By James Batten, 299 Lighting · Published · Updated
In short
In a bedroom use a soft dimmable ceiling light, bedside wall lights mounted 120–140 cm from the floor (or 60–75 cm above the mattress), and a separate directional reading light if you read in bed.
Bedroom lighting has to work at both ends of the day: bright enough to get dressed and pick clothes, and soft enough to wind down. Hotels get this right because they plan every switch around the bed, and the same approach works at home.
The ceiling light
Choose a fitting that does not glare when you lie on your back. Opal glass, fabric shades or a fitting with an upward light component are kinder than an exposed bulb. Fit a dimmer and use a 2700K lamp. In a small bedroom, a flush ceiling light is usually enough.
Bedside wall lights
Wall lights free up bedside tables and are easier to switch from bed. Mount them so the centre of the fitting is 120–140 cm from the floor, or about 60–75 cm above the top of the mattress. Space them 15–20 cm outside the edge of the headboard so the light falls on the pillow rather than the frame.
- Fixed wall lights give soft ambient light on the wall.
- Adjustable arms or flexible readers let you aim light at a book without waking your partner.
Browse our Ideal Lux wall lights and filter by style.
Reading lights
A reading light should have a narrow beam and a shade that hides the source. Around 250–450 lumens is plenty. Integrated LED readers with a built-in switch are the easiest to install, because the switch is on the fitting.
Pendants beside the bed
Hanging small pendants either side of the bed is popular in hotels. Drop them so the bottom of the shade is around 50–60 cm above the bedside table. Clear glass pendants need a frosted or globe bulb so you do not look straight at a filament.
Wardrobes and dressing areas
Wardrobes need cooler, brighter light to judge colours: 3000K and a high colour rendering lamp (CRI 90+) work well. Linear profiles inside joinery work best; see linear LED for slim profiles.
Hotel and residential projects
We supply bedroom lighting for hotel, serviced apartment and residential developments. Talk to the 299 Lighting team about schedules, samples and lead times.
Frequently asked questions
How high should bedside wall lights be?
Mount the centre of the fitting 120–140 cm from the floor, or roughly 60–75 cm above the mattress.
Should bedroom lights be warm or cool?
Warm white, 2700K, for the room itself. Use 3000K with high CRI only inside wardrobes and dressing areas.
Can I put pendants either side of the bed?
Yes. Hang them about 50–60 cm above the bedside table and use a frosted bulb if the glass is clear.
