Bedroom lighting should create a relaxing, welcoming ambiance and also be practical for different times of the day.
There’s an array of designs on the market that inject a decorative touch into bedroom schemes for an interior that is as luxurious as it is inviting.
With lighting playing such an influential part in the overall scheme, Phoebe Oldrey – founder of Smartstyle Interiors and an associate of both the Society of British and International Design and the British Institute of Interior Design – offers her expert tips on bedroom lighting.
1. Bedrooms have a lot of demands placed on them because of their various functions – foremost a place to sleep and relax but also a place for us to prepare for the day and to get dressed. The best way to make one room create all these moods is by using layers of light.
2. Ambient light is the general light that washes the room. I favour downlighters for this as they give an even light.
The rule of thumb for fitting is leaving a space of one metre between each downlight and only fit downlighters with white surrounds. The aim of downlights is to disappear. Chrome or brass ones will stand out.
3. The next layer is task lighting, for example bedside lamps and dressing table lights.
A light that comes from the side is more flattering than light from above or below, which highlights any wrinkles on your face, so a wall or table lamp at a dressing table is the best way to go here.
4. Finally it’s time to have fun with your accent lighting, which you can use to emphasise certain aspects of your room and add drama.
Even though your table lamps can do this, it’s great to bring in more elements.
Custom shelving can become very dramatic with integrated lighting. A great and affordable way to bring focus to a corner is a display of decorative lights such as white fairy lights in a large glass bowl, and placed in an unusual space, such as under a dressing table.
