Contemporary Bedroom: How to Properly Light It

bedroom wall

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Since we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, it’s essential that our bedrooms are well-designed, comfortable and serene so that we can fully relax and recharge for the challenges each new day brings.

One of the important aspects of a bedroom design is the lighting and to get it right means you’ll be able to create a space pleasant enough to rest at night and relax during the day. Here are several lighting tips to help you properly illuminate your bedroom.

1. Bedroom Lighting Basics

At the very beginning, you need to decide on the type of light bulb you want to use and depending on its intensity and colour it emits, you can create a positive or negative effect. It’s recommendable you get between 2000 and 4000 lumens for your bedroom, which indicates the brightness level, but this is quite subjective as it changes depending on your preferred bedroom ambiance.

As for the colour of light, if you opt for incandescent or halogen lights, you’ll have a soft white glow, CFLs will diffuse a lot of blue and LEDs can cover the colour temperature spectrum. White and blue light promotes alertness and it’s great for directed lighting that supports your focused activity, while warmer coloured light aids your melatonin production and is best for bedroom activities such as relaxing or reading.

The best way to go is to layer the lights as this will allow you to get the best effect. This really means you need to strike the right balance between ambient, task and accent lighting and when you do, you’ll be able to customize the lighting to any activity you engage in.

2. Ambient Lighting

Elk Lighting 57027/4 Diffusion Collection 4 Light Chandelier, Oil Rubbed Bronze

To achieve the layered effect, start with general lighting that will form the foundation. Ambient lighting starts with natural lights that comes in through your windows with the addition or typical artificial lighting from the ceiling fixtures and floor lamps. This is what you need for regular daily activities such as making the bed and cleaning the room.

It’s essential you have a solid foundation if you want to achieve any additional effect, so make sure you consult professionals on what is the best layout for effective and elegant lighting. For instance, this Brisbane-based electrician installs a vast range of electrical components, lighting fixtures and safety devices, so you can find exactly what fits your needs and preferences.

3. Task Lighting

Lepro LED Desk Lamp for Home Office, 9W Metal Computer Desk Light, Touch Control Desktop Lamp Dimmable, 3 Color Modes, 5 Brightness Level, Eye Caring Natural Light Task Lamp for Reading, Study, Crafts

For performing activities that require your focused attention, such as applying make-up or reading, you should layer your general lighting with task lights. This does not necessarily mean using only a traditional desk lamp. You can also install sconces, wall-mounted task lights and nightstand lamps or low hanging pendants. Basically, you can use any type of light source that will provide sufficient light for sustained concentration.

4. Accent Lighting

LED Wireless Spotlight, Battery Operated Lights with Remote Control, Dimmable Mini Accent Lighting for Picture Closet Artwork (Black)

Accent lighting is principally used to draw attention on specific features in a room, such as your favourite artwork. In a bedroom, accent lighting is actually a more subtle version of ambient lighting that gives off a pleasant glow and creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. Most popular ways to use accent lighting in bedroom is recessed lights that give you wide creative freedom concerning their number and position.

5. Light Dimmers

Lutron Credenza Plug-In Dimmer for Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs, TT-300H-WH, White

Many designers state that lighting dimmers are important practical tool to regulate bright light sources in accordance with your current mood. By dimming the lights, you can easily transition into a more relaxed sleep mode and wake up more gradually in the morning.

In the more general scheme of lighting design, dimmers bring in more depth and dimension to a room and allow more options. Choosing between full brightness and low lighting, you can accommodate various lighting needs and set any mood you desire.

As our bedrooms evolve and become multifunctional spaces, the need for proper lighting has to follow and support all those functions. By layering your light sources that range from general, ambient, task and accent lighting, you can achieve the desired balance and create a pleasant and comfortable setting in your bedroom. All you need is to get creative and follow the design tips listed here until you achieve the effect you want.