4 secrets for a well-lit bedroom

There are many aspects to creating a well-lit space, but if you’re unfamiliar with lighting, producing an attractive and practical space can leave you feeling a little bewildered. If you feel like there’s something missing but can’t quite pinpoint it, we can shed some light on the secrets that can help you light up any space in your home:

1. The purpose of the space
2. Lighting zones
3. Light sources
4. Lights that can be dimmed

Let’s get started…

1. The function of the room

One of the most important factors to consider when creating a lighting concept is how you want to use the space. The type of lighting you need depends on how you spend your time in the room and the mood you want to create.

Determine how your lighting could serve you better and start creating plans from there to determine what’s missing from your current lighting system. Here are some tips to get you started:

To get a good night’s sleep, limit your exposure to blue light in the bedroom and avoid bright lights near the bed where you’ll want to rest. It’s best to use a bulb with a low colour temperature, such as an extra warm white bulb.
Consider installing a brighter light in your wardrobe to help you see the colours of clothes more clearly and to help you wake up in the morning getting ready for the day.
Choose a ceiling light with a dimmer switch in the dining room so you can control the brightness and set the mood. Make sure the track lighting doesn’t glare directly into the eyes of those seated at the table.

A combination of ambient and task lighting works best in kitchens. Keep direct lighting flush with the floor, where it will be most useful, for example under cupboards. Everything you need to know about under-cabinet lighting is covered in this article.
Dimmable bathroom lighting is usually the ideal option as it gives you more control, allowing you to cast a soft, pleasant light for relaxing in the bath or a strong light for applying make-up, shaving and other personal care.

2. Zones

Dividing a room into zones, each with its own light sources and controls, is the simplest method of lighting it appropriately. You get several benefits by building zones with lights controlled by different dimmers and switches:

You have more control over the atmosphere of the room and can tailor it to your needs.
Zones produce zone-specific pockets of light, allowing many people in the same room to concentrate on separate tasks without interfering with others.
They save electricity and money by limiting the amount of light to the area where you are working or relaxing.

3. The light source

Lighting a space can make or break it. Now that you’ve determined the function of the room and the lighting zones, it’s time to work out which luminaires and bulbs are right for your needs. You need to choose light fittings and bulbs that will add to the ambience of the room while making it useful and versatile.

Combining several types of lighting fixtures, such as floor lamps, table lamps and ceiling lights, and integrating them into your décor is a wonderful approach to creating a cohesive lighting system that looks good without being confined to a single area of use. Make your choice based on the function of the space and the area – anything that causes eyestrain or weariness should be avoided.

4. Dimmers

Every room, especially those used for a variety of functions, should have a dimmer. A dimmer allows you to change your lighting to suit your specific needs without having to change or add light sources, giving you more flexibility and control. You can also vary your lighting throughout the day with a dimmer switch – try a bright white light in the morning to help you wake up, then switch to a soothing dim light in the evening to help you sleep.