Lighting is essential when it comes to creating the appropriate atmosphere. This is true in almost every area, but casting the appropriate light is especially crucial in the bedroom. Whether you want to freshen up your bedside table, conserve space, or create a statement above your bed, creative lighting ideas for bedroom will point you in the right direction. Your bedroom is usually the only place in your house where you spend time when it’s totally dark, entirely bright, or somewhere in between. So, having the right bedroom lighting is critical to making it a comfortable environment to charge yourself at night, get powered up and go about your day.
The darker the better when you need to get some sleep time, but you also need to consider the other hours spent in your bedroom. Preparing for bed, getting dressed, reading, resting, and romance. Therefore, it is important to allow your bedside to have just the right amount of brightness that will cater to your needs yet won’t emit direct light that’s irritating to your eyes.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
Overall Lighting
The Three Parts You Need to Have in Bedroom Lightning
Specific Suggestions for Bedroom Lighting
Examples of Bedroom Lighting Recipes
Overall Lighting
Get the Color Temperature Right
First of all, what is color temperature? By definition, it is a metric used to characterize the visual appearance and whiteness of lights. This factor plays an essential role in how we feel in our bedrooms. Artificial lighting, like natural sunshine, comes in a variety of hues of white. The color temperature of light is expressed in degrees, Kelvin. Most light bulbs have a color temperature ranging from 2700K to 6500K. The lower the degrees Kelvin, the “warmer” the light; as the Kelvin temperature rises, the light becomes “cooler” and whiter.
That said, how to choose the right color temperature for your bedroom? Let this quick overview of color temperature help you to make a decision.
White and blue lights, which are found to be beneficial to increase alertness, are best utilized in conjunction with task or directed lighting to assist focused tasks. For the same reason, white and blue lights suppress the synthesis of melatonin (or sleep-inducing chemicals), they are not ideal for winding down and relaxing.
Besides, you should also consider the type of bulb: incandescent/halogen bulbs generally emit a gentle white glow, CFLs give off a lot of blue (though they have developed to encompass a larger variety of hues), and LEDs can cover the full spectrum of color temperature.
As the functions of the bedroom evolve, so does the requirement for adequate lighting to support these tasks. Getting the proper lighting layers, dimmers, and bulbs is a sure-fire method to provide a comfortable lighting environment in your bedroom. So, get creative and select the fixtures you need to create the bedroom lighting design you’re looking for.
Get the Brightness Right
Determining the appropriate quantity of light for a given bedroom may be tricky. To do so, you must have the appropriate quantity of lumens. What is Lumen? Lumens, referred to as the Lumen/Watt ratio (Lm / W), represent the total amount of light given off by a light source, regardless of direction. This metric is particularly useful for assessing the efficiency of a light source.
In this regard, you may also come across the term lux. Simply put, the lux (unit: lx) is the illuminance unit that measures light flux per unit area. It indicates one lumen per square meter. In photometry, it is applied to calculate the intensity of light that hits or passes through a surface as perceived by the human eye.
To acquire the proper light, you must first identify the various places that need to be illuminated. There are some areas that require more lights (such as the kitchen), and for bedrooms and the like, the requirement for lumens is generally less. To get the correct number of lumens for a specific location, you need to split the amount needed across various light sources. Suppose 2500 lumens are what you need, for example, you cannot purchase a single fixture that produces 2500 lumens; to achieve this level, you may need three or four light sources.
The lumens will be determined by a variety of criteria, including the form and size of the space, the ceilings height, the type of lamps, and your demands as a user. Here is a brief guide to assist you:
| Area | Lumens/square meter |
| Bedroom | 300-400 |
| Kitchen | 300-400 |
| Bedroom (task) | 700-800 |
| Kitchen (task) | 700-800 |
| Livingroom | 400-500 |
| Bathroom | 500-600 |
| Bathroom (task) | 700-800 |
| Hallway | 300 |
To determine how many lumens are needed in the bedroom, first determine if it has a desk or large furniture, such as a high drawer. If you have children, they may also spend a significant amount of time in their room studying. In this particular situation, a lot of light is required. We propose a total lumen amount of 2000 to 4000.
According to research, compared to dim light, exposure to room light before bedtime inhibits melatonin, causing a later melatonin onset in 99.0 percent of individuals and a 90-minute reduction in melatonin duration. In addition, exposure to room light during normal sleep hours can reduce melatonin by more than 50% in most (85%) experiments.
（Image source: ResearchGate)
For elders, a sound sleep may be more easily disturbed by various factors, including lights. Therefore, it is recommended to utilize lights that are low in both lx and color temperature to create a cozy and peaceful environment for a solid sleep.
You Don’t Want Direct Light Near Your Bedside
Indirect lighting makes use of a fixture as a light source to spread light beyond a single target object. This is done to give off ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, which assists you in navigating the space and provides a reflective light in the space.
Direct lighting, however, casts lights from the fixture to one or a few desired subjects or areas, that is, straightforward radiation that is designed to help attention-required tasks, such as studying, cooking, and writing.
Generally speaking, indirect lighting should be what you want in your bedroom. Because direct lighting, which emits intense illumination, is best suited for detailed work and productive activities. Utilizing too strong a light may not be a good idea for a place where you want to steam off and rest.
What about indirect lighting? In locations where you want a softer light to relax or establish an atmosphere, for example, bedrooms, indirect lighting is a safe choice. It can brighten the bedroom without projecting a strong light beam. Indirect lighting, which is commonly employed to create atmosphere, typically only adds to the overall brightness of a place.
The Three Parts You Need to Have in Bedroom Lightning
You may add layers to your modern bedroom lighting by using a range of fixtures. Choose complimentary pieces to unite and improve your own environment. Each component contributes to the healing effect of a private sanctuary, including the soft glow from the general lighting to emit lights across the room, task lighting near your bed, from a lamp, and cabinet lights to help you perform specific activities.
General Lighting
In bedrooms, we usually strive for gentle, diffused general lighting and supplement the main lighting source with strategically positioned task lighting for tasks that demand stronger, direct illumination.
The objective of overhead lighting is to provide an even, welcoming light. Use the height of your bedroom’s ceilings to limit down the finest alternatives for the area. A flush mount fixture will illuminate the whole area with diffused light while maintaining a short, ceiling-grazing profile.
Higher ceilings enable more options and larger fixtures. Chandeliers give drama to the modern bedroom while delivering the type of ambient light that is perfect for sleeping comfort. Most chandeliers send light upward, where it is reflected off the ceiling, creating a warm, relaxing glow that spreads across the space.
By adding a floor light, you may visually increase the amount of space in your bedroom. Light up gloomy areas or create a comfortable atmosphere in a sitting area or armchair.
By using a range of fixtures, you may create layers to your modern bedroom lighting. Choose complimentary pieces to unite and enrich your own space. Each component contributes to the restorative effect of a private sanctuary.
Task Lighting
When combined with general lighting, task lighting is perhaps the most essential lighting in your bedroom, since it helps you with the practicalities of everyday living, such as seeing the pieces of clothes in your wardrobe clearly or reading a book before bed. Different lighting choices are available to assist with each activity, therefore it is vital to examine them so that they may be properly integrated into your new bedroom designs.
If you want to unwind after an overwhelming day with a good book, task lighting near your bed is a must. You can choose sconces, low-hanging pendants, wall-mounted spotlights, or bedside lamps, which will necessitate matching bedside tables.
Spotlights are an excellent way to illuminate the contents of your wardrobe. They not only let you see your possessions more clearly, but they also create a welcoming atmosphere when the doors are opened.
Indirect lighting or reading lights can offer a dark and peaceful mood for your bedroom. For areas that require indirect lighting, colored LEDs and fluorescent lamps are both good choices. When it comes to reading lamps, it is recommended to use colored LEDs and low wattage incandescent lamps. Both options on the market offer you a variety of functions. Choose the ones that are dimmable for a more flexible light setting.
Lighting Ideas for Cabinet Areas
Cabinet lighting, one of the most practical lighting solutions available today, refers to light fixtures that are often positioned beneath cabinets, wardrobes, drawers, etc., illuminating the space directly below. These concealed fixtures are able to fit in without being conspicuous or conflicting with current décor. Having one of those is beneficial for folding clothes and sorting out things in a closed-up, dark area. Not only will a cabinet system improve the visibility and general appearance of your room, it is also one of the simplest methods to raise the market value of your house.
In a bedroom, cabinet fixtures can offer perfect task illumination, giving depth, dimension, and visual appeal to a variety of settings as accent lighting, and emphasizing architectural elements such as a cove ceiling. Thus, you never have to worry about not being able to identify your clothes and their colors in a wardrobe. Besides, they can also exhibit things inside a display case.
Specific Suggestions for Bedroom Lighting
1. Dimming incandescent bulbs that can be adjusted to low lx and low color temperature;
2. Add extra fluorescent lamps to reduce the overall color temperature;
3. Dimmable LED lamps
4. Choose lamps with dimmer for easy turn-on/off and dimming while you are lying in bed.
The above suggestions are general principles that are applicable to all lights in a bedroom. To make it more practical for you, we’ll also list a few types of lights for you to consider in your bedroom lighting.
Downlight and Spotlight
Downlights, or pot lights, are a very modern alternative for the bedroom. They perform very well with any ceiling height and provide the appearance that a low ceiling is taller than it is.
•In an average-sized bedroom, your lights should be three to five feet apart. In most cases, four to eight lights are sufficient for usage in the bedroom.
• Lights should be placed around the room’s perimeter, and near most ideally, one or a few of them can be installed near your wardrobes to shine some lights in the darkness when you open the wardrobe.
• Dimmable lights are highly suggested for recessed in the bedroom;
• Create a separate area for reading or sitting with recessed lighting;
• Recessed lighting is also ideal for a walk-in or big closet;
Indirect Lighting & Light Strip
As mentioned above, you can use indirect lighting to reduce shadows and reflected glare. It is ideal for rooms with reflecting surfaces, such as laptops or televisions.
For example, LED strip lighting may be utilized to make a dazzling feature of your closet by tastefully framing it. This may also be utilized to backlight shelves, provide warmth to the interior of your closets, or spotlight mirrors for a stylish dressing room.
Task Lighting & LED Desk Lamp
Task lighting, as aforementioned, illuminates a specific region and aids in the execution of a task, as opposed to ambient lighting. Proper task lighting is an essential and sometimes ignored element of a bedroom environment. It’s a beam that’s focused on the surface, highlighting the region you’re working on.
One example of task lighting is desk lamps to facilitate activities, such as reading, writing, and watching TV, you may choose a light with a dimmer and potentially a more concentrated, regulated beam of light. LED desk lamps provide the most controllable light beams since LED bulbs provide directional light sources.
Nightlight
A nightlight with motion sensor can make it easy to find tissue paper and whatever you need at night. Especially for older folks, a nightlight can always get you prepared for a bathroom run, to get up or go to bed without disturbing your partner.
Colored fluorescent lamps are recommended for night light. If your wardrobe is custom made, put a natural color fluorescent lamp on top of it to emit indirect lighting. Not only will it not be harsh on the eyes, but also ensure enough brightness across the room.
Cabinet Light
To choose the right cabinet lights, there are several things you need to know.
LED Cabinet Lighting
LEDs are energy efficient, low-profile and can endure for many years.
Because of these numerous benefits, there is an increasing number of LED cabinet lights on the market. LEDs are available in numerous colors. For bedroom, using dimmable, colored LED lighting will enable you to better identify the items and dim the lights as you need.
Keep in mind, do not use LED lights that emit infra-red and ultra-violet rays because they can discolor stored clothing.
FLs are more energy efficient than other varieties but may feature a higher profile.
No matter which kind of light bulbs you eventually chose, in general, the light color of the cabinet luminaire is best to be white light closer to the natural light.
Cabinet Lights Set-up
Ensure that the lights installed on top of the wardrobe can illuminate the entire interior of the wardrobe, and the brightness is at around 30lx. You may find it difficult to find the perfect place to install the switch; in this case, use a displacement sensor can help you automatically turn on and off the light when you open and close the cabinet door, a very convenient and practical fixture to make your life easier.
If installed under the partition of your wardrobe, use lights with a high color rendering （a term defining a light source’s capacity to convey color information to human’s eyes when objects are illuminated by that source）.
Echo with Your Home Décor
When installed outside the wardrobe, it is sensible to choose the light color that fits in the overall style of the room lighting.
Alternative Cabinet Lights
You don’t always have to install cabinet lights to brighten up your wardrobes. In fact, you can install downlights somewhere near the door of your wardrobe, so that the light can shine inside the wardrobe when you open the door. Some adjustable double-head downlights, for example, come in different light colors. You may want to choose daytime wear with white lights, and night wears with colored light bulbs.
Examples of Bedroom Lighting Recipes
1. Chandelier + indirect lighting + wall light
On the beams:
Fluorescent tubes as bedroom ceiling lights to illuminate the ceiling
Chandelier that gives off soft light to avoid direct light
Bedside:
Spotlight on the wall that can be adjusted to emit sufficient light to wherever needed
2. Indirect lighting + table lamp
ndirect lighting that illuminates ceilings to give off lights across. the room
Table lamp: small bed-side table lamps to facilitate activities. around the bed area
3. Indirect lighting + downlight + wall light
Indirect lighting that illuminates ceiling and walls, which can give enough brightness to the headboard of your bed
Wall lamp at a height that does not seem intense when you are in bed
4. Downlight + wall light
Downlight: at a position that does not cause glare when you are in bed
Wall light: lights are emitted from both above and below the wall light to acquire indirect lighting
