How to light a bedroom

The Dos and Don'ts of Bedroom Lighting

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, and it should be a place that you feel happy and relaxed. When you’re trying to fall asleep, the last thing you want to do is count the cracks in your ceiling or flick on the harsh overhead light and stir yourself awake, but that’s exactly what can happen if you don’t have the right lighting set up in your bedroom. Here are some light settings to keep in mind as you choose lighting for your bedroom so that you can get the rest you need every night.

Side lamps

Putting a lamp on either side of your bed (one on each nightstand) is an excellent way to fill out a room with ambient light. This works particularly well if you don’t have overhead lighting in your bedroom (it feels more intimate and cosier). If you’re looking for lights for bedroom, remember that these lamps are typically only for decorative purposes, so pick something that looks great but doesn’t have to be powerful or provide too much light.

Wall lights

The right lighting can do wonders for a bedroom. A good general rule is to go with wall lights instead of floor lamps, as they take up less space and make it easier to create ambiance in a smaller room. Wall lights also offer more functionality—perfect for illuminating reading materials or setting a soothing night-light.

Creating Mood with Light

Do incorporate at least one light with a dimmer switch so you can create a romantic or soothing ambiance, just be sure to keep it at a low level. If using decorative lamps or wall sconces to accomplish your lighting goals, ensure that they have enough wattage (100 watts minimum) for functional purposes as well as adequate brightness. Never underestimate how much extra light is needed for reading in bed. If you don’t have ample natural light in your bedroom use a full-spectrum light bulb.

What type of bulb to use?

There are a number of things to consider when it comes to selecting bedroom lighting. The first is whether or not you want a nightlight in your bedroom. There’s nothing like waking up in darkness, and if you have a toddler who refuses to go to sleep, then you may want a light that allows you to navigate through your home with ease. Alternatively, you might want a lamp for reading at night. Consider where these lights will be placed and what type of bulbs will be used for them.