How to create the right lighting in the bedroom?

How to organize lighting?

Before planning the lighting design in the bedroom, designers advise deciding on the position of the room relative to the cardinal directions, as well as the role that lighting plays for the owner of the house.

• If the bedroom windows face north or west, the lack of light in the morning can disrupt the natural rhythm of a person’s life. In order for the hormone of vivacity cortisol to be produced more effectively, you need to use cold light lamps.
• Bright light in the bedroom is inappropriate at night. Warm subdued light sets you up for rest, as it helps produce melatonin.
• The number of lighting fixtures depends on what exactly the owner is going to do in the bedroom: will it be an office? Is a TV planned? Is lighting of individual zones necessary?
• There should be several switches in the bedroom: at the entrance, to use the general lighting; near the bed – for reading and getting ready for bed; in the work area, if necessary.

What lamps to choose for the bedroom?

The modern market is replete with a variety of lighting fixtures. Each of them is designed for specific purposes, and choosing products for comfortable room lighting will not be difficult.

Chandelier

It is considered the most popular and most necessary electrical appliance for creating basic lighting. It is recommended to choose the size of the chandelier in accordance with the area of the room. In a small room, a multi-tiered model will be inappropriate: most likely, a disproportionate chandelier will put psychological pressure. By the way, Feng Shui experts share the same opinion: it is believed that a product with an abundance of various decorative elements above the bed interferes with a good night’s sleep.

To calculate the size of a chandelier, designers came up with a simple formula: the length of the room is added to the width and multiplied by 10. That is, for a bedroom with parameters of 4×4 m, it is recommended to buy a product with a diameter of about 80 cm.

The photo shows a laconic bedroom in a modern style with an airy round chandelier that gives off soft light.

In a bedroom with a high ceiling, the use of products on chains or suspensions is functionally justified: the light becomes more directional if it is closer to the bottom of the room. But flat ceiling chandeliers without frills are more appropriate in rooms with low ceilings.

Sconce

Wall lamps with an arm (a long tube, at the end of which a socket is attached), giving a subdued light, are usually located on both sides of the bed. The optimal distance from the floor is 1.5 m. Sconces with lampshades fit best into Provence and classic styles. They are perfect for those who like to read before bed. Sometimes they are used so that you don’t have to turn on the general light when getting out of bed.

The photo shows sconces installed at the head of the bed, which harmoniously fit into the delicate interior.

Spotlights

These inexpensive and stylish lamps are very popular with designers for their simplicity and functionality. They help to illuminate the desired areas, directing the beam of light with the help of rotating brackets. Recently, spotlights on track guides have been in fashion, which in exceptional cases can replace a chandelier. They suit most modern interiors, are appropriate in a Scandinavian setting, as well as in a loft-style bedroom.

Spot lighting

Usually represented by built-in ceiling lights. They are chosen as an alternative to a chandelier or act as additional lighting. They can be turned on all at once or in separate groups, which means that you can adjust the level of illumination in a matter of seconds, creating the desired mood.

The photo shows a room with an interesting embodiment of a design idea: there is no chandelier, and the black stretch ceiling is illuminated by large spotlights.

The number of products must be determined before installing the stretch ceiling. The minimum distance between them should be 30 cm.

Backlight

As a rule, an excessive amount of light in the bedroom turns the rest room into an uncomfortable room, reminiscent of a showcase. Of course, if the owner of the apartment is a fan of the high-tech style, such a scenario will not stop him. In other cases, it is better to maintain a balance and limit yourself to a couple of highlighted areas.

LED strip is usually used for backlighting. Its price is low, and installation does not take time and effort. If there is a TV in the bedroom, it is worth using the strip behind its body so that your eyes do not strain while watching a movie.

The photo shows a stylish bedroom, the ceiling of which is bordered by a blue LED strip.

Lighting is indispensable when you need to highlight a particular area without cluttering the space with lamps. It can be easily combined with other types of lighting fixtures.

The photo shows a good example of a combination of spot lighting in the bedroom and lighting.

Lighting options

Let’s consider the methods of using lighting fixtures in more detail, and also get acquainted with original ideas for bedroom lighting.

Central lighting

General (or central) light is represented not only by a chandelier. Modern interiors can do exclusively with spotlights or pendant lights on a long cord. But this approach requires professionalism.

The geometric center of the room is considered the most correct place for a chandelier. The best option for a bedroom is indirect, diffused light that doesn’t hit your eyes.

Not even the brightest chandelier can handle the lighting of a bedroom on its own: the space will seem dull, uneven, and the textures in the far corners of the room will be blurry. That is why additional lighting fixtures are needed at other levels.

The photo shows a modern bedroom interior with general lighting is represented by a chandelier, and additional – by table lamps and pendant lights.

Backlighting of functional zones

Organization of local lighting requires thoughtfulness on the part of the bedroom owner. It is worth deciding in advance in which places the lamps will be needed.

The bedside area is the second most important after the central lighting. In bed, you can read books, work on a laptop, communicate and get ready for bed. In addition to wall sconces, designers often use pendant lights, as well as spotlights and floor lamps. Table lamps are also popular – they are successfully used not only in the work area, but also near the bed.

The photo shows a cozy bedside area with illuminated shelves and headboard.

If you plan to store things in the bedroom (in a dressing room or a wardrobe), you should think about the lighting of these areas. It will save time and nerves if two people live in the room and get up at different times of the day.

It is also recommended to illuminate the installed dressing table, because natural light is not always available. Devices with soft light without shadows and contrasts should be located on both sides of the mirror at eye level. To avoid distortion of the complexion, you should choose white lampshades.

The photo shows a bedroom, the lighting and design of which are thought out to the smallest detail. The bedside area is illuminated by two types of lamps. The desk and storage area for personal belongings have their own light sources.

Light zoning not only adds coziness, but also saves electricity. If possible, it is worth installing dimmers that regulate the level of illumination.

In the photo, local lighting of a loft-style bedroom is represented by table lamps and a floor lamp.

Decorative

The purpose of such lighting is to decorate the bedroom and create the desired atmosphere. You can highlight:

• The ceiling, simulating the starry sky, or place the LED strip along the perimeter, visually deepening the top of the room.
• The floor, highlighting the bed and creating the effect of a “floating” structure.
• The walls, decorating them with a luminous composition.
• Open furniture with shelves, highlighting your favorite collections.
• Pictures or posters, thereby turning them into a work of art.

By playing with light, you can create an original, memorable and at the same time functional interior.

The photo shows a triptych of graphic paintings, illuminated pointwise: this technique turns the drawings into a work of art.

Design for a small bedroom

When choosing lighting for a small bedroom, it is worth remembering the main thing: a single light source narrows the space even more, creating dark corners, which means you cannot neglect multi-level lighting.

Lighting options in a small bedroom are limited by space, but not by imagination.

The photo shows a small bedroom in a minimalist style with a ceiling that has been visually raised with the help of lighting.

The artificial lighting scenario in a small bedroom is not much different from standard recommendations. The only requirement is the absence of large chandeliers. Spotlights, flat chandeliers and transparent lampshades will make a cramped bedroom look much more spacious.

The photo shows a compact attic, not overloaded with light sources. A modest lamp is placed on the beam, and the headboard is complemented by two table lamps.