Getting bedroom lighting right is key to creating the perfect ambience. Whether your priority is drifting off into a peaceful night's slumber, setting the mood for intimacy, or getting up bright and early, the correct lighting will work wonders on turning your space into a peaceful sanctuary. Considering we spend a third of entire lives in bed (and that doesn't include time spent reading, getting dressed etc) it seems an investment worth making.
'Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the ambiance and functionality of a bedroom, transforming it into a tranquil sanctuary that caters to rest and rejuvenation. The optimal lighting setup combines aesthetics with practicality, often involving high-quality, decorative elements that add a touch of authenticity and warmth,' says Mara Rypacek Miller, Managing Director and Founder at Industville. 'Handcrafted lighting options are particularly sought after, as they bring unique character and craftsmanship into the space, making each piece a focal point of design and artistry.'
According to Redrow, some of the top lighting trends for 2024 include sweeping curve shapes, like orbs and spheres, industrial luxe fittings, such as brushed, polished and satin or mirrored metals, textured materials and sustainability - think long-lasting and high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
But with so many different styles on the market, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to bedroom lighting. We've broken down everything you need to know about bedroom lighting below.
What type of lighting is best for the bedroom?
This all depends on what type of mood you want to create. Generally speaking, bedroom lighting can be separated into three categories: ambient, accent, and task. Ambient lighting makes up the majority of light in a room to create warmth and depth - think chandeliers, decorative pendants and wall-mounted fixtures. Accent lighting is all about focusing your attention on the feature points of a room, such as a wall light to highlight a specific feature or piece of artwork. Task lighting is direct light which, as the name suggests, serves a purpose. This includes things like reading lamps and under cabinet lights. By combining these three types of light, you can create a relaxing atmosphere to suit every purpose of the bedroom.
Miller explains that one popular trend for bedrooms in 2024 is blending decorative lighting with LED strips. 'By integrating LED strips along wall panelling or under furniture and dressing tables, you create soft pools of light that enrich the room's atmosphere with a warm glow,' she says. 'This subtle lighting technique pairs well with main fixtures, adding depth to the lighting design and infusing a sense of luxury into the room.'
What is the best way of using light in a bedroom?
Miller has shared her top tips and tricks for illuminating your bedroom with Grazia. From getting savvy with smart technology to using natural materials, read on to discover how to create the perfect ambience in your boudoir.
1. Incorporate handcrafted elements
Modern interiors often feature lots of neutral hues, and for good reason. Whites, greys and pastels help to bring a calming aesthetic to a space, particularly bedrooms which are where most of us go to unwind. But this shouldn't come at the expense of personality. Miller explains that handcrafted lighting is a great way to bring a 'unique and warm' aesthetic to your bedroom, adding 'both character and artistry.'
2. Add decorative LED strips
Placing LED strips along wall panelling or under furniture is a subtle way to add a 'captivating glow', bringing depth and warmth to your space, explains Miller. One of the most popular placements for strip lights is behind your headboard, as this creates a cosy glow which reflects up the wall. You can also place LED strips around your dressing mirror, for an old-school Hollywood glamour feel.
3. Leverage smart technology
From automated window treatments to climate control, smart technology is one of the biggest modern bedroom trends for 2024, and it's easy to see why. Anything that maximises convenience, particularly in a space that's designed for resting, is a win for us. Miller explains that lighting is a great way to incorporate this trend into your room, and allows you to control brightness, colour, and settings right from your smartphone or through voice commands.
'Opt for cooler light tones between 5300-6000 K for a well-lit and chic dressing area, while warmer hues ranging from 2700-3300 K create a cosy atmosphere,' she says. 'You can enhance flexibility by using controllers to adjust light colours for different effects or by strategically placing light sources on separate switches.'
4. Choose the right colours
When choosing the right lighting for your bedroom, it's important to remember that we don't only sleep in these spaces - we also use them for things like getting dressed and doing our makeup, to name a few. If you're lucky enough to have the space, experts recommend tailoring your lighting to suit each area and its needs. 'For dressing areas, cooler light tones (5300-6000 K) work best, whereas warmer hues (2700-3300 K) create a more relaxing and cosy atmosphere in the rest of the bedroom,' says Miller.
Don't be afraid to inject some different colours into your lighting scheme. A 2017 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that yellow light exposure can make people more inclined to partake in vigorous activity than blue or red light - perfect if you use your bedroom for some gentle workouts. Meanwhile, a 2017 study on mice found that red light at an intensity of 10 lux or higher had the potential to induce sleep.
5. Use controls
We all know setting the mood is important when it comes to bedrooms, and with the trend for smart technology this is easier than ever. Reading time? There's a light for that. Time for intimacy? There's a light for that too. Miller recommends using separate switches or smart controllers for different light sources, to 'easily adjust the lighting mood and intensity' according to the time of day or specific needs.
6. Mix up your styles
'Adding pendant lights or traditional oversized table lamps not only meets lighting needs but also adds a personal style statement,' says Miller. Combining different heights and textures of lamps can also create the illusion of space, which can be handy for smaller bedrooms.
7. Opt for natural materials
Neutral, raw and nature-inspired materials and tones is one of the biggest interiors trends for 2024, as more designers move away from a maximalist approach. If you need inspiration, look to Scandi interiors who have mastered this trend with stoney-shades, rattan textures and fluid lines. 'Select lighting fixtures made from natural materials like marble to evoke cosy, earthy vibes,' says Miller. 'For a more elegant and timeless look, consider materials like brass and stone.'
8. Utilise reading lights
Do you find yourself squinting over a book with your eye phone torch every evening while your partner sleeps peacefully behind you? For those nights when you can't put your book down, Miller recommends installing reading lights on each side of the bed, ensuring 'targeted illumination' that won't keep either partner awake.
9. Enhance visual interest
We know that a calming space is important to a good night's sleep, but factors such as texture, pattern and focal points are also crucial for creating interiors that feel visually interesting. Miller suggests playing with different lighting levels and textures to add layers into the room, and make the space more 'inviting and dynamic.'
10. Create space
More of us are living in small spaces than ever, and anyone who has rented a property will know that bedrooms can be particularly poky. Miller explains that clever lighting can be an answer to this. 'Strategically place lighting to illuminate dark corners or to accentuate room features, effectively making the bedroom appear larger and more open,' she says.
Alice Hall is the Staff Writer at Grazia UK. She was previously a Junior Features Writer for The Daily Telegraph. At Grazia, she writes news and features about pop culture, dating, health, politics and interiors.