The ultimate guide to cosy bedroom lighting 

When it's planned well, lighting can totally transform the look and feel of a bedroom. It can enhance the atmosphere and mask any awkward areas.

If you're wondering how to light your bedroom, here are some lighting ideas and décor inspiration to guide you.

Layer your lighting

To arrange the light in your bedroom, consider what you use the space for. This is where you relax after a busy day, so you'll need lighting that creates a cosy feel. However, it's also important to consider other uses for the space. For instance, is the bedroom the place where you get dressed in the morning? Do you read a book before going to sleep? By thinking about the room's purpose, you can begin layering your lighting scheme.

You might want the room to be particularly bright if you're sitting at your dressing table getting ready to go out for the day, so start by upgrading overhead lights with a dimmer switch. Then you can incorporate standing lighting in the bedroom to create a cosy glow in dark corners. Add bedside lamps for when you want to read.

Being strategic about how you layer your lighting can provide the perfect opportunity to focus on what you need in the room.

Use mirrors

Once you’ve layered your lighting, you might want to incorporate mirrors. Mirrors make rooms brighter by reflecting light. They can also create the illusion of extra space, which means they can be a real asset in particularly compact bedrooms.

One way to maximise the impact of a mirror is to install a wardrobe with mirrored doors. As well as enhancing the light levels, a fitted wardrobe is a practical piece of furniture that can streamline your room.

Think carefully about where smaller mirrors can enhance your lighting setup too. Try placing them opposite light sources at eye level. You may decide from there that you want to move the mirror into a different position or even move your lamps around. This form of trial and error will be worth it to get the balance right.

Consider the seasons

The long, brighter days of summer are in stark contrast to the darkness of winter, and planning for the year's changing natural light levels will ensure you're prepared. This means considering the light that comes in from the outside and how this affects the lighting inside your bedroom.

For an investment that works all year round, choose a pair of blackout curtains with a thermal lining. This keeps your bedroom feeling warm and cosy in winter and shuts out sleep-disrupting light on summer nights.

Alternatively, a blind can be the perfect window dressing. There are many different styles available that can be adjusted to optimise light levels.

Another way to optimise the lighting in your room so that it adapts to the seasons is by installing a SAD lamp. These imitate the rising sun and can be especially helpful in the winter when mornings are dark and nights are long.

Treat lighting as décor

What colour palette have you chosen for your bedroom? What style have you opted for? It's important to keep these points in mind when adding lighting to your bedroom as the décor will dictate its design and provide inspiration.

The look of your lighting will depend on your own personal taste. So, if you have muted neutrals throughout the space, colourful lamps can create a striking effect. Or you might want to keep your desk lamps and standing lamps in subtle shades and designs so your ceiling light stands out as a statement piece.

However, you might also want to use pretty lamps and lampshades to complement other décor in the room. If you have a beautiful piece of art on the wall, for instance, a standing lamp in colours that enhance those of the painting can be a pretty – and clever – choice.

Light up your bedroom with Hammonds

At Hammonds, we're here to help you transform your home. If you're looking for bedroom décor inspiration and lighting ideas, book a free design visit with one of our experts today and we'll take you through our range of mirrored fitted wardrobes. You can also request a free brochure to get you started.