Having the right lighting in a small bedroom is crucial for creating a cozy and inviting space. With the right lighting choices, you can make a small bedroom feel larger, brighter and more functional. Here are some tips on choosing the perfect lighting for a compact bedroom.
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Assess Your Lighting Needs
First, consider how you use your bedroom and what tasks you need lighting for. Do you mainly use the space for sleeping? Or is it also your home office or dressing area? The way you utilize the room should guide your lighting selections.
For sleep, gentle ambient light is ideal so using lamps on nightstands or a low wattage overhead fixture works well. If you read in bed, make sure lamps provide directed task lighting for the activity. For dressing or applying makeup, wall mount adjustable mirrors with built-in lighting help illuminate your face without shadows or glare.
If you use the area as a home office, incorporate task lighting at your desk area for paperwork along with overhead and accent lighting. Properly layered lighting provides both visual comfort and sufficient illumination for different functions.
Maximize Natural Light
Make the most of any available natural light in a small bedroom. Even a bedroom with a small window can benefit from some changes to amplify daylight.
Start by making sure window treatments are light colored and translucent materials like sheers or linen curtains. Avoid dark, opaque window treatments which block natural light. Install curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible to maximize light coming in above the curtain rod. Finally, keep windows clean and free of obstructions to let the sunlight shine in.
Mirror placement is another excellent way to reflect and distribute natural light in a compact bedroom. Try hanging a mirror directly opposite a window so it can catch light and amplify the brightness. Use mirrored closet doors or a mirrored dresser if space allows.
Incorporate Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides soft, general illumination to the entire bedroom. Often, overhead lighting is a main source of ambient light. For small bedrooms, bright overhead lights can create glare and a stark, unpleasant atmosphere. Instead, consider these tips for well-lit ambiance:
- Install dimmable fixtures you can adjust to your liking.
- Choose flush or semi-flush mounted lights which spread light widely across the ceiling.
- Select fixtures with diffusers or frosted lamp shades to diffuse glare.
- Use indirect lighting that points upward and bounces light off the ceiling.
- Place fixtures off center in the room rather than directly overhead.
In addition to the overhead lighting, consider incorporating wall sconces or recessed lights around the room. Spacing ambient lighting out creates even, shadow-free illumination.
Include Task Lighting
While ambient light takes care of overall illumination, you also need task lighting for specific activities like reading in bed. The ideal placement for task lighting is on either side of the bed mounted at eye level for reading in a lying down position.
Wall mounted swing arm lamps work well because they are easily adjustable and focus light right where you need it. Install dimmers so you can adjust the brightness as needed. Position the lamps high enough over nightstands so that they don’t get blocked by objects on the table surface.
If wall space is limited, opt for table lamps with adjustable arms for flexibility. Look for lamps with lamp shades that direct light downward to reduce glare. Using LED bulbs in task lamps provides excellent light quality and energy efficiency.
Don’t Forget Accent Lighting
Accent lighting adds a special decorative touch to a small bedroom. Unlike ambient lighting, it highlights specific areas rather than lighting a space overall. Strategically placed accent lights create visual interest and dimension in a compact room.
Consider using accent lighting to showcase architectural details like tray ceilings or pretty niches. Mini recessed lights built into the ceiling or track lighting are ideal. Wall washing by positioning lights to point up onto a wall adds lovely highlights to textured paint or wallpaper.
You can also use accent lamps to spotlight artwork, sculptures or houseplants. Opt for narrow beam spotlights on artwork to really make it pop. Downlights or directional floor lamps show off potted plants in a corner.
Choose Flattering Lighting
For a bedroom, lighting should not only be functional but also flattering. Harsh overhead lighting can create unbecoming shadows on faces. The warm glow of lamps is more complimentary, especially beside mirrors.
Position lighting so it illuminates you from the front rather than above or behind for the most natural look. Side table lamps by the bed or a vanity allow you to adjust lighting when needed for the best facial illumination.
Soft white 2700K or 3000K light bulbs are the most flattering. Compare this to the harsh 5000K-6500K color temperature range which casts blue-tinted light and exaggerated shadows.
Control Light Levels
The ability to control lighting is key for adjusting to different functions and moods in a bedroom. Add dimmers to overhead fixtures and table and floor lamps so you can alter the ambience for specific needs.
Dimming is ideal for transitioning from bright overhead lights for cleaning to a subdued glow for relaxing. Use a dimmer switch that dims all the lights in the room or individual lamp dimmers as needed.
Layers of lighting also allow you to turn off some sources when less light is required. For example, you can turn off overhead fixtures and use task lighting only when reading before bed. Installation of occupancy sensors, timers and automatic daylight dimming gives you even more ways to control lighting.
Use Energy Efficient Options
When selecting lighting, look for energy efficient options to save on electricity costs. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Choose Energy Star certified LED fixtures and bulbs which are tested for quality and energy efficiency. Look at lumens, not watts, when choosing LED replacements since lumens reflect the true light output.
Also, install lighting controls like occupancy sensors, timers, and photocells to make sure lights aren’t wasting energy when not needed. Smart lighting gives you remote app control for convenience and energy savings from anywhere.
Sample Lighting Layout
Here is an example lighting plan for a 100 square foot bedroom with a queen bed, nightstands, dresser, artwork, and a window on one wall:
- Recessed LED overhead light centered in the room on a dimmer switch
- Swing arm wall lamps above nightstands for reading
- LED strip lighting under the bed for an accent glow
- Recessed spotlights over artwork for accent lighting
- A floor lamp in the corner to provide soft light and highlight plants
This thoughfully layered lighting design provides versatile options for ambient, task, and accent illumination needs in a small bedroom.
Conclusion
With the right lighting choices, small bedrooms can be inviting and functional for rest and relaxation. Start by determining how the space is used and the tasks that require light. Then select energy efficient ambient, task and accent lighting suited for a compact area.
Focus on maximizing natural light and installing fixtures that evenly distribute illumination. Add adjustable task lighting where needed most like next to the bed or a vanity. Finally, use accent lighting sparingly to highlight architectural details and decor. With a well-planned multi-layered lighting scheme, a small bedroom can feel expansive, bright and tranquil.