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Bedside lamp(s) when you only have one nightstand?

7 years ago

My bedroom in the beach condo has nightstands on both sides, but you can't open the closet door all the way (bi-fold door), so I am going to get rid of the nightstand on that side. There is no overhead light in the room, just the two bedside lamps. I need new lamps anyway because the two in there are hideous old motel-looking things :). Also, it's just me sleeping in there, so no sleeps on the side w/o the nightstand.

Since there will be only one nightstand, should I get two wall-mounted lamps? The light switch is connected to the outlets on either side of the bed to turn the current lamps on and off. Or what about a table lamp on the nightstand and a coordinating floor lamp on the other side? Any other suggestion? I'm not down there right now and have no pics inside the bedroom, so I can't post one right now.

I'm thinking of putting a floor lamp on the other side of the room using a plug w/ remote to get some light over on that side when needed. Maybe a torchiere or something that lights upward.

Featured Answer

aimeekm

7 years ago

Similar situation here, only room for one nightstand, bifold closet doors, and usually just me sleeping there.

I have a nightstand with a lamp, and a floor lamp on the other side. It works for me and I like the look. I do have an overhead light, and wouldn't want to do without one for general lighting.

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Comments (6)

Olychick
7 years ago
I have a floor lamp next to my bed similar to this and I find it really nice for reading and very unobtrusive. The one I just bought is LED and gives great reading light, is adjustable height wise and swivel shade to focus the light.
straitlover thanked Olychick
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OMG - what a goofball I am. I have been working so many hours and am so short on sleep - sorry I didn't include the link for the lamp. It would center over the bed, so the art would move. It is a bit on the modern side, but I think might be very cool in your space: giclee retro lamp You can see that they have the shade for sale alone, as well as other styles of the lamp with the shade at the bottom of the page. I like how it picks up your colors, including the taupe/beige squares that echo your bedding and window treatments. Do look at their selection of lamps. Many have free shipping, and they have tons of plug-in wall lamps that don't have to be hardwired to work. Seeing your floor plan, I would be inclined to flip the bed to the opposite wall, and let the dresser be on the wall by the closets. Seems like you could put the dresser a bit to the left on that wall, and still fit in a nice chair in the corner near the window. Thanks for moving the pillow! LOL
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Can you please say why you want to hang a mirror there? It is an unusual spot for a mirror. Will you have two mirrors, for each side of the bed? I would instead find some pretty art to hang there. Or, put nothing on the wall. Instead, get a more decorative lamp, maybe one with a colored glass base, or colored ceramic, that is taller and larger, and maybe put one or two pretty items (small glass pieces or a photo in decorative frame) on the bedside table, and have that be your vignette. Edited to add: OR, get the lamp off the table entirely, and mount a swing-arm one on the wall - it'll be decorative and you won't need a mirror or anything else there, and it will be functional to boot.
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straitlover
Original Author
7 years ago
amieekim, I would love an overhead light. However, it would be very costly and a lot of work to put in since they would have to drill through joists to run wiring (not to mention all the holes in then ceiling!). I already checked for the living room (wanted a ceiling fan/light). That's why I was thinking of the upward light that worked off the remote. I could either keep the remote on the nightstand or mount it on the wall by the light switch and not have to walk over to turn it on/off. I might be putting a chair by it and get one that also had a reading light attached.
aprilneverends
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I really think the only thing that matters is that you're pleased with the amount of light you need. I would go with only one lamp, if it was only me occupying the room, and no central light for example, without second thought..if no central light, and two people-I'd put a torchiere on the other side, and would be totally fine with that.

( I never ever go for similar lights when I even have the opportunity and need to do so..table lamps will never be the same if it depends on me. Now sconces, it's a different story..these need to match..)
aprilneverends
7 years ago
BTW in you're ok with the wall lights that are plug in-that might be great idea..these can be really useful for reading etc..the ones that can be aimed, especially. I'd add one table lamp to that.
Bunny
7 years ago
I actually have two bedside stands and lamps (alas, they match) but I only use the one on my side. I don't share the room with anyone. I have a vaulted ceiling in just one direction, and no overhead light. Not only would it look weird, but it's not needed and generally doesn't give very flattering light. I have a 75-watt equivalent incandescent in the lamp on my side of the bed and it's plenty light for reading or doing out of bed things in the room at night.

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