What is the Best Way to Light a Bedroom?

As you work on creating the ultimate sanctuary, you may be wondering, what is the best way to light a bedroom?

As the place where you start and end each day, your bedroom deserves some extra attention when it comes to illumination. Proper lighting can transform this personal space and make it more comfortable and functional.

Read on as FCI designers weigh in on the top factors to keep in mind when looking for bedside lamps, sconces, overhead fixtures, and more.

1. Outline your needs

Before you begin your shopping, consider the different activities that you will carry out in your bedroom.

Will you need task lighting for your desk? Vanity lighting for your makeup routine? An accent light over your dressing area?

Layering light fixtures based on the function of your space can help create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Keep in mind that your bedroom should be a place for rest, so prioritise lighting solutions that reflect that.

2. Layer

For the best lighting scheme, be sure to incorporate different layers.

A good starting point is to have a main light source, such as an overhead light or chandelier, and then add accent lighting in strategic areas of the room. This can help create a warm, inviting atmosphere and can be achieved with bedside table lamps, wall sconces, or pendant lights. You may also want to include task lighting at any desks or vanities in your bedroom.

Another thing to consider when selecting lighting fixtures is the direction in which the light will flow. A combination of uplights, such as lamps or sconces, and downlights, like recessed cans or ceiling lights, can help create a balanced, comfortable lighting environment. Just be sure to position the downlights away from your eyes to avoid glare.

3. Consider the temperature

When designing the lighting for your bedroom, it's important to consider the type of light bulbs you'll be using. Choosing light bulbs with a warm or neutral white temperature can help create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom. It's also a good idea to select bulbs with a similar colour temperature to avoid any clashes.

Our designers recommend a colour temperature between 2,700 and 3,000K, which is often associated with incandescent bulbs. Cooler-temperature bulbs should be avoided, as they can give off daylight or a clinical feel. If you're using LED bulbs, look for ones with temperature adjustment options.

Additionally, be sure to use lower-light bulbs in lamps to avoid any fire hazards, and never modify lights by draping fabric over lampshades.

4. Think about your main light

As for selecting a ceiling light for your bedroom, there are a few things to consider.

First, think about the type of lighting you want in the room. If you’re aiming for ambient light, choose a more decorative ceiling light or opt for recessed cans or track lighting. If your main ceiling light is the only source of light in the room, find a fixture that throws light in multiple directions.

The height of your ceiling will also play a role in your lighting selection. For shorter ceilings (2,4 metres or less), a flush mount light may be the best option. Ceilings that are 2,7 metres or higher can typically accommodate a semi-flush mount, and higher or vaulted ceilings offer the most flexibility, allowing you to choose from a wider range of fixtures such as chandeliers.

5. Add bedside lighting

Bedside lamps are an essential element of bedroom lighting, as they provide luminance for a variety of activities such as getting ready for bed, waking up in the morning, and reading.

Table lamps are a classic choice, but if there’s no room or you don't have a nightstand, wall sconces can be a stylish and space-saving alternative. When installing sconces on either side of the bed, aim to position them at a height of 140 to 150 cm from the floor, and consider the placement of the switch if the sconces have one.

Pendant lights can also be a stylish choice for bedside lighting, but be sure to choose one that provides adequate light. Brands like Artemide and FCI Custom Lighting offer a range of contemporary options that are ideal for bedroom use.

6. Make dimmers a must

Dimmers are an important tool for creating the perfect lighting environment in your bedroom. Whether installed on switches or controlled through apps, they give you the ability to adjust the brightness of your lights to suit your needs.

Not only will dimmers help create a more comfortable bedroom, but they can also save energy by allowing you to regulate light intensity.

7. You will need night lights

It's important to have the right lighting for nighttime wake-ups, as too bright of a light can cause your eyes to struggle to adjust, creating safety issues and signalling to your brain that it's time to be awake. On the other hand, if the light is too dim, you may risk falling back asleep.

To ensure you have the right lighting for these occasions, consider using built-in nightlights or installing tape lighting with a motion sensor. Plug-in nightlights can also be a helpful solution for safely navigating your bedroom at night.

8. Remember the dressing area

Recessed downlights are a practical choice for lighting a dressing room, but it's important to use them sparingly to avoid spoiling a beautiful ceiling. Instead, try positioning them strategically in front of wardrobes to shine a light inside, or consider wiring a strip of LEDs inside the cabinet that can be activated by a switch when the doors are opened.

To maximise the functionality of your dressing room lighting, install dimmers on all your lights and switches at the bedside and the door. Lamps should be on a 5-amp circuit to ensure proper lighting.

9. Incorporate lights into joinery

An often overlooked way to add accent lighting to your bedroom is to incorporate it into your joinery, such as under-cupboard lights in shelving or LED contour strips under bedside tables.

These solutions will add a modern touch to your bedroom and can be used to highlight certain objects or create a floating effect.

Another idea is to install a floor washer near the entrance to the bathroom. This can help you navigate your way at night without having to turn on bright overhead lights.

In Conclusion

The key to a well-lit bedroom is to introduce multiple layers that integrate both ambient, decorative and task lighting seamlessly. Never underestimate the quality of good lighting – it is just as crucial to your well-being and preservation of eyesight, as it is to aesthetics.

We recommend chatting with our lighting experts who will help you create a cohesive scheme for not just your bedrooms but for your entire home.

You can also find aesthetic inspiration by having a look at all our latest projects. We’ve been designing beautiful interiors for happy customers for over three decades and are excited to share our expertise.