The Benefits Of Receiving Natural Light In Your Bedroom

Lighting is an essential aspect of interior design, and the bedroom is no exception. The right lighting can transform a space, affecting not only its aesthetics but also our emotions and productivity. So, how much light do you need in the bedroom?

The amount of light required in a bedroom depends on several factors, including the size of the room and its intended use. A general guideline is that a bedroom needs a total light output of 1500-3000 lumens, which can be achieved through a combination of different light sources such as overhead fixtures, table lamps, and wall sconces. The lighting should be layered, with a mix of overhead, accent, and task lights. Warmer tones of light (around 2700-3000K) create a cosy atmosphere, while cooler tones (4000-5000K) are more energising.

In addition to the type of light bulbs, the placement and direction of light fixtures are important to avoid harsh shadows. Dimmer switches can also be added to control the light level. Recessed lighting is a popular choice for bedrooms, providing ambient light and the ability to highlight specific areas. The size of the recessed lights should be proportional to the size of the room to ensure adequate brightness.

Ultimately, the lighting in your bedroom should align with your personal preference and comfort, creating a space that suits your individual needs and enhances your daily life.

The benefits of recessed lighting

Receiving natural light in the bedroom is important, but it's also essential to layer different forms of lighting to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Recessed lighting is a popular choice for bedrooms, and here are some of the benefits it offers:

Flexibility and a Clean, Uncluttered Look

Recessed lighting provides a flexible lighting solution that can be used for general, task, and accent lighting. It offers a clean and modern aesthetic to a room by being set into the ceiling, resulting in an uninterrupted view and a feeling of spaciousness. This is especially beneficial for smaller rooms or rooms with low ceilings, as it takes up less visual space.

Wall Washing Effect

Recessed lighting, when placed correctly and combined with reflective trim, can create a "wall washing" effect. This effect directs light onto the walls, making the room feel bigger and brighter. It also helps to highlight features such as artwork or antique furniture, drawing attention to specific design elements in the room.

Improved Task Lighting

Recessed lighting can be used to improve task lighting in areas such as kitchens, studios, or offices. By placing multiple recessed lights in a small area, you can increase the light on countertops, cabinets, and worktables while reducing bothersome shadows. This makes it easier to perform tasks that require good lighting, such as cooking or reading.

Energy Efficiency

Recessed lighting can be combined with LED lights, which are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs. LED lights have a longer lifespan and can provide the same amount of light while consuming less energy. This makes recessed lighting with LED lights a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for your bedroom.

Safety and Protection

Recessed lighting is a safer lighting option compared to hanging lights. The casing for recessed lights protects the light bulb from dust, children, and accidental bumps, reducing the risk of fire hazards or injuries. Additionally, the light being directed upwards can make it easier to walk around the room at night without tripping over obstacles.

Lighting temperature

The lighting temperature of a room is an important consideration when designing a space. It can impact the overall ambience, functionality, and usability of the room, as well as your mood and well-being.

The colour temperature of light bulbs is typically denoted by a Kelvin rating, which ranges from 2700 to 6500 Kelvin. A lower Kelvin value indicates a warmer light, while a higher value indicates a cooler light.

For bedrooms, a mix of warm white and very warm white lighting is recommended. Warm white lighting, with a colour temperature of 3000 Kelvin, is ideal for general lighting in bedrooms. It provides a balance between a cozy atmosphere and the amount of light needed for activities such as reading or getting dressed. Very warm white lighting, with a Kelvin range of 2200 to 2700, is also suitable for bedrooms, creating a relaxing and warm ambiance.

However, some people may find warm white lighting too bright for a bedroom. In this case, dimmable LED lights or DimTone light bulbs are a good solution. These bulbs have multiple light colours that can be adjusted to suit different activities and personal preferences.

Additionally, the amount of natural light in a bedroom should also be considered. South-facing rooms receive more sunlight, while north-facing rooms have cooler, indirect light. Maximising natural light during the day can reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a healthier environment.

When choosing the lighting temperature for your bedroom, it's important to consider the room's primary function and the activities performed within it. The lighting temperature can impact your sleep, mood, and overall comfort, so it's worth experimenting with different setups to find the right balance for your space.

Natural light

• Using light-coloured curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter in during the day. Sheer curtains, for example, can help diffuse the light and create a soft, relaxing ambiance.
• Positioning your bed near a window to take advantage of the natural light. This can make waking up in the morning easier and more pleasant.
• Opting for light-coloured walls and decorations. Lighter colours reflect more light, making the room appear brighter and more spacious.
• Incorporating mirrors to maximize the impact of natural light. They can be positioned across from windows to reflect sunlight and make the room feel larger.
• Keeping windows unobstructed. Avoid placing furniture or other items in front of windows to ensure natural light can enter the room freely.

While natural light is important, it's crucial to also have a mix of lighting sources in your bedroom, including overhead, accent, and task lights. This will ensure that your bedroom is well-lit and functional at all times, especially during the evenings or on cloudy days when natural light may be limited.

General lighting

For example, a room measuring 15 x 15 feet would have an area of 225 square feet. The recommended lumens per square foot vary depending on the room's purpose. As a general guideline, living rooms and bedrooms typically require around 10-20 lumens per square foot, while bathrooms need a higher level of lighting at approximately 70-80 lumens per square foot.

To determine the appropriate number of lumens for a bedroom, you can start by calculating the square footage by multiplying the length and width of the room. The total light output for a bedroom should be between 1500 and 3000 lumens. This can be achieved by using a combination of different light sources, such as overhead fixtures, table lamps, and wall sconces.

When selecting light bulbs, consider the desired ambiance of the room. Warmer tones (around 2700-3000 Kelvin) create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, while cooler tones (around 4000-5000 Kelvin) are more energizing and invigorating. LED bulbs are a popular choice for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, while CFL bulbs are a more affordable alternative.

Overhead fixtures can provide general illumination and act as a focal point in the bedroom. Recessed lighting is a popular choice for bedrooms, offering ambient light, dimming options, and accents that make the space more inviting and relaxing. It gives the room a higher-end feel and makes the space appear larger. To achieve this, the lights should be positioned correctly, with the distance between each light the same as the distance from the wall.

In addition to overhead fixtures, table lamps can provide task lighting for activities such as reading or working in bed. Wall sconces are another option for ambient lighting, freeing up space on bedside tables and enhancing the room's overall design. When implementing these fixtures, consider their placement and the direction of the light they emit. Choose fixtures with diffusers or shades to avoid harsh shadows, and add dimmer switches to control the light level.

Task lighting

• Identify Task Areas: Determine the areas in your bedroom where task lighting is needed, such as bedside tables, a reading nook, or a desk.
• Choose the Right Light Fixtures: Select task lights that complement the space visually without being too overpowering. Adjustable wall-mounted lamps, sconces, or swing-arm lights are great options as they provide direct and adjustable light for reading in bed while saving space on bedside tables.
• Consider Lighting Temperature: Opt for soft white or amber bulbs for a warmer and more relaxing atmosphere. Avoid bulbs above 2700 Kelvin, as these can create a sterile environment.
• Pay Attention to Scale: When choosing task lights, consider the size of your bedroom and the surrounding furniture. For bedside lamps, choose a lamp that is between 1/3 and 2/3 the width of the nightstand.
• Add Dimmers: Install dimmers to adjust the brightness levels according to your needs and mood. This is especially useful in bedrooms, as you may want a bright light in the morning and a softer light in the evening.
• Combine with Other Lighting Types: Layer task lighting with ambient and accent lighting to create a well-rounded lighting scheme. Combine task lights with bedside lamps, pendants, or wall lights to ensure your bedroom has the illumination it needs.

Frequently asked questions