Bedrooms are meant to be the most relaxing spaces in a home. Places of serenity and rest, they demand lighting that delivers the calmest vibes and the kindest, softest tones for tired eyes. But there are very few of us who use our bedrooms for sleep alone. We dress in them, we read in them, we might study or work in them, and we can’t do any of that while squinting in low lighting. So, how do you strike the balance and arrange your bedroom lighting to answer all of your needs?
How to Choose Lighting to Make the Most of Your Bedroom
Get to grips with layering
Layering is the foundation of any successful lighting scheme. It’s the best way to create both aesthetic balance and true functionality. And it begins with identifying the different types of lighting that will make your room complete.
Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting refers to your main light source, so in most cases, this will be a ceiling light. Its job is to provide enough illumination for basic tasks, such as getting dressed or tidying up. And we’d usually recommend choosing a fixture that diffuses light evenly. Frosted or opal glass lights, like the Altos Isleworth, and textured shades, like the Endon Toulouse, do this particularly well.
Task lighting
The trick with task lighting is to choose lights with a specific purpose in mind. So, you might choose adjustable reading lamps, like the Altos Fortune, for the bedside. Or, perhaps, an illuminated mirror, like the Astro Ascot, for a vanity table. If you have a dedicated reading or study area, you might even consider a bedroom floor lamp to better define and utilise the space.
Accent lighting
Lastly, comes accent lighting. And this is really what brings character to your bedroom. You might choose wall lights, like the Endon Blake, for ambience. Or a light like the Altos Knightswood, for interest and decoration. You might even choose to have fairy lights around your bed. The aim is to add in some mood lighting and personality.
Think about your style
Lighting isn’t just functional; when used well, it becomes a design feature. So, choose lights that suit your personal style. If you favour a modern aesthetic, look for clean lines and metallic finishes, with LED bulbs, like the Altos Curve. For minimalist style, plaster wall lights and trimless downlights might just hit the mark. For boho, we’re looking at rattan shades, like the Endon Misra, completed with a warm bulb. Or perhaps vintage is more to your taste, where Edison bulbs and brass finishes shine in lamps like the Altos Porter.
Choose the right bulb colour temperature
It’s generally recommended that you choose warm-toned lighting for your bedroom. Choosing soft white bulbs (2700K–3000K) can help signal to your body that it’s time to relax, making it easier for you to sleep.
Play around with placement
Where you place your lighting matters just as much as what kind you use. So, while you will, of course, be thinking about utility when you place your lights – if you read in bed, there’s no point putting your reading lamp in a distant corner – don’t forget about aesthetics. Placing a tubular floor uplighter in a dark corner, for example, can add drama and interest, while helping to make the space feel bigger.
Your bedroom lighting shouldn’t just be about function or only about aesthetics. It should be about creating a space that supports how you want to feel. So, whether winding down with a good book is the highlight of your day, or you need a bit of a pep when you’re getting ready for work, you can choose bedroom lighting to create your ideal experience. And, hopefully, make your space beautiful and functional at the same time.
Are you looking for a way to bring your bedroom to life? View the complete First Choice Lighting bedroom lighting collection.
