8 Smart Tips to Improve Your Bedroom Lighting

You use your bedroom for many different things other than sleeping, which is why it's necessary to find the perfect lighting to suit your different needs. You can go from something simple to sophisticated, classic to modern; something that will give you the right illumination as well as improve the overall ambience. Transform your sanctuary with proper bedroom lighting; you'd be surprise at the great difference it makes!

Wondering where to start? Choose the right bedroom lighting style by following these tips:

Eyes on the size:

The first thing you need to do is to determine the size of your bedroom. Consider outlet locations and furniture placement as you take the room measurements. This give you an idea on how to fill important areas with the right kind of lighting.

Don't bail on scale:

Keeping height in mind helps you choose the perfect lighting. Bedrooms usually have lower ceilings, which means you should avoid fixtures with longer bodies. Flush-mount lights are perfect for central lighting, as they fill bigger areas in the room.

Be open to variety:

Central bedroom lighting is crucial, but that doesn't mean you have to focus on just one source. Desktops and reading nooks require direct lighting; use floor lamps or table lamps for these. Corners can be emphasized with track lights or spotlights. Use these to create various light shades for that pleasant ambiance.

Practical placement: Installing lights directly over the bed is a big no; the reason: you look up at the ceiling as you lie down. Choose softer lights lower than face level to avoid the glare.

Know when it's too much: We tell you to have more than one light source, but that doesn't mean you should install dozens of different lights all at once. Our suggestion? Get a singular lamp for task light, soft and bright lights for vanities, and a good accent light for your corners (such us a spotlight on your favourite painting). Choose bulbs that are energy efficient and has lower wattage to save on utility bills.

Care for the closet: Even your closet needs good light; after all, it’s frustrating to pick clothes in the dark. One way you can do that is installing closet light on the upper shelves. Choose either a rod or downlights to illuminate this space in your bedroom. Walk-in wardrobes can make use of track lights or spot lights along with the central light.

Brighten the bedside: 

Reading lights set on either side of the bed offers flexibility, especially if the central light feels too bright for you. You can install two bedside table lamps at both sides — table lamps offer a basic, cosy feel that suits most bedroom. On the other hand, a floor or wall lamp with a swivelling arm gives you better choices as you move around the bed. Alternatively, two pendant lights on either side create a lovely contemporary charm.

Consider controls. You don’t have to stand up every time to close the lights or to dim the brightness. Opt for high-tech solutions which allows you to transform your bedroom lighting in one click. This investment helps make your life easy; just sit back, relax and retire with ease.

Bonus tip! Play with daylight:

Nothing is as wonderfully efficient as nature’s own light. Gather your curtains and let sunlight flood in your room during the daytime. If you have big windows, use them to your advantage.

For further reading have a look at our detailed bedroom lighting guide or check out our bedroom lighting collection for some more ideas to light and style your home.

Loved these tips? More of these coming your way, so stay tuned here on Fat Shack Vintage! Meanwhile, let us know your thoughts by commenting below. 

Images via Fat Shack Vintage 'Master Bedroom - Vintage, Industrial Elements' Pinterest board.