What type of lighting is best for bedrooms

The bedroom is a really important place, especially when it comes to how we feel. It's like our own special sanctuary where we go to relax, rest, and feel refreshed. The kind of lighting we have in our bedroom can make a big difference to how comfortable and happy we are. It's not just about making it look nice; it's about creating an atmosphere that helps us sleep well, be productive, and feel renewed. So, choosing the right lighting is key to turning your bedroom into a peaceful haven where you can truly unwind and recharge.

Using soft, warm lighting in your bedroom creates a cozy and welcoming feel while bright and vibrant lighting can add energy and make the space more lively. 

Getting the right balance of lighting in your bedroom can help regulate your body's internal clock. One way to do this is by using lighting that imitates the patterns of natural daylight. This can improve the quality of your sleep, make you feel more alert during the day.

In this guide, we explore the important factors to keep in mind when selecting bedroom lighting, allowing you to unlock a world of possibilities. With a simple flip of a switch, you can transform your space into a peaceful sanctuary or a lively oasis that perfectly suits your preferences and needs. It's all about creating a bedroom that reflects your unique style and provides the ambiance you desire.

1. Consider functionality based on sizes and purposes

'The optimal lighting for a bedroom is influenced by its size and the number of purposes it serves.' says Katie Lion, experienced interior designer at Kitesgrove

For small space, consider using recessed lights, and pendants to save space, while providing general illumination. Recessed lights are set into the ceiling, and blend seamlessly with the ceiling surface, this minimalistic design helps create an uncluttered and spacious look in the room. Pendants, on the other hand, can be best placed on the bedside for ample table surface space. Large bedrooms call for a combination of different forms of lighting. For example, install a floor lamp next to your armchair, while task lighting is suitable for illuminating areas, like desks or wardrobes.

Small bedroom lighting

Find this small 1-bedroom apartment on New York Habitat that really utilizes recessed lightings to save space

Grand bedroom lighting

 This grand bedroom utilizes three sources of lighting, two bedside lamps for reading, recessed lighting for general illumination, and finally a chandelier with metallic finishes to add a touch of modern glam

Now, let's talk about the functions of each bedroom, and which type of lighting is best for each room function. Regular bedroom calls for ceiling-mounted fixtures to provide general ̃even lighting. Install table lamps, or wall-mounted swing-arm lamps to provide essential task lighting to reading, studying corner in your bedroom. If you have a large closet in the bedroom, install LED strip lights for better illumination, so it's more convenient to find something to wear in there. 

Lastly, LED neon signs are perfect if you want to install mood lighting, while being able to personalize your space in your way. Customize name neon sign to add a sense of character to your space, or display quote and any images to your liking. LED neon sign will add a special glow in bright neon to anything you want to display on the walls. 

Custom name neon sign for bedroom

Custom name neon sign for bedroom

Want to find out which color neon is perfect for your bedroom, check this out:

2. Layer lighting for a warm atmosphere

Layer lighting is an important technique most lighting designers use not only to provide task-specific illumination, but also enhance the visual appeal of a room. 

The most common way to layer lighting is to combine ambient and task lighting. Let ambient lighting be the primary source of overall illumination in the room. Install ceiling-mounted fixtures such as flush-mount or semi-flush-mount lights to provide a soft and diffused glow, evenly illuminating the space. Incorporate task lighting, like bedside table lamps or wall-mounted swing-arm lamps for specific activities such as reading, studying, or working in bed. This layer focuses on providing targeted and brighter lighting where needed, and can be adjusted and positioned to provide optimal lighting for specific tasks.

Layer lighting in bedroom

This bedroom applies two lighting fixtures, bedside lamps and ceiling mounted fixtures, along with maximizing natural light sources through window blinds

 Another layer lighting method is combine ambient and accent lighting. Integrate overhead pendant lights, chandeliers, or recessed lights  with adjustable wall sconces, picture lights, or track lighting to accentuate artwork, architectural elements, or decorative objects. These accent lights draw attention to focal points and add a touch of sophistication to the overall lighting design.

3. How to choose the right bulbs

It's easy to get carried away with the aesthetic look of a lighting fixture, be it a floor lamp or pendant when you buy lighting fixtures, but in fact the bulb is the one with the most power. 

Oftentimes, when buying light bulbs for bedroom, people often make the mistakes of choosing the wrong temperature, or bulbs without dimmable functions. 

Bedrooms often benefit from warm and soft lighting to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. So look for bulbs with a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K, which emit warm or soft white light similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. Besides, choose bulbs that are specifically labeled as dimmable, and ensure they are compatible with your dimmer switch if you have one.

When choosing bulb types, opt for LED bulbs as Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of NYC studio Arsight says 'LED bulbs are a popular choice thanks to their longevity and energy efficiency.'

One more tip is to choose warm white light for bedside lamps, and cool white for areas that need accurate color rendering, like dressing table and vanity. 

4. Dimmer switches

Make sure you choose lighting fixtures that come with dimmer switches as they allow you to directly control the ambiance, and create the desired mood. Whether you want a bright and energizing atmosphere for reading and working or a soft and relaxing glow for relaxation, dimmers allow you to set the lighting level to your preference.

Dimmers can create a romantic and intimate setting in the bedroom. By lowering the lights to a soft and warm glow, you can set the mood for special occasions or enhance the overall ambiance for a more romantic atmosphere.

5. Balance artificial and natural light

Shaun Martin, a real estate professional and CEO of We Buy Houses, Denver suggests 'Improving your bedroom lighting is also about making the most of natural light during the day. It can help wake you up in the morning and make you feel happier. If you can, keep your windows uncovered or add skylights to let in more natural light. This will create a nice balance between brightness and the overall atmosphere of your room.'

Balance natural and artificial light

Maximizing natural light in the bedroom does wonders for your health

6. Personalize lighting fixtures

 The right lighting fixtures will allow the owner to show off their personality, and thus creating a unique-looking ambiance for their bedroom. Here's a few examples on how lighting fixtures help you personalize your space.

While an exposed bulb pendant light with metal accents and a vintage-inspired design reflects an industrial chic style, a minimalist pendant light with clean lines, natural materials like wood or woven elements, and a soft color palette embodies a Scandinavian style known for its simplicity and functionality.

Speaking of table lamps, if you're a traditional gal, a table lamp with a ornate base, a pleated or tasseled lampshade, and a refined color scheme would be a good fit for your bedroom. A sleek and streamlined table lamp with a minimalist design, clean shapes, and a monochromatic color palette, on the other hand, represents a modern and minimalist style.

Check out top 26 lighting ideas for bedroom:

A wall sconce with a sleek and geometric design, metallic finishes, and adjustable features complements a contemporary and sophisticated style whereas a wall sconce made of natural materials like wood or wrought iron, with a warm-toned lampshade or Edison bulb, adds a touch of rustic warmth to the room.

Last, but not least, if you're someone bold, and love making statement in the bedroom, custom neon sign would be perfect match for you. Consider customizing your name neon sign, or browse through our neon signs for bedroom for extra cool signs to elevate your bedroom.