The lighting in a bedroom is one of the things that’s often overlooked. If you want to create a specific atmosphere, it’s easy to do with the right lighting, but many people are confused about where to start.
You can also use bedroom lighting to highlight certain areas, make a statement, or make the room more suitable for relaxing, reading, or getting ready for a night on the town. A good light source is also important for your wellbeing and to preserve your eyesight.
Whether you’re looking for something minimalist or want to make a bold feature, there’s a bedroom lighting idea just for you.
1. Include a flexible lighting plan
All the best bedroom lighting solutions include a degree of flexibility. This means that you should consider using a variety of ideas such as floor and table lamps, together with bedroom ceiling lighting. Positioning them at different heights around the room will help create soft pools of light, elements of intimacy and coziness, and create an ambiance.
2. Consider a statement floor lamp
Not all bedrooms have the space to include a floor lamp, but a dazzling floor lamp will make a beautiful statement if your bedroom is big enough. You’ll have to take care if your bedroom has a low ceiling, as a lamp that’s too tall could dominate and disrupt the room.
3. Add light fixtures that are adjustable
If you plan your lighting well, it could make a basement bedroom appear like it’s above ground or a small bedroom feel bigger. When space is limited or you’re aiming for a minimal style, fully-adjustable wall-hung fixtures are an excellent choice. Pulley lamps are a great option because you can adjust them according to your needs.
4. Bedside lights vs. pendants
Bedside lamps take up precious surface space so a pendant light might be a better option in a smaller bedroom. Task lighting tends to be used next to the bed because it’s useful for reading. However, you could also suspend a striking pendant light or use two low ones on either side of the bed. Sconces work well in compact bedrooms because they take up very little space and include switches you can use while you’re in bed.
5. Group your ceiling lights
All too often, we opt for a single ceiling light, but you’ll make much more of a statement by grouping pendants at different heights.
6. Fabric lighting adds softness
You’ll often find layers of tactile textures and soft materials in a bedroom, but you don’t have to stop with the lighting. Use fabric with your lighting, and you’ll create a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. Folds of fabric surrounding a pendant light work particularly well.
7. Pick accent lighting
People tend to opt for ambient and task lighting in the bedroom, while accent lighting often gets put on the back burner. This is a sad state of affairs because accent lighting is key to creating an all-over soft glow. Picture lights and sconces are a good choice for creating warmth and a chilled ambiance. It’s also possible to use them to highlight a corner of the room.
8. Cool and warm go together
Popular colours for a bedroom include cool greys, blues, and greens. They create an atmosphere that’s uplifting and calm. However, it’s all too easy for these colour choices to feel cold and frosty instead. Counteract that feeling by balancing it out with lots of glowing, warm lighting.
9. Create a feeling of more space
If your bedroom is small or has little natural light, you could place your lighting source in front of the mirror, so it reflects back into the room. Not only that, mirrors naturally create the illusion of extra space. Add two matching table lamps with mirrors behind them, and you’ll double your light.
10. Lighting and joinery go together well
Illuminate the items in your cupboards, wardrobes, and on your shelves with some accent lighting. There are plenty of options, such as LED contour lights to create a floating, funky effect.
11. Keep your lighting simple
It’s possible to create just as much effect with one exposed bulb. This lighting solution works well with a rustic or industrial style. However, you have to take care with the bulb you use as you don’t want it to be a harsh light. An LED bulb that’s tinted will create a glowy, warm glow. If the light switch is dimmable, even better.
12. Switch traditional for lanterns
An unusual and quirky look for your bedroom lighting can be achieved using lanterns rather than more traditional fixtures. The lantern’s fabric adds a certain softness, while the lantern itself creates a relaxed, modern, and somewhat boho feel. If you’ve chosen a neutral, unstructured, and laid-back style for your bedroom, lanterns feel like they’re in the right place.
13. Choose the right light bulbs
The colour temperature and brightness of the bulb you use could impact your bedroom positively or negatively. It could also affect how you wake up and fall asleep. You should consider two things when choosing light bulbs for your bedroom lighting ideas: Colour temperature and lumens.
Here is a quick guide, depending on the lighting zone and use:
Bedside or reading lamp: 100 lumens
Dressing area: 1,680 lumens
Closet: 380 lumens
The colour temperature affects your productivity and wakefulness. For task or directional lighting, choose blue and white light. It promotes alertness because it suppresses the production of melatonin.
Your bedroom lighting is important because it likely has to serve several purposes. It should be functional, but at the same time create a feeling of cosiness and be inviting. There are so many bedroom lighting ideas to choose from that you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
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