a seamless look that tricks the eye. FYI: This midcentury bedroom lighting idea works best with white or black to ensure the color match is as close as possible.
7. Hang Pendants in Place of Table Lamps
Recreate this stunning midcentury modern bedroom lighting idea by hanging two pendants above your nightstands in place of traditional table lamps. Pro tip: Hang the light shade at about the same level as the headboard for visual consistency.
Get the look: Cedar & Moss Aurora Pendant, $279