Bedroom Lighting Ideas

4A-P/Up-Down Light Powerhouse Pendant

Sleeping Reading Dressing Watching TV Reading Creating a mood

Add to this the possibility of two people doing completely different things - for example one reading whilst the other sleeps - and the complexity of the task is obvious.

The main advice for lighting the bedroom is flexibility. No form of lighting is perect for all the room's functions, so try to allow for different levels of light for different purposes. bear in mind the occupant of the bedroom - ideal levels of lighting for children, teens and adults will vary in the same way as other bedroom furniture choices.

A dimmer light is worth considering for the main room light. This can be kept low most of the time but turned up high for cleaning, etc. But try not to rely on a single light source, instead create different lighting zones for different functions.

Reading is an obvious example. You'll want more light - and more direct light - when reading in bed than when watching TV. If you have a partner you'll probably want separate reading lights. Try to buy ones that have a small lighting area so that you don;' distrurb each other. And even if you don't have a partner, maybe the person who buys your house next will - would a small extra investment now in fixtures and fittings make it easier to sell later?

Downlighting, either from a tall lampstand or the recessed ceiling fixture, can be effective at providing isolated pools of light. For example, if you want to provide brighter lighting for dressing without waking a sleeping partner.

The ability to move lights around is also something to consider. Sooner or later you'll probably want to change the layout and design of the room. Will your lighting choices help or hinder that? Portable lamps are more flexible than fixed units, however be careful not to leave trailing cords that could be dangerous in the dark.

For those dark winter mornings you might want to consider a dawn simulator alarm clock.

Don't forget to make sure that the insides of your cupboards are sufficiently well lit. Hunting around in the wardrobe early in the morning is frustrating enough at the best of times, especially if you can't see well! Be sure to choose a safe option that isn't going to cause a fire by coming into contact with clothes. One idea would be to consider some of the low level battery lights designed for lighting the inside of closets etc.

As always, safety is paramount. Read and follow all the manufacturer's instructions and have all electrical fixures professionally installed.