Regardless of whether you retire into a cozy little alcove or the quintessential grand master suite, the odds of your using the bedroom for just slumber are quite low. Dimly lit bedrooms can seem warm and inviting, but hinder other activities like reading. Bedroom lighting can range from the basic to the bold and from dim to the dramatic. Lighting has moved away from its conventional use and is being adjusted to suit the modern preferences. Clean, simple and elegant is in. There is a shift towards a simplified yet sophisticated design that combines lighting and architecture.
The lines are blurring between what’s suitable for places of recreation versus places of work. People are keen to create spaces that are more relaxed and appealing.
There is also an emphasis on lowering their carbon footprint and working with local products and designers wherever possible.
This has led to their being more open to customised lighting solutions. Cove lighting is a current trend and using LED technology is also being preferred.
Overall, lighting designs being chosen today are creative, aesthetically pleasing and easier on the budget.
It’s important to understand that one of the key elements in homes with various forms of lamps, pendant lights and chandeliers is ambient lighting that helps improve the way the interiors look. Good lighting can make or break interior design.
Be size wise
Before buying bedroom lighting, first determine the size of your room, take note of your room dimensions along with outlet locations and furniture placement and submit this to a lighting showroom.
The experts there can help you fill the room with the right kind of lighting.
the right height
It is very important to pay due attention to scale to ensure that the lighting in balanced.
Bedrooms typically have 8 or 9 ft tall ceilings.
Avoid fixtures with longer bodies in favour of shorter or flush-mounted fixtures. You want a certain level for reading and enough lighting for dressing. You also need light that is high enough to reach all the areas.
Ambient glow
Decide what you want to do in the room, then choose the appropriate lighting.Home computers, sewing machines and reading nooks in the bedroom need directed lighting. Sitting areas beg for softer, shaded fixtures while vanity units demand brighter light.
The brighter side
Avoid shades on lamps or lights that are too opaque, otherwise your bedroom will be too dark. The fixtures may look nice, but the light will not be functional.
When buying a table lamp, opt for one with a softly diffused shade. Spend a moment to see how you turn it on and off to make sure it is not going to be too difficult to manage when you are in bed.
Mind the Location
Don’t install lights directly over the bed. You will tend to look up at them while you are in bed. Indirect and soft lighting is preferrable.
Invest in More
No single source of light is as visually comfortable as a combination of portable lamps and installed lighting. Too much light in one place is unpleasant and glaring. It’s better to use more light sources of lower wattage.
Build the mood
A strong dose of ambience is also important in the bedroom and a brighter idea would be to install dimmers on lights for altering effect. Softer or colored light bulbs can also change a room’s mood.
Closet
conditions
There are few things that are more frustrating than dark closets. Closets need good light. Also be careful not to put a hot light bulb near delicate clothes.
Attach a closet light 12-inches from the edge of the rod or upper-shelf. I favor fluorescent lights because they provide lots of light, are cooler, save energy and can be concealed behind the header of the door.
Bedside reading
Portable reading lights set on nightstands offer book lovers flexibility. The guiding principle in buying reading lamps should be the ability to adjust the light to your taste, either by swiveling or moving its arm. They should also be well-shielded so you don’t see the bulb and you are able to read without bothering your partner.
Lighting controls located at the middle of the headboard allow you to turn off a snoozing partner’s reading light without disturbing him/her.
Control power
Imagine pushing a bedside button and turning the lights on or off. There are gadgets to turn off lights with an infrared remote like you use for your TV and lighting experts can help you choose one.
— Radeesh R Shetty
is the founder of The Purple Turtles