Bedroom Lighting

Your bedroom lighting should use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lights. Ambient lights help create a foundation of light, while your task lights aid in specific activities. For example, you might use a table lamp on your nightstand to read in bed. Accent lights can draw attention to decorative features in your room or be part of the design. By combining multiple bedroom lighting sources, your bedroom will have depth and can help you relax at night.

Light temperature affects your circadian rhythm and can make you feel more relaxed or alert, depending on the temperature. Cool, bright light promotes alertness, while warm lights help you relax. This corresponds to the way natural light changes throughout the day.

During the day, the sun is brighter and appears a blue-white color. As the sun sets, the light appears warmer, which helps you wind down for bed. Artificial lighting works best when it mimics natural light. It helps to keep your circadian rhythm following a natural cycle.

With this in mind, warm bedroom lamps are ideal. Bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range mimic the glow of a sunset and appear calming.

To create a calming environment in your bedroom, combine ambient, accent, and task lights paired with warm or soft white bulbs for your bedroom lamps.

Start by selecting your ambient lights. If your bedroom has high ceilings, choose a pendant or chandelier light. With lower ceilings, opt for a ceiling fan or recessed lighting. These provide a base layer of light.5

Next, consider tasks you need extra light to complete. If you'll be reading before bed, you'll benefit from a bedroom lamp on your nightstand.

Lastly, choose accent lights. In addition to adding another layer of light, accent lights can draw attention to elements in the room you'd like to highlight. These might include a piece of artwork or family photos.

By layering these lights together with warm bulbs, you can cultivate a bedroom lighting plan that promotes relaxation.