Bedroom lighting should be soft in the evening and bright enough in the morning. Combine general lighting, a reading light on each side of the bed and a light near the wardrobe.
General lighting
A bedroom ceiling light or a pendant provides the overall light: 100 to 150 lumens per m², so 1,400 to 2,100 lumens for 14 m². Where people walk, keep at least 2 m beneath a pendant, ideally 2.10 m; under a ceiling lower than 2.50 m, choose a ceiling light. For summer, a ceiling fan with light keeps the air moving, as long as the blades are at least 2.30 m from the floor.
Go for warm white at 2,700 K and fabric or glass diffusers, which prevent glare when you're lying down.
Bedside reading light
- Reading wall light: fitted 1.10-1.30 m from the floor at the head of the bed, with an adjustable head, it frees up the bedside table. See our bedroom wall lights.
- Bedside lamp: when you're sitting up in bed, the bottom of the shade should be at chin height. Browse the designs in our bedside lamps.
- Bedside pendant: hung low on each side of the bed, it replaces a lamp when the bedside table is narrow.
Plan one light per person, with a switch within reach of the bed, so you can read without disturbing your partner.
Styles and materials
Modern and classic styles lead, alongside vintage and retro, Art Deco, industrial, Scandinavian and rustic and country. A few Tiffany lamps add a splash of colour. Fabric and ceramic, widely used, give a soft, muted light; metal, glass, acrylic, crystal and wood round out the selection. Our guide to lighting your bedroom has more ideas.
Frequently asked questions about bedroom lighting
How can I control the light from both the bed and the door?
With two-way switching: two switches, one by the door and one by the bed, control the same ceiling light. Otherwise, wall lights and lamps with an in-line cable switch can be operated from the bed. For a new installation, ask your electrician to add a switch on each side of the bed.
What lighting helps you unwind before sleep?
In the evening, a low, indirect warm white at 2,700 K is more restful than an intense white light. Fit at least one light with a dimmer and a dimmable bulb to lower the brightness before bed. Keep brighter light for the wardrobe or mirror, for the morning.
Can I install a ceiling fan in a bedroom?
Yes, if the ceiling height allows: the blades must be at least 2.30 m from the floor. A ceiling fan with light combines lighting and air circulation in one fitting. Check the noise level on the product page for night-time use and choose a warm white light source at 2,700 K.
Which light is best for a child's bedroom?
For general lighting, an enclosed ceiling light with no fragile parts within reach, in warm white at 2,700 K. Add a stable bedside lamp or a wall-mounted light for reading, keeping cables out of reach. A dim night light reassures at night without lighting the whole room.
