How to find the right lighting for the bedroom? First, it is a good idea to find out what the primary functions / activities of the bedroom are, such as sleeping, waking up and getting dressed. Many have some form of clothing storage such as one or more cupboards or perhaps a complete walk-in in connection with the bedroom. It is a good idea to think about what materials and colors your bedroom has or should have (if you are in the process of renewing the bedroom).
- Circadian rhythm lighting
- Control over the light
- Materials and colors
- General lighting
- Bedside lamp
- Cabinet / walk-in lighting
- Circadian rhythm lighting: A bedroom's most important task is to be able to support a good night's sleep. It is a particularly good idea to think about the lighting. Many have probably heard that it is best to avoid screens right before bed – the reason for this is the blue wavelengths that the screen emits. All light consists of wavelengths and the blue affects the brain's production of the hormone: Melatonin. The melatonin hormone is also called the sleep hormone - as it helps regulate our circadian rhythm and our sleep. Melatonin is produced when it is dark, which makes you sleepy. The blue wavelengths in a normal light bulb counteract this production of melatonin. So, consider using a light bulb such as the Philips Hue (a bulb that can be used as a kind of circadian lighting) to control the lighting in the bedroom during the dark hours if you want a good night's sleep. Set your lighting to a low brightness and preferably "warm orange".
- Control over the light: Do you know that in the summer when the sun starts to rise earlier, it can be more difficult to sleep for a long time? This is because the early morning light affects/decreases our melatonin and thereby causes us to wake up. Circadian rhythm lighting therefore also influences the morning hours and especially in the winter months when there are fewer daylight hours. Light sources from, for example, Philips Hue can control both the temperature (warm or cold lighting), brightness and on/off function. It is a good idea to use a wake-up light, so that you can be woken up in a pleasant way in the winter, just like the sun can. The light bulbs can be set to turn on (And off) when it suits you to get up or go to rest.
- Materials and colors: Why are it relevant to think about materials and colors when choosing lighting for the bedroom? The color of the walls, floors or ceilings influences how much light is needed. If you have very dark colors in your bedroom, much of the light is absorbed, which means that more light is needed. Conversely, if you have a very bright bedroom, the light is reflected more and less light may be needed. The materials are also important - if you have, for example, a high-gloss cabinet, then the light is reflected in it and can create annoying reflections.
- General lighting: A bedroom benefits from being illuminated with some form of general lighting. Some use built-in spots, others use one (or more) pendants to create pleasant and atmospheric orientation lighting in the bedroom.
- Bedside lamp: Bedside lamp(s) are always a good idea. Whether you place it/them on the bedside table or on the wall. Most often, night lamps and wall lamps use an E14 bulb (small light bulb), because the socket is smaller. Pay attention to this so that you don't buy the wrong light bulb. It can also be an integrated light bulb, so you don't have to worry about the light bulb at all. Bedside lamp(s) can be full of atmosphere and good lighting for evening reading. Therefore, think about what you would like to use the bedside lamp(s) for - should you read, do crosswords, be able to find the bed or something completely different. The lamp and light bulb have an influence on what you want to use the light for.
- Wardrobe / walk-in lighting: If you have a wardrobe or a walk-in closet in your bedroom or in connection with the bedroom - then it is a good idea to think about the lighting. Some people choose to make lights inside the cupboard itself, which possibly turn on when the cupboard is opened (thereby you save on electricity). Others choose either to supplement this solution or to set up built-in spots in front of the cupboards or in the middle of the walk-in. It is also an option to set up a rail with spots. Finally, pendant lamps are always an option – either one or more. If you choose a pendant lamp, think about whether it should be able to illuminate both a section of the floor and preferably also the clothes, so you can perceive the colors of the clothes inside the shelves or hangers. If you have a mirror in connection with your bedroom, make sure that lighting does not only come from above when you stand in front of the mirror. Think of a fitting room, where vertical lighting (lighting from the side) is used to make the clothes look as good as possible on the body. If necessary, set up a wall lamp close to your mirror or direct a spotlight towards the mirror. Please note that no light sources should shine directly into the mirror, as this can create annoying light in the eyes. Have you ever thought about what happens to your face when only light comes directly from above? Try holding a lit flashlight above your head and observe the shadow formations on your face. Not exactly appropriate. Then try moving it forward in front of your face. Better? Yes, the shadows will be smaller, and your face will look better. Too many fitting rooms make use of this and the reason why many bathrooms have wall lamps or lights in the mirror.
We hope this little quick guide can give you a helping hand in your search for the right lighting for your bedroom. You are of course always welcome to call or write to us if you have any questions about your lighting in the bedroom or other rooms in the home. We are always ready to help you.
