Natural Light In Bedrooms: A Need Or A Luxury?

A bedroom is not always a bedroom, at least by legal standards. If you want to classify a room as a bedroom, there are certain requirements you have to satisfy. A bedroom needs to have two exits in case of emergency, such as a fire. Aside from a bedroom door, a window is the most common second emergency exit. According to the International Building Code, every bedroom must contain at least one egress window measuring 5.7 square feet, at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.

However, the legal requirements for a room to be classified as a bedroom can vary depending on where you live. For example, in New York State, each bedroom window must be at least as big as 8% of the floor area, but no smaller than 25 square feet. In Chicago, a bedroom needs to have a light source, but that can be from a window in the room or, in the case of a loft bedroom, in an adjacent room. In Texas, a bedroom should have an emergency escape window of at least 5.7 square feet, and in Florida, a bedroom must have a means of escaping to the outside, which could be a window or a door.

The importance of layering light

The lighting of a room is essential, as it can affect people's moods and even elicit physical reactions. Layering light is a way to approach lighting design that uses several different light sources and types to create an in-depth and balanced atmosphere.

The Three Layers of Lighting

• Ambient lighting refers to the general illumination of a room. It is the basic lighting that allows you to move around a room without bumping into furniture. Ambient lighting should align with the room's purpose and aesthetic. For example, kitchens and offices often use cooler themes, while living rooms have warm tones.
• Task lighting is stronger, targeted light that allows you to carry out practical activities. It is the practical light that ensures you can see what you are doing. For example, vanity lights in the bathroom or pendant lights in the kitchen.
• Accent lighting is used to highlight certain features or areas within a room. It is also known as 'directional light' and can be provided by wall sconces, chandeliers, or lamps.

The Benefits of Layering Light

Layering light is important as it:

• Adds depth and dimension to a room, making it more aesthetically pleasing and exciting.
• Allows you to alter the mood of a room with just a few adjustments. For example, you can dim the accent lights to create a softer atmosphere.
• Showcases specific features of a room, such as wall art, a countertop, or a desk.
• Creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for guests and users.

Layering Light in the Bedroom

When it comes to the bedroom, it is important to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere while also considering practical needs. A combination of general, task, and accent lighting is ideal. A central ceiling light or pendant light can provide overall illumination, while bedside lamps, pendants, or wall lights can be added for task lighting. Dimmers or smart lighting controls can be used to adjust the brightness according to different activities and moods. Maximising natural light by using light-coloured curtains or blinds can also help to create a soothing ambience.

The number of lumens needed

The number of lumens you need for a bedroom will depend on the size of the room, the purpose of the space, and the type of lighting you want to create.

First, you need to calculate the square footage of the room by multiplying the length and width of the room. For example, a room that is 10 feet long and 10 feet wide has an area of 100 square feet.

Next, you need to determine the number of lumens required per square foot, also known as a 'foot candle'. This will depend on the individual room and its purpose. As a general rule, a bedroom will require around 10-20 lumens per square foot. So, for a 100-square-foot bedroom, you will need between 1,000 and 2,000 lumens.

However, this calculation only provides a basic understanding of the lighting needs of a bedroom. To create the perfect lighting scheme, you need to consider different types of lighting, such as task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting, and how they can be combined to accommodate the various activities that take place in a bedroom.

Task lighting is required for specific tasks such as reading or applying makeup and will need a higher number of lumens. For reading, you will need a minimum of 450 lumens. Ambient lighting refers to the overall level of illumination in the room, including the main light and any other light sources that contribute to the general lighting, such as wall-mounts, recessed lights, or floor lamps. Accent lighting is used to draw attention to specific areas or objects in the room and should be around three times stronger than the ambient lighting.

By layering these different types of lighting, you can create a range of moods and effects and ensure that your bedroom is well-lit for all purposes.

It is also important to consider the colour of the light bulbs you are using. Blue and white light are known to increase alertness, while 'warmer' yellow lights are more relaxing, making them a better choice for a bedroom.

The types of lighting

The lighting in your bedroom is an important consideration, as it is a space where you start and end your day. Getting the lighting right can really elevate the space.

There are four main types of lighting to consider when illuminating your bedroom: ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, is the primary source of light in a room. It provides comfortable illumination without too much glare, allowing you to navigate the room easily. Examples of ambient lighting include chandeliers, track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, wall sconces, LED downlights, and wall-mounted fixtures.

Task Lighting

Task lighting focuses on a particular area, providing increased light for tasks that require accuracy, such as reading or writing. Some fixtures that provide task lighting include desk lamps, pendant lighting, under-cabinet lighting, vanity lights, and table lamps. These lights can be placed near a work desk, study unit, or reading corner.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to introduce extra visual drama and draw attention to specific items or objects in your bedroom, such as a painting, sculpture, or wallpaper. It can also be used to divert attention away from something you don't want to be the focal point. Examples of accent lighting include candlelight, direct track lights, chandeliers with dimmers, wall sconces, and floodlights.

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting serves an aesthetic purpose and can include pendant lights, chandeliers, and floor lights. Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling and offer an affordable alternative to chandeliers. Floor lights, on the other hand, are placed on the ground or can be floor lamps with a height of 4 to 6 feet.

Other Considerations

In addition to the four main types of lighting, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, layering different forms of lighting is crucial to creating a cosy and functional bedroom. This can include a combination of general, task, and accent lighting.

Secondly, pay attention to the lighting temperature. A soft white bulb or an amber glow is often recommended for bedrooms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, if you also use your bedroom for tasks that require more light, such as working from home or doing office work, you may need to opt for a cooler temperature bulb.

Lastly, don't forget about natural light. Maximising natural light during the day can create a refreshing atmosphere and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Consider using light-coloured curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter into the room.

The colour of the light

The colour of light in a bedroom is important for both health and aesthetic reasons. Firstly, it is important to understand the relationship between light and health. The human body has a natural rhythm, known as the circadian rhythm, which is based on the rotation of the Earth and its movement around the sun. Blue light wavelengths play a crucial role in this rhythm, as they send signals to the hormonal system, ensuring the body is alert, awake, and productive during the day. However, at night, the body needs to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Exposing yourself to the wrong type of lighting just two hours before sleep can negatively impact your health. LED lights that emit artificial blue light can cause insomnia, mental health issues, and other serious complications. Therefore, it is recommended to use light bulbs that block blue light in the bedroom. Pure red and amber light bulbs are ideal as they help create a relaxed and ambient atmosphere that is conducive to sleep. These warm colours are similar in temperature to the light emitted by the setting sun, triggering the body's biological response to relax and prepare for sleep.

In addition to health considerations, the colour of light can also impact the mood and ambiance of a room. Cooler colour temperatures, which have a higher presence of blue light, promote energy and alertness, making them ideal for spaces like home offices. On the other hand, warmer colour temperatures, with their redder light, promote feelings of rest and coziness, making them better suited for bedrooms.

When choosing light bulbs for your bedroom, it is important to consider factors such as lighting level, colour temperature, and colour scheme. Overhead lighting sources fitted with blue light-blocking amber or red light bulbs can create a focal point, but be careful not to create too many light sources as this can be taxing on the eyes. Complementary lamps with blue light-blocking bulbs can also be used to create a cosy atmosphere. Additionally, ensure that your light bulbs fully protect you from blue light exposure to promote a healthy sleep cycle.

In summary, when it comes to the colour of light in the bedroom, warm colours like red and amber are best for promoting sleep and creating a relaxing atmosphere. Cooler colours with higher blue light wavelengths should be avoided, especially before bedtime, to prevent disruptions to your sleep and overall health.

The placement of the light

Natural Light

If your bedroom has windows, consider their placement in relation to the sun's path. Ideally, you want sunlight to enter the room during the day to create a bright and airy space. South-facing windows often provide the best natural light, but this can vary depending on your location and the surrounding landscape or buildings.

Artificial Lighting

For rooms with limited or no windows, artificial lighting becomes crucial. Overhead lighting, such as ceiling fans with lights or flush-mounted ceiling lights, can provide general illumination. Lamps, whether table or floor lamps, can also be used to create a cosy atmosphere while providing task lighting for reading or other activities.

Reflective Surfaces

To maximise the impact of your light sources, consider incorporating reflective surfaces into your design. Mirrors are an excellent way to reflect both natural and artificial light, making the room feel more spacious and bright. Metallic accents, such as picture frames or furniture hardware, can also help to brighten up the space.

Light Colour Scheme

Choosing light colours for your walls, ceiling, and flooring can help reflect light and make the room feel larger. Opting for white or very light shades can enhance the sense of openness and brightness in the bedroom. This is especially beneficial for windowless rooms or rooms with limited natural light.

Skylights

If possible, consider adding a skylight to your bedroom. Skylights are a great way to introduce natural light into rooms where traditional windows are not an option. They can provide a fraction of the cost of a window while adding a unique design element to the space.

Emergency Lighting

Finally, don't forget to include emergency lighting in your bedroom design. This is important for safety, especially if the bedroom is located in a basement or an area with limited exit points. Ensure you have working flashlights or nightlights easily accessible in case of a power outage.

By considering the placement of light sources and using a combination of natural light, artificial lighting, and reflective surfaces, you can create a well-lit and inviting bedroom space, even in rooms with limited or no windows.

Frequently asked questions