How to choose a lamp for the bedroom
- construction
- style
- the size
- color
- material
- power
- types of lamps
- additional features
- price
To help readers, we will tell you more about each criterion.
Construction
Based on the design features, the following types of bedroom lamps are distinguished:
- suspended - "horns", plafonds with a base are suspended from the ceiling on a cable, chain, cord or bar
- ceiling - this type is mounted on the ceiling with a base. In bedrooms with stretch ceilings, of the two listed types of lamps, it is preferable to use a suspended one, since its heated bulbs are located at a sufficient distance from the polyvinyl chloride canvas and will not cause its deformation
- built-in - this type is structurally divided into indoor and outdoor spotlights. The difference is that a lamp is placed outside or inside the suspended / stretch ceiling. The recessed spotlight provides a directional light that can be focused on different areas of the room and even on individual pieces of furniture. If there is a stretch PVC ceiling, it is necessary to select a built-in model with the help of an experienced consultant
- wall models - they represent a structure where the plafond is located directly on the body, or the plafonds and the body are connected by means of "horns". Such devices are usually used above the bed for evening reading or on the sides of the cosmetic table. Please note that wall lamps are not able to play the role of the main lighting - they are intended to serve only as a supplement
- floor lamps are, as a rule, floor lamps. They are frequent guests in the bedrooms. With the help of floor lamps, it is possible to create a relaxation or reading area. In addition to the device, to organize such a zone, you need a coffee table, one or two chairs. Also, floor lamps are installed on the sides of the bed, instead of pedestals with table lamps.
After we figured out the features and types of bedroom lighting fixtures, we can move on to the second most important criterion - design. More precisely, the style. Each interior should be created carefully, slowly. Furniture, decor, lighting should be selected in strict accordance with the previously agreed style. Fortunately, the lighting market is ready to offer any style of model. The main thing is not to get lost in the multitude of shapes, lines, textures and materials. But don't worry. We will help you figure it out!
Today, most of the existing styles are conventionally divided into main categories. Why "conditionally"? Yes, because some areas can rightfully be attributed to two or even three categories. But we will leave such difficulties to professional designers. We will give a simple classification. So, styles are divided into:
- traditional
- stylish
- modern
- ethnic
The traditional ones include the directions that arose mainly on the territory of Europe over the course of ten centuries. Historically, they began to form around the 10th century AD. Of these, we will name the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Empire, Classicism. Due to the significant time difference, these directions may have little in common. However, even a person who is not very familiar with the art of design, as a rule, unmistakably guesses the traditional directions, calling them a general definition of "classic".
A chandelier or lamp of traditional style in the bedroom looks noble and impressive. They are chosen for expensive interiors with aristocratic features. Modern trends are styles that arose from the 19th century to the second half of the 20th century. They inherited complex ornate forms, floristic ornaments, a large number of details, elegant lines and expensive materials from the "classics". But the “modern vision” is simpler and more concise.
The main styles of this trend are called directly Art Nouveau, Art Nouveau, Art Deco. Such lamps are suitable for a bedroom that needs the atmosphere of luxurious Parisian salons of the early 20th century or presidential hotel rooms. The defocused soft light of modern lamps will be pleasant, enveloping, giving you a comfortable rest.
Modern style luminaires are easy to recognize. They are distinguished by simple, laconic forms. Functionality in this case comes first, and decorativeness comes second. The modern style includes the ubiquitous high-tech, freedom-loving minimalism, fantastic futurism, a smug loft, avant-garde breaking stereotypes, charming pop art. The light of modern models is slightly colder than the lighting of traditional or modern lamps. But they will certainly perform their main function perfectly!
Like traditional styles, ethnic styles have evolved over the centuries. However, their geography literally covers the whole world. African, Greek, Egyptian, Moroccan, Mexican, Indian, Scandinavian, Mediterranean, Japanese. The choice of ethnic styles is huge, so each buyer can buy the lighting that best suits his tastes, preferences, character traits. It remains only to choose a lighting fixture for the style of the bedroom.
There are very few common features between ethnic groups. By and large, this is only the use of natural materials - wood, textiles, ceramics, glass. With these materials, the luminaire looks natural, “at home”, and its light acquires a warm shade. In order for the model of the lighting fixture you have chosen to look appropriate on the ceiling or wall of the bedroom, you should select it according to a number of criteria. So, the lamp must be combined:
- with stylistics
- with materials
- flowers
- forms used in the design of the interior of the premises.
Size
Choosing the size of a lighting fixture is a task that only seems simple. In fact, there are a number of rules and restrictions, failure to comply with which when choosing a lamp can completely distort the perception of the interior.
When choosing the width (diameter) of the model, keep in mind that it should not exceed 1/3 of the width of the room. Measure the width of the ceiling between the two adjacent walls and divide it by the diameter of the selected luminaire - the resulting figure should be greater than "3".
Height selection is similar. Only here it is necessary to take into account not the width, but the height of the room, and the length of the luminaire should be no more than ¼ of the distance from floor to ceiling. Therefore, you need to multiply the length of the device by "4". If the obtained value exceeds the height of the room, then the model is not suitable for these conditions.
Color
Everything is simple here: the color of the lighting device should be repeated in the interior of the bedroom, that is, at least a few interior details should be selected in the same color as it. When you plan to play on contrast, you can make the light source an expressive "highlight" of the room, without repeating its shade in any other object.
Perhaps, there can be only two exceptions to this rule. The first is an eclectic bedroom. This style is a mix of cultures, traditions, materials, textures and colors. But it is important to understand that eclecticism is not a heap, but an ordered chaos, where every detail has its place.
The second exception is the child's bedroom. The children's world can do without frames, restrictions. Furniture, decor, lighting devices there should simply delight the kid, help him discover an unimaginably huge and beautiful world.
Materials
A similar rule applies to the materials of the body, shades, base. They should not "argue" with the rest of the furniture and decor.
Remember also that wood, glass, ceramics, textiles are versatile materials that are commonly used for the production of lighting fixtures of various styles. But plastic is a modern material. It is good for high-tech bedrooms, futurism, pop art.
Power
When choosing a lighting device, the issue of its power traditionally goes to the third or even fourth plan. In fact, power is an extremely important factor that should be paid the utmost attention. So why is the power of a chandelier or lamp important:
- lack of lighting makes people strain their eyes, which leads to increased fatigue, headaches
- excessive level of light interferes with calm rest, invigorates instead of soothes
- Excessive lamp power leads to increased heating of the surrounding area. If there is a stretch ceiling in the bedroom, it can be deformed by the high temperature.
- decide what type of bulbs will be used
- use the data to determine the normal level of light per 1 sq. m.
- incandescent lamp with a power of 20 watts
- 7 watt halogen lamp
- compact fluorescent lamp or "energy saving" with a power of 2 watts
- LED lamp - 1-1.5 watts.
Please note that the values given are valid for rooms with a ceiling height of less than 3 meters. If your bedroom ceiling is noticeably higher, multiply the wattage value by 1.5.
Now all that remains is to multiply the indicated values by the area of the room and compare the result with the maximum power of the selected model.
If the buyer plans to use incandescent lamps, then to create comfortable dim lighting in his bedroom with an area of 12 sq. m. a total power of 240 watts is required. But the information on the page of this model indicates that its total power is only 160 watts (the calculation is given for incandescent lamps). Thus, this light source is not well suited for installation in this bedroom. The buyer will have to either mount 2 devices, or use other types of bulbs. For example, energy saving or LED lamps.
We also want to remind you that by deciding to use halogen lamps or fluorescent lamps for a bedroom with stretch ceilings, the buyer does not get rid of all the problems. Here he will also have to calculate the heating level of the bulbs.
Types of lamps
We have already figured out that in the lighting equipment market, four types of light bulbs are most prevalent - incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, energy saving lamps, LEDs. Now it's time to clarify how else, apart from energy efficiency and luminous flux, they differ. First of all, differences in color temperature, in the shade of light.
Incandescent bulbs:
- give light as close as possible to natural sunlight. It envelops furniture, decor, walls in a warm soft shade, contributes to relaxation, pleasant rest
- are available in a wide variety of formats, plinths. Among the lamps of this type there are round, pear-shaped, "candles", "candles in the wind", with transparent, opaque, colored bulbs. Due to this variety, it will not be difficult for the buyer to find a model of any style, size or power;
- instantly light up
- work easily at low voltage.
The main disadvantages of incandescent lamps:
- high degree of heating, which is why they should be used with caution with stretch ceilings
- short-lived. True, their relatively short service life is more than compensated for by their low cost.
Sometimes there is an opinion that the disadvantages of this type of bulbs include the fact that their light has only one warm shade. We are forced to disagree, since specifically for lighting the bedrooms, warm light will be most appropriate.
Pros of halogen lamps:
- increased service life in comparison with the previous version (modern models operate from 2,000 to 4,000 hours versus 1,000 hours of incandescent bulbs)
- produced with almost any type of base
- have two shades of light - cold and warm.
Cons "halogen":
- fast, quite noticeable heating
- frequent cases of overheating when placed inside false ceilings
- sensitive to unstable voltage - burn out when it rises or falls.
Often, a bright glow is attributed to the advantages of lamps of this type. But if we consider the issue of lighting in the bedroom, then this can be a disadvantage.
Advantages of compact fluorescent lamps:
- relatively long service life (average - 10 thousand hours)
- have diffused light, which leaves a low-contrast, softer shadow - for bedrooms this is a significant plus.
Among the disadvantages of "energy saving" we will single out:
- bright white light, which is still undesirable for a relaxed, calm environment
- unhurried ignition
- presence of mercury inside the flask
- the presence of ultraviolet radiation in their spectrum.
Now let's talk about LED lamps, which are rapidly gaining popularity in the developed countries of the world.
Among the advantages of such light sources:
- seemingly incredible service life (some manufacturers claim a resource over 50 thousand hours)
- environmental safety - they do not contain harmful substances, hazardous compounds
- almost complete absence of heating, which is why light bulbs can be used without restrictions in bedrooms with stretch ceilings
- easy portability of thousands of on / off cycles
- are produced with different color temperatures, so the buyer can choose what shade of light he needs
- compactness.
Unfortunately, there were some drawbacks. The main disadvantage of "LEDs" is considered to be the high cost. But if you calculate the resource and energy efficiency, it becomes clear that the purchase of such bulbs is an excellent investment of money, which is not quick, but will certainly pay off.
Note that the disadvantages of LED lamps are sometimes referred to as a weak level of luminosity. For a study or living room, this can really be a disadvantage. But the bedroom needs just that kind of lighting. Therefore, low brightness is also a plus!
Additional features
If the buyer has applied all the criteria for selecting a luminaire, but has not been able to identify one or two priority models, then it’s time to pay attention to additional options.
It would seem, well, what possibilities can a lamp for a bedroom have? But it can! For example, a remote control. It's actually very handy!
Firstly, to turn on or off the light, the owner of a model with a remote control does not need to reach for the switch.
Secondly, a special button allows you to adjust the brightness of the lighting (dimmer).
Thirdly, some models offer an immersive function. Its essence is that the lamp will turn on / off on its own when the owners are not at home. This creates the feeling that someone is constantly in the apartment. This simple method is a great opportunity to additionally secure your home from intruders.
Accommodation
At the end of the article, you should touch on the principles of placing lamps in the bedroom. Traditionally, the main lighting fixture of any room is mounted in its geometric center. This decision is familiar and has the right to life. We will note that it is far from the only one. For example, the popularity of diffuse lighting, which is created using a variety of recessed point sources, is growing in popularity. They can be located:
- on a grid at an equal distance from each other
- concentrated over separate areas of the room (above the bed, cosmetic corner, above the sitting area with armchairs and a coffee table
- around the perimeter of the room. This solution is often complementary to the existing central chandelier, it is simply necessary for bedrooms with wall shelving or a large number of shelves.
For spacious rooms with several functional areas, one central light source will also not be enough. It can be "supported" by wall sconces on both sides of the bed, table lamps on the bedside tables, and illuminated mirror of the cosmetic area. A floor lamp next to the coffee table in the sitting and reading area is also great.
P.S.
We have told you the basic rules for choosing a pendant, ceiling, recessed lamp for the bedroom. We hope that the information presented will be understandable and useful to you when looking for models for your home.
