Information on how to light a bedroom

As with so many rooms in our homes, our bedrooms are often multi-functional. They can be used for sleeping, watching television in bed and for dressing and putting on makeup. This requires a mixture of ambient and task lighting.

A combination of wall lights and table lamps can cater for all your needs, while avoiding the glare of a single central ceiling light seen while you’re lying in bed.

Bedside lights are essential for reading in bed. They can also provide ambient light for watching television. Adjustable wall lights are helpful as you can alter the direction of light as you change position. Bedside lights should be controlled separately to allow for individual needs and also to provide access to a light without having to get out of bed.

Mirrors should be framed with light so that you can see yourself clearly when dressing or applying make up. Placing light only above or below the mirror will cause shadows and light shining directly on a mirror will cause glare.

The contents of wardrobes and cupboards can be illuminated by lights that come on when a door is opened.

Dimmer controls will allow you to adjust the levels of light for different moods.