An Expert Guide to Lighting a Bedroom
Four pros explain how to design bedroom lighting that’s cosy, functional and in tune with your circadian rhythm
We use our bedrooms from night to morning, which makes them unique spaces when it comes to lighting. Unlike in a kitchen or living room, where the goal is layering as many different lighting scenarios as possible, in a bedroom the focus is on dedicated planning for mood, particular functions (reading, dressing, relaxing) and contrasting times of day.
“Unlike in more functional areas of the home, such as kitchens or utility rooms, bedroom lighting needs to support both practical needs and emotional wellbeing,” Philippa Rae of Philippa Rae Interiors says.
Here, four experts on Houzz share tips on designing a functional and calming bedroom lighting scheme.
Professional advice from: Natasha Burton of NB Interiors UK; Philippa Rae of Philippa Rae Interiors; Ellen Cumber of Golden; Adam Knight of Nefarious Design
“Unlike in more functional areas of the home, such as kitchens or utility rooms, bedroom lighting needs to support both practical needs and emotional wellbeing,” Philippa Rae of Philippa Rae Interiors says.
Here, four experts on Houzz share tips on designing a functional and calming bedroom lighting scheme.
Professional advice from: Natasha Burton of NB Interiors UK; Philippa Rae of Philippa Rae Interiors; Ellen Cumber of Golden; Adam Knight of Nefarious Design
Use the layout as a guide for light placement
Where lights need to be placed will depend on where the functional areas are. “It’s crucial to know where the bed is going first and foremost. Then consider where you might place a chest of drawers that could house a lamp, and any mirrors that you would then position wall lights next to,” Ellen Cumber says.
“[Decide] whether [you’d] prefer bedside table lamps or wall-mounted lights,” Adam says. “We also consider practical elements, such as vanity areas that may need stronger lighting in the darker months, and built-in joinery such as wardrobes, which might require integrated LED strips and power access.”
Which colours you choose will also determine lighting placement. “For example, if [you] prefer a darker colour scheme, then more lighting would be needed,” Natasha says.
Updating your bedroom? Find interior designers on Houzz.
Where lights need to be placed will depend on where the functional areas are. “It’s crucial to know where the bed is going first and foremost. Then consider where you might place a chest of drawers that could house a lamp, and any mirrors that you would then position wall lights next to,” Ellen Cumber says.
“[Decide] whether [you’d] prefer bedside table lamps or wall-mounted lights,” Adam says. “We also consider practical elements, such as vanity areas that may need stronger lighting in the darker months, and built-in joinery such as wardrobes, which might require integrated LED strips and power access.”
Which colours you choose will also determine lighting placement. “For example, if [you] prefer a darker colour scheme, then more lighting would be needed,” Natasha says.
Updating your bedroom? Find interior designers on Houzz.
Consider how you’ll use the space
Philippa asks questions to establish how her clients are likely to use their bedroom. “Will you be reading in bed? Do you need a well-lit area for getting ready? Is there joinery or artwork to highlight?” she says. “From there, I create a layered lighting plan that balances practicality and atmosphere.”
Philippa suggests thinking about how lights will affect the people using the room and how they fit into the cycle of the day. “I pay close attention to the placement and direction of each fitting – for instance, specifying low-level, warm reading lights that don’t cast glare across the pillow, or concealing LED strips in joinery to create a soft wash of light,” she says. “The goal is to echo the natural rhythms of the day and support rest and relaxation in the evening.”
Philippa asks questions to establish how her clients are likely to use their bedroom. “Will you be reading in bed? Do you need a well-lit area for getting ready? Is there joinery or artwork to highlight?” she says. “From there, I create a layered lighting plan that balances practicality and atmosphere.”
Philippa suggests thinking about how lights will affect the people using the room and how they fit into the cycle of the day. “I pay close attention to the placement and direction of each fitting – for instance, specifying low-level, warm reading lights that don’t cast glare across the pillow, or concealing LED strips in joinery to create a soft wash of light,” she says. “The goal is to echo the natural rhythms of the day and support rest and relaxation in the evening.”
Aim for soft, cocooning light that works with your circadian rhythm
Mood is the central tenet of bedroom design. “It’s a retreat, not just a room, so the lighting must be layered and responsive to different moods and times of day,” Philippa says. “The aim is to create a calm, cocooning atmosphere that still accommodates everything from bedtime reading to early morning dressing.”
She highlights the centrality of circadian rhythms to lighting design. “One detail I pay close attention to is how light reaches the eye, particularly at night,” she says. “In his book, The Light Within Us, Xander Cadisch writes beautifully about the biological impact of light direction and intensity. Our circadian rhythms are naturally tuned to the downward, warm-toned light of the setting sun.”
Ellen agrees. “The warmth of the bulbs is important. 2700 kelvin – warm white – is the highest kelvin we would ever consider, but we usually encourage our clients to go lower. 2200 kelvin is our sweet spot: it’s gentle and makes everything look gorgeous.”
She also recommends choosing lamps and fixtures that are soft themselves. “We tend to opt for fabrics instead of metal or glass lights for bedrooms, as they add to the sense of calm and softness,” she says.
Mood is the central tenet of bedroom design. “It’s a retreat, not just a room, so the lighting must be layered and responsive to different moods and times of day,” Philippa says. “The aim is to create a calm, cocooning atmosphere that still accommodates everything from bedtime reading to early morning dressing.”
She highlights the centrality of circadian rhythms to lighting design. “One detail I pay close attention to is how light reaches the eye, particularly at night,” she says. “In his book, The Light Within Us, Xander Cadisch writes beautifully about the biological impact of light direction and intensity. Our circadian rhythms are naturally tuned to the downward, warm-toned light of the setting sun.”
Ellen agrees. “The warmth of the bulbs is important. 2700 kelvin – warm white – is the highest kelvin we would ever consider, but we usually encourage our clients to go lower. 2200 kelvin is our sweet spot: it’s gentle and makes everything look gorgeous.”
She also recommends choosing lamps and fixtures that are soft themselves. “We tend to opt for fabrics instead of metal or glass lights for bedrooms, as they add to the sense of calm and softness,” she says.
Plan for ambient lighting and several targeted lights closer to the ground
“It’s easy to over-light bedrooms – we prefer to use a handful of gentle light sources, and never downlights (aka spotlights),” Ellen says. “Add lamps anywhere and everywhere you can. Having softer lighting at different levels throughout the room will help create the right mood for the room and you can avoid ever putting on the big light.”
“Our ideal lighting scheme for a bedroom would usually include a very gentle (ie low wattage) fabric pendant light in the centre of the room, a pair of beautiful lamps or wall lights either side of the bed to read by, and perhaps one or two more wall lights depending on the size of the space and what other features are included. For example, we would always add lighting where we place mirrors,” Ellen says.
Philippa adds, “I also install discreet floor-washers, set into or just above the skirting board, that are triggered automatically when someone gets up during the night – gently guiding them through the space without waking the household. These small, considered choices can make a remarkable difference to how a bedroom feels as well as functions.”
More: 7 Brilliant Before and After Bedroom Transformations
“It’s easy to over-light bedrooms – we prefer to use a handful of gentle light sources, and never downlights (aka spotlights),” Ellen says. “Add lamps anywhere and everywhere you can. Having softer lighting at different levels throughout the room will help create the right mood for the room and you can avoid ever putting on the big light.”
“Our ideal lighting scheme for a bedroom would usually include a very gentle (ie low wattage) fabric pendant light in the centre of the room, a pair of beautiful lamps or wall lights either side of the bed to read by, and perhaps one or two more wall lights depending on the size of the space and what other features are included. For example, we would always add lighting where we place mirrors,” Ellen says.
Philippa adds, “I also install discreet floor-washers, set into or just above the skirting board, that are triggered automatically when someone gets up during the night – gently guiding them through the space without waking the household. These small, considered choices can make a remarkable difference to how a bedroom feels as well as functions.”
More: 7 Brilliant Before and After Bedroom Transformations
Fit dimmers, separate switches or smart lighting schemes to fine-tune the effect
Flexibility is the key to a functional lighting scheme, both in terms of planning multiple light points to accommodate various uses, and making it easy to adjust the light as needed. “Control is equally important: dimmers, bedside switches, and automated blinds all help adapt the space throughout the day and evening,” Philippa says.
“Use separate switches or smart lighting controls to adjust each layer independently, allowing you to shift between functional and mood settings easily. This way, you get both comfort and practicality without compromise,” Adam says.
Make sure the switches are well placed. “We usually add switches to the bedsides, so our clients can turn any and all of the lights off from the bed,” Ellen says.
Smart systems offer the ultimate control. “I often work with systems such as Lutron or Loxone, which do require a high degree of planning and structured cabling,” Philippa says. “These are best integrated during a full renovation or new-build project, where we can coordinate with the electrician, AV consultant, and lighting designer from the outset. When implemented well, they offer exceptional flexibility – from setting morning wake-up scenes to full house control at the touch of a button.”
Flexibility is the key to a functional lighting scheme, both in terms of planning multiple light points to accommodate various uses, and making it easy to adjust the light as needed. “Control is equally important: dimmers, bedside switches, and automated blinds all help adapt the space throughout the day and evening,” Philippa says.
“Use separate switches or smart lighting controls to adjust each layer independently, allowing you to shift between functional and mood settings easily. This way, you get both comfort and practicality without compromise,” Adam says.
Make sure the switches are well placed. “We usually add switches to the bedsides, so our clients can turn any and all of the lights off from the bed,” Ellen says.
Smart systems offer the ultimate control. “I often work with systems such as Lutron or Loxone, which do require a high degree of planning and structured cabling,” Philippa says. “These are best integrated during a full renovation or new-build project, where we can coordinate with the electrician, AV consultant, and lighting designer from the outset. When implemented well, they offer exceptional flexibility – from setting morning wake-up scenes to full house control at the touch of a button.”
Make sure you plan all this at the start of your renovation
All the experts agree it’s important to plan your lighting right at the beginning of your renovation process. “Lighting is integral to how a space is experienced and should be considered alongside layout, joinery and finishes,” Philippa says. “We work closely with contractors and architects to ensure wiring, control systems and junction boxes are in place well ahead of time. Retrofitting is possible later, but rarely ideal.”
Houzz tools can help keep track of all of the moving pieces. “At NB Interiors, we use the Selections boards to share options with clients. We also upload lighting and electrical plans for clients to review and keep all documents in one place for ease,” Natasha says.
Planning at the start of a renovation also means you can integrate the look of your lighting with the rest of your design. “Choose fixtures that match your decor, such as using antique lighting within period properties or more minimal modern lighting in new-builds,” Adam says. “Symmetry and proportion also help create a polished, cohesive look.”
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
Tell us…
How have you lit your bedroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
All the experts agree it’s important to plan your lighting right at the beginning of your renovation process. “Lighting is integral to how a space is experienced and should be considered alongside layout, joinery and finishes,” Philippa says. “We work closely with contractors and architects to ensure wiring, control systems and junction boxes are in place well ahead of time. Retrofitting is possible later, but rarely ideal.”
Houzz tools can help keep track of all of the moving pieces. “At NB Interiors, we use the Selections boards to share options with clients. We also upload lighting and electrical plans for clients to review and keep all documents in one place for ease,” Natasha says.
Planning at the start of a renovation also means you can integrate the look of your lighting with the rest of your design. “Choose fixtures that match your decor, such as using antique lighting within period properties or more minimal modern lighting in new-builds,” Adam says. “Symmetry and proportion also help create a polished, cohesive look.”
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
Tell us…
How have you lit your bedroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
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The starting point for good bedroom lighting design is working out which parts of the room get natural light in the daytime. “For bedrooms, it’s crucial to review lighting both during the day and in the evening,” Natasha Burton says. “We use these rooms in the morning in the daylight and [in the] evening [in] the dark.”
Adam Knight agrees. “First, we assess the bedroom in person to understand its natural light conditions, considering the direction the windows face and their size and placement. This helps us determine how daylight moves through the space and which areas fall into shadow during the day,” he says. “We then sketch a lighting plan, identifying zones that will require additional task lighting to ensure the room functions effectively at all times.”
For example, it’s important that wardrobes are well lit. “Are the wardrobes in the darker corner of the room? Then adding internal lighting would be helpful, or external downlights positioned in front of the doors could be sufficient if the room is naturally light,” Natasha says.
Light and shadow are both important for creating the right overall effect. “A good lighting scheme is as much about what you don’t light as what you do,” Philippa says.