Master bedroom interior design usually begins with a focus on the bed, case goods, paint colors and window treatments. However, lighting is just as important as the other elements when it comes to creating a mood. Master bedroom lamps don't have to be a traditional pair either - wall lamps and pendants are a great way to add modern flair. Read on for expert tips and our favorite master bedroom lamp ideas.
Good lighting design uses three layers of illumination known as ambient, task and accent lighting. This type of multi-layered lighting plan is just as important in the master bedroom as the the rest of the home. Creating pools of light and different levels of illumination brings a home to life. Plus, the master bedroom is definitely the perfect room for some mood lighting!
Create A Master Bedroom Lighting Plan
Before shopping for master bedroom lamps, consider the size of your room and how you typically use it. If your master bedroom is small and mostly used for sleeping, choosing lamps is just a matter of taste. However, if you have a large bedroom you may need task lamps for a desk or reading corner. If that's the case, begin by asking the following questions:
- Are the bedside tables large enough for table lamps?
- Do you read or work in bed? If so, you'll need brighter lamps.
- Is there a desk or reading chair?
- Does the room have ceiling lights?
- Which areas of the room need more light?
How Many Lamps Does A Bedroom Need?
Unless your master bedroom is very small, it probably needs more than the typical pair of bedside lamps. Most bedrooms also have a ceiling light fixture - but bright overhead lighting isn't very relaxing. We prefer to use ceiling lights only while tidying up, and use lamps and ambient lighting to create a relaxing space for sleeping.
Look for lamps with features like 3-way bulbs, dimmer switches and dimmable LED bulbs. With adjustable lighting levels it's easy to have bright light for reading, and low lighting to wind down before sleep.
If you area a single person, it may seem like one lamp beside the bed is enough. However, a pair of lamps flanking the bed creates symmetry and balance for a cohesive master bedroom design.
A third source of lighting might be a desk lamp, a floor lamp beside a chair, or a mini accent lamp on a chest of drawers.
Accent lighting adds soft lighting to a room's edges to brighten up artwork or architectural features.
Choosing lamps can be a bit intimidating - a great lamp is an accent piece that can set the tone of a room. How tall should your lamps be? What style is best for your master bedroom design? We have more expert tips that answer these questions and make choosing the right lamps easy.
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