Hi Annalie, what an amazing spare bedroom! I love the dark polished wood flooring and original fireplace. As for the bedside tables, (I'm aware this may seem a little safe!) but I would recommend keeping them the same colour wood as the bed or the flooring. I would also suggest keeping them a simple minimalistic design so as not to look too mismatched with the other strong features in the bedroom (fireplace, ceiling light). I've found some examples below and they can be found at http://www.myakka.co.uk/product/mallani_small_bedside_cabinet and http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-flores-square-topped-bedside-table/p1707204?colour=Grey. I hope this helps!

I like the look of the hanging pendant lights but do think it will be a passing trend. Not least because of the practicality issue of non-directional light that you've already mentioned. I used wall lights in the spare bedroom to save surface space on the small bedside tables. They're only cheap £16 ones from IKEA but I think they look nice all the same and they swivel so you can use them directionally. We needed plug in ones which limited our options but I covered the white wire in grey electrical tape to help it blend with the wall colour. (These ones also come in antique brass now which I think would look lovely with a contrasting shade). http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/wall-lights/%C3%A5rstid-wall-lamp-nickel-plated-white-art-60163881/

The trouble with wall lights, are they're a bit static, in the wall, I hope they dont change the size or type of bed in the future. We have recently installed ceiling mounted lights in our sons bedroom, which can be moved easily enough, but then are still pretty fixed as they have individual dimmer switches at the side of the bed (as well as controlled at the doorway gang) so all the same static issue regardless that I chose lights with adjustable pivots or not. When I go for making one of the more master suites, I'm going to go with either a shelf above the bed, or other custom headboard which can be changed easier. In another room, I have a high bed and didnt want to be stuck with permanent electric layout dictating the room, so went for very tall buffet lamps... they work great alongside the enormous headboard. Probably not much help, but it's all I have, I'm sure you'll get some glossy designer home inspiration on houzz :)

Shelleyuk there has been a real problem uploading photos this last couple of weeks, not your fault. Best to use the Houzz App which lets you upload pictures but there is no Edit function, so check through your text before submitting! It has been reported.