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A bedroom should be a person’s sanctuary, a restful retreat away from the stresses of everyday life. To create this haven, a person must find the right mood and layer the lighting in the room. Many people overlook this element when choosing the wall color and furnishings only to wonder why the room doesn’t hit the right note. The following guide is of great help when the time comes to choose lighting for any bedroom in the home to ensure the lighting helps create the perfect bedroom ambiance.
Color Temperature
The first thing to consider when choosing lighting for a room is the color temperature. Lights have either warm or cool tones. Warm tones, such as those seen during the fall months, are cozy and intimate, making them the perfect choice for reading. They also add a romantic touch to the room. Cool tones like blue and green are calming and serene. They are ideal for relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep. Keep this in mind as the choice of light bulbs is as important as the choice of fixtures when it comes to lighting in a bedroom.
Proportion
Different elements in the bedroom need to work together or the space won’t be restful. When all elements are proportional, the room will have a balanced and harmonious feel. Look for lighting fixtures that are proportional to the furnishings, artwork, and accessories in the room. With some lighting styles, such as downlighting this isn’t a concern. However, an oversized chandelier in a tiny room will look completely out of place and the atmosphere won’t be restful. When all elements are proportional, the room will have a balanced and cohesive feel.
Lighting Schemes
With these two elements in mind, it’s time to create a lighting scheme for the room. All bedrooms should have three light sources distributed in layers. Ambient lighting comes from overhead fixtures and sets the tone for the room. Some people opt for a statement light that becomes a focal point of the room, but other people might want something more subtle like recessed Downlights.
Accent lighting is used to brighten a dark corner in the room or provide illumination for a reading nook. Task lighting, on the other hand, provides light for a specific activity. This may be reading, grooming oneself, or another task that is regularly carried out in the bedroom.
When choosing these lights, look for versatile fixtures. A person will want bright lights when they are getting dressed in the morning because they want to look their best when heading out the door. However, at night, they want softer lights so they can relax and unwind after being gone all day. Layering the lights allows them to have both in the same space while adding depth and texture to the room. In addition, it will allow them to adjust the lights to meet their changing needs and alter the ambiance. What are some ways to bring light into the room?
Pendant Lamps
Walk into many bedrooms today and the bedside tables will have lamps. Switch things up by replacing these lamps with pendants. These lamps allow for more space on the bedside tables but they also add an elegant touch to the room. Consider installing a mirror behind each light to reflect the glow from the lamps. Combine the lamps with dimmer switches to adjust the lighting throughout the day.
Incorporated Lighting
Look for lighting incorporated into other furnishings. A headboard complete with a built-in light is a good way to combine the two. In fact, the right piece may become a focal point of the room.
LED Lighting
LED lighting may be used in many ways today. Some people tuck the fixtures away in a nook where they will provide a suggestion of light without washing the room in illumination. Other people have them installed on the floor along the walls where they can guide people at night while others are sleeping. These energy-efficient lights are also an excellent way to save money on energy bills each month, so every person should look into making the switch to them today.
Multi-Use Pieces
When selecting lighting for the bedroom, look for those fixtures that can be used in multiple ways. As needs change over the years, new lighting won’t need to be purchased for this room. For example, look for a piece that can be used on a bedside table at one point and mounted to a wall at another. People find they love the flexibility of fixtures such as these today.
Layered Lighting
As previously mentioned, layered lighting benefits any room, including the bedroom. The ceiling light needs to provide general illumination for dressing, reading, and more. As this is the main source of light in the room, many people choose to make it a focal point, one that remains a key feature in the room whether it is on or off. Again, a dimmer switch becomes of help with this light, as its use can change the mood and atmosphere of the room effortlessly.
Statement Chandeliers
Chandeliers add elegance to any room in the home. Today, they are more than oversized features dripping with glass crystals. Modern chandeliers come in many sizes, shapes, and styles, making it easy to find one that complements the overall style of the room. Homeowners today find everything from glass crystal chandeliers to beaded versions that give off a boho vibe.
Wall Lights
Save valuable space in a small bedroom by investing in wall lights. Doing so also helps avoid cluttered surfaces, which can make the bedroom look even smaller. Thanks to the variety of styles offered today, every person can find a wall light that complements their bedroom.
Sconces tend to be best for very compact spaces. However, any wall lighting adds to the symmetry of the room. Choose lights with shades for warm, ambient light, and leave lights with glass shades for tasks.
Oversized Fixtures
Oversized light fixtures make a statement in any room. Bold doesn’t mean overwhelming, as a light fixture can bring drama into the space without taking away from the main look. Select large fixtures with simple materials, fabrics, and shapes to achieve this goal.
Natural Materials
Natural materials bring texture into a room. They are soft and inviting and add to the overall decor. Rattan, cane, and seagrass are three options to consider, although there are countless others to choose from today. When selecting these pieces, try to avoid fixtures with clean lines or structures, as they take away from the relaxed feel a person is usually going for with natural materials.
Bedside Lamps
When selecting a bedside lamp, choose one that will provide all three types of light. A person wants task lighting when reading at night, but they also want an accent light that provides the bed with a warm wash of light. Adding mirrors behind the lamps will allow these fixtures to illuminate more of the room and provide ambiance.
Group Ceiling Fixtures
Hang multiple ceiling fixtures to update the look of any room. The fixtures may be hung at regular intervals or placed at different heights, depending on the look the bedroom user is after. Dramatic pendant lights work well with statement table lamps when a person is trying to create a mood. Wall and accent lights may highlight the focal point of the room when combined with grouped ceiling fixtures, and bold pieces may serve as a focal point and provide information about the bedroom owner’s style. The right ceiling lights will serve as a decorative element, even when they are not being used.
Accent Lighting
Bedrooms need task and ambient lighting, but people can easily overlook accent lighting. This lighting, however, is what provides the all-over glow people want in their bedrooms. Accent lighting may be used to help a person unwind and relax. Consider picture lights or sconces for a warm ambiance, and use them to accentuate certain features of the room.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps help create a pool of light to illuminate a specific part of the room. However, choose the height of this lamp carefully to ensure it isn’t too tall. A floor lamp that is too tall will produce a harsh downward light. Pick a style with a shade that disperses gentle light instead of one that will serve as a spotlight for a limited section of the room.
Additional Options
Other options should be investigated when choosing lighting for a bedroom. Consider replacing traditional lights with lanterns or invest in fabric lighting. Another option is exposed bulbs. By exploring different styles, a person will find the perfect lights for a cozy and relaxing ambiance.
When planning bedroom lighting, take into account the number of tasks people now complete in their bedrooms. Many people work from home and use this room for multiple purposes, which affects the lighting they will need. Every bedroom needs a ceiling light and a bedside lamp, at a minimum. However, to create the right atmosphere, more lights are needed. There is no limit to how many lights can be placed in this room, so consider all options, keeping color temperature and proportion in mind. By taking all factors into consideration and trying multiple styles, every person should find the combination of lights that perfectly meets their needs.