The bedroom is not a room for prying eyes. No guests come here; comfort and tranquility reign here. And just as the interior of a bedroom should be conducive to relaxation, lighting in the bedroom should perform certain functions: soothe and relax in the evening, and invigorate and awaken in the morning.
Modern wall lamps in the bedroom
Bedroom lighting options can be very diverse. If for a small attic bedroom with a low ceiling one ceiling or wall lamp at the head of the bed is enough, then large, spacious bedrooms require a completely different approach to their lighting.
Unusual chandelier in the bedroom
What is special about spotlights?
The ceilings with spotlights in the bedroom are a suspended structure. A special polyvinyl chloride film is used between the plasterboard frame. It allows you to hide the connections between the electrical wiring and the lighting point.
Experts identify several illumination schemes. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the advantages of stretch fabric in the design of a modern bedroom.
They are as follows:
- During the installation process, you will not need to use construction equipment for cutting grooves. Electrical wiring is carried out according to the type of wall-mounted installation. For work, a special corrugated pipe is used, which allows you to isolate the electrical wire from contact with the film. The advantage of this method is the ability to transfer light points to another part of the room. In addition, you can turn them on and check their performance;
- Glossy ceiling models allow you to visually increase the distance from the ceiling to the floor. In this way, it is possible to erase the edges in the sleeping area.
- Experts highlight a number of significant disadvantages of such structures in the recreation area. They are as follows:
- When choosing a stretch ceiling in a bedroom with spotlights, you must first prepare a diagram for the location of light points. The fact is that after installing the polyvinyl chloride film, it is impossible to move the light bulbs. To do this, you will need to completely change the lighting plan;
- The film on a stretch ceiling cannot withstand overheating. For this, it is recommended to use LED light bulb models. Halogen can cause deformation of the decorative coating;
- A large number of lighting points will require significant financial costs.
Design for a small bedroom
When choosing lighting for a small bedroom, it is worth remembering the main thing: a single light source narrows the space even more, creating dark corners, which means multi-level lighting cannot be neglected.
Lighting options in a small bedroom are limited by space, but not by imagination.
The photo shows a small bedroom in a minimalist style with a ceiling that has been visually raised using lighting.
The artificial lighting scenario in a small bedroom is not much different from standard recommendations. The only requirement is the absence of large chandeliers. Thanks to spotlights, flat chandeliers and transparent shades, a cramped bedroom will look much more spacious.
The photo shows a compact attic, not overloaded with light sources. A modest lamp is placed on the beam, and the headboard is complemented by two table lamps.
When will you need a chandelier?
Most stylistic trends include a central point. It is made in the form of a volumetric or multi-level chandelier. Modern models of spotlights can significantly save financial costs on electrical energy consumption.
LED lamps are distinguished by their long service life and minimal energy consumption. They do not heat up or deform. In addition, they are recommended to be chosen for tension and plasterboard structures.
The presence of a central chandelier is necessary when the bedroom area exceeds 20 sq.m. As a rule, it is supplemented with 5-6 light points. Experts recommend providing several levels of light.
For example, you can use a chandelier to read a book, or use spotlights to create a romantic atmosphere.
What color of light to choose for the bedroom
Before buying lamps, you need to think about the color temperature of the light - a characteristic of the intensity of radiation from the lamps. This indicator is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and is indicated on the packaging of lighting fixtures. To properly organize lighting (article on how to organize lighting correctly), it is important to choose a shade of light: neutral, cold or warm. Let's discuss the details of each option.
Warm light
The warm color of the glow has an unobtrusive yellowish tint. Such lighting in the bedroom gives coziness and comfort, relaxes and induces sleep. It is better to choose warm light for ceiling fixtures - then the radiation will be evenly distributed throughout the room.
Cold light
Cold light, depending on the intensity of radiation, has a blue or blue tint. Designers do not recommend overusing such lighting in the bedroom, because it is more invigorating than calming. If you like a cool glow, you can use it to highlight local areas. It is better to choose lamps with a slight bluish tint - too intense blue light will make the room uncomfortable.
Neutral light
The neutral white hue of the glow is reminiscent of natural sunlight. This is a great option for organizing basic lighting in the bedroom. For variety, you can add multi-colored lighting and, if necessary, quickly change the ambience in the room.
Warm light in the bedroom
Neutral light in the bedroom
Cold light in the bedroom
How to choose LED lamps
Before purchasing spotlights, you need to consider several important criteria that help you purchase quality products. They are as follows:
- Particular attention must be paid to the matrix. It should operate from an electrical voltage of 220 W. 12 volt models require additional installation of special power supplies. They help distribute the electrical flow evenly to all light points;
- When purchasing, it is recommended to take into account the strength of the luminous flux. Models with a cool spectrum shine much brighter, but produce light with a blue-green tint. Professional designers recommend choosing spotlights with warm light that study yellow-red rays;
- Consider the warranty period. On average, one spotlight can last from 1 to 6 years. Performance qualities directly depend on power fluctuations and proper installation of spots.
Features of the selection of lighting fixtures
When choosing lamps for the bedroom, you must keep in mind the area of the room. In addition, the need for several lighting scenarios - general, local and decorative - should be taken into account.
Here is an example of combined lighting: you can hang a classic chandelier on the ceiling, attach an LED strip around the perimeter of the bed, and place bedside lamps for the bedroom on the bedside tables next to it.
How to arrange the spot diagram
The correct placement of spotlights in the bedroom allows you to compensate for the lack of light. We suggest using simple schemes for uniform distribution of light flux.
It is as follows:
- Two spots at the head of the bed will not be enough. The fact is that spotlights with cold light irritate visual function. Experts recommend using additional bedside sconces or floor lamps;
- In the dressing room area you need to use 3-4 points. Daylight can reveal all external imperfections on clothing. The presence of bright light will allow timely detection of various defects;
- For women, the dressing table area is of particular importance. The luminous flux in this place should have cold lighting, which is similar to a daytime installation. Thanks to this, the makeup will turn out natural and without errors.
We offer detailed drawings with different options for the location of spotlights. Experts identify several common schemes.
They are as follows:
- Square. In this case, light spots will be located along the entire perimeter of the ceiling at an equal distance;
- Oval. Here spotlights are located around the central chandelier;
- Arcs. In this case, a chandelier is used, from which smooth lines begin to form;
- Parallels. They represent two lines that are parallel to each other. This type of lighting is often used in the construction of a stretch ceiling, in which the central part is decorated with decorative film. Uniform distribution of light flux allows you to highlight the beauty of the decoration in the room.
Lighting options
Let's take a closer look at the ways to use lighting fixtures, and also get acquainted with original bedroom lighting ideas.
Central lighting
General (or central) light is represented not only by a chandelier. Modern interiors can only get by with spotlights or pendant lamps on a long cord. But this approach requires professionalism.
The geometric center of the room is considered the most correct location for the chandelier. The best option for the bedroom is indirect diffused light that does not hit the eyes.
Not even the brightest chandelier can cope with lighting a bedroom alone: the space will seem boring, uneven, and the textures in the far corners of the room will be blurry. That is why additional lamps are needed at other levels.
The photo shows a modern bedroom interior, the general lighting of which is represented by a chandelier, and additional lighting by table lamps and pendant lamps.
Illumination of functional areas
Organizing local lighting requires thoughtfulness on the part of the bedroom owner. It is worth deciding in advance in which places you will need lamps.
The bedside area is the second most important after central lighting. In bed you can read books, work on a laptop, chat and get ready for bed. In addition to wall sconces, designers often use pendant lamps, as well as spots and floor lamps. Table lamps are also popular - they are successfully used not only in the work area, but also near the bed.
The photo shows a cozy bedside area with illuminated shelves and headboard.
If you plan to store things in the bedroom (in a dressing room or closet), you should think about lighting these areas. It will save time and nerves if two people live in a room and get up at different times of the day.
It is also recommended to illuminate the installed dressing table, because natural light is not always available. Devices with soft light without shadows or contrasts should be located on both sides of the mirror at eye level. To avoid distorting your complexion, you should choose white shades.
The photo shows a bedroom, the light and design of which is thought out to the smallest detail. The bedside area is illuminated by two types of lamps. The desktop and the place where personal belongings are stored have their own light sources.
Zoning with light not only adds coziness, but also saves energy. If possible, it is worth installing dimmers that regulate the light level.
In the photo, local lighting for a loft-style bedroom is represented by table lamps and a floor lamp.
Decorative
The purpose of such lighting is to decorate the bedroom and create the right atmosphere. Can be highlighted:
- The ceiling, simulating a starry sky, or place the LED strip around the perimeter, visually deepening the top of the room.
- The floor, highlighting the bed and creating the effect of a “floating” structure.
- Walls, decorating them with a luminous composition.
- Open furniture with shelves, highlighting your favorite collections.
- Paintings or posters, thereby turning them into a work of art.
By playing with light, you can create an original, memorable and at the same time functional interior.
In the photo there is a triptych of graphic paintings, illuminated by spots: this technique turns the drawings into a work of art.
Photo of spotlights in the bedroom
Choosing lighting for glossy stretch ceilings
This type of suspended ceilings consists of a fabric that has a mirror effect.
When using even a small light source, it will be scattered across the surface, and thereby visually increase the space.
This type of suspended ceilings is used more often in small rooms, as well as in those rooms with low ceilings.
Thanks to the incredibly diverse palette, you can choose the color of suspended ceilings that will suit you perfectly.
When using glossy ceilings, the room becomes airier, and lighting helps make the room spacious.
How to “beat” single-level ceilings
Such ceilings are a single piece, which is placed at the same level along its entire length, parallel to the main ceiling. They are well suited for laconicly decorated bedrooms in art deco or loft style.
In this case, it is worth choosing a matte textile coating, all because it looks unobtrusive and serves as a noteworthy detail in any interior.
It can be either plain or decorated with charming patterns or designs.
This ceiling looks incredibly cool, as if it “flows” onto one of the walls. This move allows you to erase the boundaries of space, making it deeper and truly unique.
To prevent the covering from looking boring and ordinary, you should take care of an interesting lampshade that will decorate the ceiling. It can be round or dome-shaped, decorated with fringe, painting, and stained glass.
This solution will turn a standard ceiling into a successful background, against which all the colors look amazing, and the lines and details are clear and graphic.
What to consider at the lighting planning stage
The room definitely needs adjustable light to increase or decrease the illumination if necessary. If it is a small room, install a switch with a regulator, another option is a ceiling and bedside light.
If the bedroom windows face north or west, the lack of light in the morning can disrupt the natural rhythm of a person’s life.
When lighting a dressing table, the source should be positioned so that it is not reflected in the mirror or hurts the eyes. As additional lighting, it is convenient to place lamps in cabinets and deep bedside tables. It is worth thinking about bedside lamps; it is better to choose rotating ones to change the direction of the beam.
The number of lighting fixtures depends on what exactly the owner plans to do in the bedroom: whether an office will be organized in it.
Important! Indicator lights for household appliances or dim night lights help you navigate your space without turning on the electricity.
Light as an indicator of natural biorhythms
The bedroom is a place where a person relaxes and truly rests. People come there to relax after a working day, or take a nap after lunch. They rest in the evenings, when everyone has already gone to their rooms.
The light should not irritate, but at the same time, it should be enough for a comfortable continuation of the evening. In addition, the light control should be convenient enough so that you can turn the lighting on or off very quickly.
The main factors when planning bedroom lighting are the level of light, general light, low light and the type of lamps. However, first things first.
In the case when the window openings of the bedroom “look” to the east, the sun (a natural “alarm clock”) will awaken you with the first morning rays. Windows that face west, on the contrary, can disrupt your rhythm of life. Take these nuances into account when building a house or planning rooms in an apartment.
In the evening, lighting should have a relaxing effect, so it is worth installing lamps not with daylight, but with a warm glow, the color temperature of which is no more than 2800 K. The lamps that everyone is familiar with just shine with such a soft light, setting the mood for complete relaxation and rest. Among energy-saving and LED lamps there are also examples with warm light.
Choosing the right lamps is a much more serious matter than it might seem at first glance. After all, fluorescent light bulbs will not contribute to complete relaxation at the end of the working day. It’s all to do with how our brain reacts to this or that glow, stimulating or calming nervous processes in the body. Often the bedroom is used for several purposes at the same time. And each of them requires special lighting.
Buy lamps in which you can easily adjust the light intensity. Also consider the consistency and ease of use of all lighting fixtures. If you want to change the lighting without leaving the couch, pay attention to models equipped with a remote control.
For evening reading, hang a pair of sconces on the sides of the bed, and to create a calm environment before bed, place a floor lamp with a beautiful lampshade made of dense materials. Today the choice of chandeliers is huge and varied. You can purchase lamps not only in accordance with the saturation of the luminous flux, but also its direction.
Advice! Give preference to models with rotating shades, because diffused and side light is much safer for vision than bright and downward-directed light.
