Bedroom lighting should be soft in the evening and bright enough in the morning. Combine general light, a reading light by the bed and one by 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.
Bedroom lighting: 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.
