Lighting Guide: The Bedroom
The bedroom is not just a place for rest; it's a multifunctional space that requires a versatile lighting scheme. To create an effective lighting plan, be sure to consider the following technical aspects.
1. Understanding Light Layers
A bedroom needs various lighting options for different times and activities. Lighting layers are generally split into three: ambient, task, and accent lighting. A combination of these will make sure the space is both functional and cosy.
- Ambient Lighting: In most homes, it’s the light that sets the overall mood. You can achieve this with ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting that offer a comfy level of brightness.
- Task Lighting: This is for those activities that need a bit more focus, like reading. Bedside lamps, wall-mounted reading lights, or pendants work wonders to provide localised light without straining your eyes.
- Accent Lighting: This can be used in larger bedrooms to highlight architectural features, artwork, or furniture, creating depth and dimension.
2. Room Size Considerations
Customise your lighting choices to fit the size of your bedroom. In smaller rooms, multifunctional fixtures that save space are ideal, while larger rooms allow for more elaborate lighting schemes with multiple sources of light. If you have a larger room, opt for a central ceiling fitting that makes a statement, however if the room is on the smaller size, look for something more flush to the ceiling to give the illusion of higher ceilings.
3. Beside Lighting Options
While table lamps are often the go-to choice for bedside lighting, exploring options like pendants and wall lights can offer both space-saving benefits and a modern aesthetic.
- Table Lamps: Ideal for larger bedside tables, bedside table lamps provide a classic look. However, make sure that the lamp isn’t any wider than the top of the table. A lamp shade that's too wide will look out of proportion and can be knocked over easily.
- Pendants/Wall Lights: Space-saving solutions that add a modern touch. Ensure they are placed at an appropriate height for reading when seated in bed. Ideally, the bottom of the lights should hang around 70cm above the top of the bedside table
4. Switch Placement
Place light switches where you can reach them easily from bed. Having separate switches for the wall lights and pendants on both sides of your bed means you can control each light independently without having to get up.
5. Dimming Capability and Circuits
Once you have decided on all your light fixtures for the bedroom, install dimmer switches where possible – especially for your central, ambient light source. As we know, exposure to bright light before bed can impact our sleep and dimmer switches allow you to modify the brightness of your lights depending on the mood you want to create. If you are using table lamps as bedside lights, we can customise these to include dimmer switches too – just leave a note when placing your order. Top tip… factor in three circuits to create a flexible lighting scheme – one for your ambient light, and two for your task light (or bedside lighting).
6. Bulb Choice
Finally, and most importantly, the lightbulb you use will have a drastic impact on how your scheme all comes together. Cooler lights have a higher rating on the Kelvin scale and can feel quite harsh in a bedroom so we suggest going for something a little warmer to create a softer glow - perfect for a place to unwind and drift off to sleep. Look for lightbulbs with a Kelvin rating around 2,700K and make sure that you use the same bulb throughout the room otherwise, the layers will clash.
A well-thought-out lighting scheme that takes into account the size of your bedroom and your personal needs can really boost the comfort and functionality of the space. Remember, lighting is not just about visibility; it's about creating an atmosphere that adds to the room's purpose and your well-being.