7 Lighting Ideas For Your Bedroom | DesignCafe (2024)

“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.” – Aaron Rose, American film director & writer.

This quote makes so much sense when we think about it. Light plays an integral part – be it life, photography or home. Good lighting design is of utmost important for the home. Okay let me ask you this, have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt relaxed? Or entered a space and you’re automatically overwhelmed with an incomprehensible sense of anxiety? Well, you must have felt that probably because of the lighting. Light plays an important role and how they can affect our mood and behavior and is no different when it comes to the bedroom. We have compiled the perfect guide to bedroom lighting with insights on how to light your favourite space the right way. So listen up…

The Basics Of Bedroom Lighting Design

“Layering in different patterns will keep things from appearing too studies” – Nate Berkus

Layering is key to any bedroom lighting idea. You need to find the right balance between ambient, task and accent lighting for decoration in a room. You need to experiment much on how one light goes on top of the other. Make sure one layer of light doesn’t overpower the other. A sense of keen observation is needed to understand the balance and nuances of lights be it ceiling or wall lights for bedroom. By layering and understanding room lighting, you can create mood for any activity with a flick of a switch. There are three layers of light that you need as part of lighting design for the bedroom.

7 Lighting Ideas For Your Bedroom | DesignCafe (1)

Ambient Room Lighting

Ambient lighting is the foundation of your room decor lights. This type of lighting is a soft glow that envelopes your space just enough to function without causing you a harsh glare. It is also called natural light within a room that includes natural sunlight which seeps through windows or room. If you have a high ceiling then chandeliers, pendants and flush-mounted ceiling lights would work wonders for your bedroom. These kinds of light can be used to do everyday chores like cleaning, arranging and storing. They cannot be used for close-range tasks like reading, drawing and typing.

7 Lighting Ideas For Your Bedroom | DesignCafe (3)

Task Lighting Design For Your Bedroom

As the name suggests, task lighting is good lighting when you are working. It is a smaller concentrated light, sometimes known as office lighting as well. This kind of lighting is needed when you are doing your projects where you need finer, pinpoint lights. It compliments wonderfully with ambient lights by cutting through the dim peripheral environment with high beam light. There are many options for task lighting in the market such as table lamps, low-hanging pendants, wall sconces, and wall-mounted task lights. Task lighting offers you uninterrupted lighting for a specific task like reading, typing, or sewing. Get this and you are good to go!

7 Lighting Ideas For Your Bedroom | DesignCafe (4)

Accent Lighting Design

Ever seen how lights are placed on art galleries? This is done to attract the intention of drawing the eye to its focal point. Use of accent lights can bring flavour and drama to your space. If you want to illuminate art pieces in your bedroom then use accent lighting and eliminate dull shadows. People generally use accent lightings for their artwork, books, expensive collectibles and the like. There is outdoor accent lighting as well typically used when homeowners want to highlight an aspect of a home’s architecture such as a statue or a fountain.

7 Lighting Ideas For Your Bedroom | DesignCafe (5)

Dimmers

Okay, so dimmers aren’t really a type of lighting, but it doesn’t hurt to include them in this list. With a dimmer, you can taper light gradually from full-blown supernova to soft-lit sleep mode, giving your bedroom interior design a range of avatars all day long! Its versatility allows for it to be paired with any light source – from your chandelier to your bedside lamps.

Explore, More About

  • Light Decoration Ideas For Bedroom

FAQs On Bedroom Lighting Ideas

1. Are there any considerations for choosing the right bedside table lamps?
When choosing bedside table lamps, consider the size and style that complements your bedroom, ensuring they provide adequate light for reading without overpowering the space.

2. What role do dimmer switches play in bedroom lighting design?
Dimmer switches play a crucial role in bedroom lighting design, adding versatility by letting you adjust from bright to soft, adapting to different moods throughout the day, and enhancing your bedroom’s ambience.

3. How can I integrate smart lighting systems into my bedroom for convenience?
For integrating smart lighting systems into your bedroom, explore options that offer convenience through mobile app control or voice commands, providing a seamless and modern lighting experience.

4. What are the key considerations for selecting the right ceiling light fixture for a bedroom?
When selecting ceiling light fixtures, choose ones that complement your bedroom’s style, considering factors like size, height, and design to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing lighting solution.

5. Are there specific lighting options for small bedrooms to make them appear larger?
In small bedrooms, use strategic lighting to create an illusion of space. Opt for wall-mounted or recessed lights to save floor space and utilise mirrors to reflect light, making the room appear larger.

Unwind In Your Personal Sanctuary

Get 20% extra space with modular interiors

7 Lighting Ideas For Your Bedroom | DesignCafe (2024)

FAQs

What lighting to put in a bedroom? ›

When it comes to planning out your space and researching bedroom lighting ideas, Chan advises zeroing in on accent lighting and furniture lighting, including pieces like bedside table lamps, pendants, and wall sconces. Indirect lighting and lighting options with dimmers can help you create that coveted soft glow.

How many lights should be in a bedroom? ›

'The minimum number of lights in a bedroom is probably two: a ceiling light and a bedside lamp or pendant, but there really is no maximum. '

How do I arrange my bedroom lights? ›

Do's for bedroom lighting
  1. Combine diffused lighting with spots to ensure basic lighting as well as accents directed to the wall to add a warm feeling.
  2. Position downlighters close to the wall to create warm accents of indirect lighting.
  3. Install multiple switches to control lights from both the bedside and by the door.

What is the most relaxing color light in a bedroom? ›

Research studies discovered red to be the best color light to help you sleep, because it increases production of melatonin as well as full darkness. On the other end of the spectrum, blue is the worst.

How to light a bedroom with no overhead lighting? ›

The most effective way to light a room with no overhead lights is by using a range of different types of lighting. From wall lights and sconces, to floor lamps and table lamps, by combining multiple light sources you can provide plenty of practical light while also creating depth and atmosphere.

How many can lights for a 12x12 room? ›

The typical rule-of-thumb is 24" from each wall, and then 3-5 feet between cans. So in a 12' room you'd probably want two rows of lights. Considering it is a bedroom and you don't need it as bright as a kitchen, you can probably get away with 2 rows of 4 lights for a total of 8.

How many can lights in a 10x10 bedroom? ›

Generally, you'll need one can light for every four to six square feet. The taller your ceiling height, the more can lights you'll need. Map out your room to plan ideal recessed lighting placement.

How much light do I need for a 12x12 room? ›

For an average 12′ x 12′ bedroom, you would need around 4,000 lumens of light.

How can I make my room beautiful with lights? ›

Soften with Warm-Colored Lights

The color and brightness of your lights can significantly affect the ambiance of your living room. Instead of opting for cool-toned lights that may feel harsh and too bright, choose warm light bulbs that create a calming environment.

Should all bedroom lights be the same? ›

Deciding whether to have matching light fixtures in every room boils down to your personal aesthetic, the functionality of each space, and the mood you want to set. While matching fixtures can create a unified look, diversifying allows for greater expression and functionality.

How do I know how many lights to put in my room? ›

A living room or bedroom will generally require around 10-20 lumens per square foot. A bathroom will need a higher level of lighting, at around 70-80 lumens per square foot. In order to work out the lumens you need, multiply the square footage of the room by this figure.

Where should ceiling lights be placed in a bedroom? ›

Place them in the centre of the most important visual feature in the room. For most people, this means directly over the bed. On the other hand, you may be thinking about installing multiple small spotlights. They are a very effective form of task lighting.

How do you calculate the number of lights required in a room? ›

As a handy rule of thumb, a sitting room or bedroom will generally require around 10-20 lumens per square foot, while a bathroom or kitchen will need a stronger level of lighting, at around 70-80 lumens per square foot. To work out the lumens you need, simply multiply the square footage of the room by this figure.

Where is the best place to put lights in a bedroom? ›

You want the light to hit at eye level, where artwork hangs. If we use a pendant or a semi-flush ceiling fixture, it's usually centered in the room, often over the bed. So, we try not to hang it too low—typically 8 to 12 inches from the ceiling.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5796

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.