BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES
“Ambient (general) lighting is the primary source that creates the mood for the whole room, ideally casting a uniform overall glow,” explains Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. “Avoid harsh lights which are not ideal just before you drift off to sleep. Instead, aim for lighting that creates a soothing atmosphere that’s inviting and comforting.” One of the most popular choices for ambient lighting is a decorative chandelier or statement pendant, transforming a bedroom into a luxurious and elegant space, but be careful to choose an appropriate size: too small and it can be dwarfed by the size of the room, or too large, and it can overwhelm the space. “As a general rule, the diameter of your pendant or chandelier should be approximately one-third of the width of the bed,” Gunter adds.
Downlights are another option for ambient lighting. “Avoid putting them in a grid formation or directly above your pillows,” advises Gunter. “Instead, use your furniture as a guide. For example, install downlights so that they wash light down the front of wardrobes or chests of drawers to highlight the beauty of the wood.”
Task lighting is another layer of illumination that is vital in a bedroom, providing light for reading and applying make-up. “Bedside lamps are key for reading, as well as to inject a soothing glow that will help you relax, and are a great way to frame and add symmetry to a bed,” notes Gunter. Wall-mounted reading lights are a good solution if space is limited, and batteryoperated wall lights, such as those by Glowall, are a neat solution if there is no electrical wiring in place.
Smaller pendant lights can be suspended from the ceiling above a bedside table. “To allow space for a pile of books or a carafe of water, I always recommend at least 30cm between the bottom of the pendant and the top of the bedside table,” Gunter says. Accent lighting, such as picture and LED lights, can be used to illuminate beautiful pictures or decorative displays on shelves.
Finally, remember to add accessories. A rug can feel luxurious underfoot, cushions and throws can add texture and colour, and pictures can enhance a dreamy mood. “Each accessory and carefully selected piece within the room contributes to enhancing the overall ambience,” says Beazley. “The result is a harmonious and welcoming bedroom design.”