The lighting configuration is often one of the most overlooked areas of bedroom interior design. Many people think that because bedrooms are supposed to inspire sleep, lighting is simply not important. However, the lighting configuration can make or break the entire aesthetic of the bedroom, so it should never be overlooked. Lighting can turn your room into a truly multifunctional, relaxing space that'll be suited to a range of activities. The following bedroom lighting ideas will transform even the most dimly-lit room into a truly comforting, cosy space that you'll never want to leave.
Bedroom lighting is an integral part of bedroom interior design and is just as important as choosing the perfect furniture and wallpaper. Task, ambient and accent lighting configurations are the most effective ways to light your bedroom. Task lighting serves a specific purpose, allowing you to carry out a range of tasks including reading, lighting up your wardrobe or illuminating a mirror. Ambient lighting serves to mimic natural light, helping to softly illuminate the room and provide the main source of light. Finally, accent lighting serves to highlight important, stand-out features in a room, such as the bed.
There are a range of lighting options which are particularly useful for bedrooms, including pendant lights, flush lights, floor lamps and table lamps. The size of the bedroom will directly impact the lighting configuration, so it's an important factor to consider when you're designing the room.
Bedroom lighting ideas for a small bedroom
If you're working with a small space, then these bedroom lighting ideas for small bedrooms will truly transform the room. With the use of clever lighting techniques, you'll be able to create the illusion of a larger space while making the room look more open and inviting.
Pendant Lights
If you've simply not got the space for bedside lamps, then pendant lights are the perfect alternative. Not only do pendant lights look incredibly chic and stylish, but they will also help you to save a huge amount of space in your bedroom by diminishing the need for bedside tables and floor lamps. Simply fit two low-hanging pendant lights each side of your bed to reap all of the benefits of a bedside lamp, but without using up precious space.
Wall-Mounted Lamps
Wall-mounted lamps are perfect for rooms on the smaller side and make an excellent space-saving option. Wall-mounted lamps alleviate floor space, giving the room a larger, less-cluttered appearance.
Wall-mounted lamps with adjustable arms are an excellent lighting choice for the bedroom. Not only do they serve as accent lights, but they also double up as task lights, allowing you to adjust the direction of the light according to your individual needs. This allows you to use the lamp as a reading light when required, but also allows it to be used as an accent lighting to add ambience and atmosphere to the room.
Bedroom lighting ideas for a large bedroom
If you've got a large space available to work with then you've got a few more lighting options available to you. When you're working with a larger room, you'll often find that one side of the room is more poorly-lit than the other depending on the placement of windows.
Accent lights will ensure that the entire room is lit sufficiently. From LED strip lights around the bed to striking floor lamps, ambient lighting helps to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere in the bedroom. With more space available, you can make use of statement pieces, such as large floor lamps, which will look especially striking on each side of the bed.
Bedroom Lighting Tips
If you just don't know where to start with your bedroom lighting design, then it's advisable to consider exactly what you'll be using your bedroom for on a day-to-day basis.
If you're a keen reader, then you'll want to make sure you've got sufficient lighting around your bed or seating area to make sure you've got a well-lit space to enjoy your favourite books. Alternatively, if you're a hair and makeup enthusiast, then focussing your lighting arrangement around your mirror is advisable.
If your bedroom also doubles up as a home office, then desk lamps and pendant lights are particularly useful. You want to make sure that your pendant lights can be used independently to the rest of the lights in the room so that you can use it as and when it's required.
As with any lighting design, it's important to make sure that the lights, especially the ambient lighting, is dimmable. This gives you complete control over all of the lights within the room, allowing you to get it just right for the task at hand.
If you decide to make use of pendant lights or semi-flush lights in your bedroom, then it's advisable to ensure that they're centred over the bed. This will allow the light to be dispersed throughout the room while focussing on the main piece of furniture. Downlights can look harsh and overpowering in the bedroom, so it's advisable to avoid using too many of these in the room. However, strategically-placed downlights angled towards key features, such as a wardrobe, curtains or shelf can look truly stunning.
By following these bedroom lighting techniques, you'll turn your bedroom into an absolute haven, providing you with a truly stunning space to spend your time in.
About the Author
Efficient light supply a huge selection of lighting products, with over 21,000 products to choose from. With a vast amount of experience in the industry, they're available to help you with your lighting project, no matter how big or small and are always on hand to offer expert advice. www.efficientlight.co.uk