Strategic Lighting Placement For The Perfect Bedroom Ambiance

Lighting is an important aspect of bedroom design, as it can significantly impact the functionality, feel, and aesthetics of the space. The placement of lighting fixtures in a bedroom is crucial to achieving the desired lighting effects and creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The number of lights, their positioning, and the type of lighting chosen can all influence the overall ambiance and practicality of the bedroom. This includes considerations such as the height of the ceiling, the layout of furniture, and the specific tasks that will be performed in the room.

General lighting

The placement of general lighting will depend on the layout and dimensions of the room. The lights should be aligned and equally spaced across the ceiling, forming an even grid based on the shape of the room. To calculate the placement, divide the length and width of the room by twice the number of lights to be placed in that row. This will give you the distance from the wall to the first light in that row. Then, double that distance to find the spacing between the rest of the lights in the row. For example, in a room with a 6-light layout and an 8-foot ceiling, the lights should be spaced approximately 4 feet (48 inches) apart.

It is recommended to start your lighting plan from the center of the room and work outwards. Avoid placing the lights according to objects in the room, such as furniture. Instead, focus on creating an even light pattern that illuminates the entire space.

In a bedroom, general lighting is important for performing general tasks, such as getting ready in the morning or choosing an outfit. It may not be used as often as task or accent lighting, but it is still a crucial layer in the overall lighting design.

When choosing general lighting fixtures, consider the height of the ceiling. For standard height ceilings, opt for smaller-scale fixtures that don't hang too low. For high ceilings, you can choose larger, statement light fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lights. Recessed lighting is also a popular and inexpensive option for general lighting, but be mindful of their placement to avoid an overly repetitive pattern.

Task lighting

In a bedroom, task lighting is often found by the bedside, with angled lights and table lamps being popular choices. However, it can also be used elsewhere in the room, such as in dressing tables, wardrobes, and reading nooks, where more focused light is required. When choosing task lighting for your bedside table or reading nook, opt for bulbs with a colour temperature between 2700K and 3000K to create a warm and soft atmosphere. These bulbs mimic the natural light of the sun during sunrise and sunset, providing a peaceful environment for relaxation.

The placement of task lighting is essential to ensure functionality and avoid glare. The lights should be equally spaced and aligned above the surface or area you wish to illuminate. For example, if you have a row of recessed lights above your dressing table, the distance between each light should be consistent. Additionally, consider the height of the light source. For bedside reading lamps, the light should be angled and positioned at a comfortable level for reading without causing eye strain.

When incorporating task lighting into your bedroom, it's important to layer it with ambient and accent lighting. This will allow you to create different moods and lighting levels in your space. You can use dimmer switches or smart bulbs to control the brightness of your lights and adjust the atmosphere accordingly.

Accent lighting

In a bedroom, accent lighting can be used to create a cosy atmosphere, providing a pleasant glow and a subdued version of ambient lighting. It can be achieved through recessed lighting, wall sconces, tape lights, or creative repurposing of other fixtures.

When placing accent lighting, the lights do not need to be aligned with general or task lights. If more than one light is required, they should be equally spaced and aligned. Adjustable trims can be used to direct and hide the source of the light.

The optimal aiming angle to minimise glare is 30 degrees from the ceiling. This can be calculated using a trigonometric formula, where the accent light, wall, and ceiling form a right triangle with a ratio of 1:2:√3.

Additionally, accent lighting can be used to create a balanced and interesting lighting design in the bedroom. By placing light sources in different corners of the room, you can guide the eye around the space and make it feel bigger.

Wall wash lighting

Wall washing is often used in landscape applications to highlight the architectural style of buildings and hardscapes, as well as in facade lighting for buildings and monuments. It is also used indoors in homes and museums to illuminate photographs, artwork, and furniture.

When creating a wall wash effect, it is important to flood the wall with bright, uniform light at a wide angle to eliminate shadows and highlight the smoothness of the wall. This technique can also create the illusion of space and make a room feel bigger.

There are various wall wash lighting fixtures available on the market, including LED wall washer lights, floodlights, and track lights. These lights can be controlled via remote or app, and some even offer colour-changing and dimming options. When installing wall wash lighting, it is important to consider the desired effect and choose the appropriate fixtures and mounting locations to achieve the desired result.

Specialty lighting

Layering Light

Layering different lighting solutions is essential in creating a well-lit and inviting bedroom. This technique involves combining ambient, decorative, and task lighting to provide both functionality and atmosphere. It is recommended to have at least three sources of illumination, allowing you to adjust the lighting to suit different moods and activities.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is crucial for specific tasks such as reading in bed or working at a desk. It should complement the space visually without being overpowering. Wall-mounted light fixtures with adjustable arms are ideal for bedside reading, ensuring that each person can control their lighting independently. Additionally, consider angled lights and table lamps for bedside task lighting.

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting is like the jewellery of your bedroom. It can be a bold chandelier that makes a statement or sculptural table lamps on nightstands that add personality. When choosing decorative lighting, ensure it complements the other pieces in the room without overwhelming the space.

General Lighting

Recessed lights are a common and inexpensive option for general lighting, but they should be placed strategically to avoid an overly bright or harsh look. Consider keeping recessed lighting on the perimeter of the room to provide a soft wash of light. Ceiling lights or pendant lights are also suitable for general lighting, providing a bright and practical light source when needed.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to highlight certain areas or objects in the room, such as walls, drapes, artwork, or photographs. Recessed accent lighting with adjustable trims can be directed to minimise glare and enhance your décor.

Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches allow you to control the intensity of light, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation. They are ideal for bedside lamps and ambient lighting, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your preferences.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting systems like Philips Hue, Lifx, and WiZ offer remote control of your lights via smartphone. You can set timers, program mood lighting, and even simulate a SAD lamp to help you wake up naturally.

Frequently asked questions