How to light a bedroom

Short answer: Instead of one strong lamp, use three layers: soft general light (about 100–200 lux), bedside reading light (about 300–500 lux) and optional indirect light. Warm 2700–3000 K with a dimmer works best. For 12 m², about 1,500–2,500 lumens of general light is enough. Place spots around the bed and in front of the wardrobe, not above the bed.

How many lumens?

Rule of thumb: area (m²) × target lux = lumens.

• 12 m² × 150 lx = 1,800 lm, about 2,200 lm with losses.
• That is 8–10 spots of 3–5 W, or 2–3 linear runs.

See the lighting calculation and lumens, watts and colour temperature.

Which colour?

• 2700 K: warm and calm.
• 3000 K: slightly livelier, the most common choice.
• 4000 K and above: usually too cool here, except where you choose clothes.

A three-layer plan

1. General light: downlights around the bed or linear lighting along the wall. See ceiling spot sizes.
2. Bedside light: a wall light, ideally adjustable. Commonly about 60–90 cm above the mattress; see wall light types.
3. Atmosphere: cove lighting behind the headboard or along the ceiling. A sensor strip under the bed guides you at night.

Wardrobe and mirror

• Inside: sensor-operated strip, see motion sensor lighting.
• In front: a row of spots shows clothing colours.
• Mirror: neutral light on the face, from above or the sides.

Switching and control

• Two-way switching at the door and bed.
• Dimmer: the fitting must be dimmable, see dimmers and dimmable LED.
• Smart home: one touch for a sleep scene, see smart home lighting.

Common mistakes

• A spot right above the bed.
• One central lamp only.
• Not planning bedside sockets and switches.
• Cool light such as 6500 K.

• → Downlights
• → Wall lights
• → Picture lighting