Is your bedroom in need of an upgrade? KBB journo Charlotte Luxford shines a light on the brightest ideas and latest trends for illuminating your space…

There’s no doubt about it – lighting can make or break a scheme, especially in the bedroom. This needs to be a space for utter calm and relaxation, so setting the mood is key…

Flexible bedroom lighting

While good pre-planning is essential for getting the basics right, bedroom lighting has never been so flexible. Forgot to add that switch near your bedside table? No problem. Want to retrofit internal lighting to your wardrobes? Don’t sweat it. The surge in portable, wireless and rechargeable lighting has been exponential, with the range of wireless lighting from wall lights to bedside lamps getting bigger and better all the time.

For example, lighting brand Pooky has just launched a new collection of more than 20 cordless lights, with a nifty USB-C light-up cartridge called Genesis replacing bulkier batteries to allow for slimmer, sleeker designs. “For over a century, plugs and sockets have confined our lighting options,” says Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. “Now, our cordless range meets the surging demand from homeowners and renters looking for flexibility, and to add style to their spaces.”

Planning your bedroom lighting

Still, it pays to consider your lighting scheme right from the start. For example, dimmable lighting is your friend in the bedroom, enabling you to create different scenes for certain scenarios – while we never want to switch ‘the big light’ on, there will be times you need decent lighting (is that sock navy, or black?). So factoring in your circuits, the number of gangs on your dimmer switch etc, is all something you’ll want to work through with a qualified electrician before you start. 

Ambient LEDs

The devil’s in the detail when it comes to creating a rich, layered bedroom lighting scheme that’s a good balance of ambient and practical. There’s been a real uptick in integrated LED lighting elements in the bedroom to create a more refined, luxury feel, including along wall panelling, under furniture and dressing tables, allowing you to create soft pools of light that enhance the room’s atmosphere with a warm glow.

LED lighting is also being used to elevate the more ‘utility’ areas of the bedroom. Think fitted wardrobes and walk-in dressing areas with details including discreet motion sensors and in-drawer or cabinet strip lighting, helping you look for that piece of jewellery in the early hours without disturbing your partner.

Another huge trend for 2024 is the use of smart technology. “From sunrise-simulating wake-up lighting to dim, motion-activated night-time settings, these features elevate comfort levels and enhance flexibility, as they can be controlled via your smartphone or voice-activated device,” says Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville.

Pretty yet practical

When it comes to the more decorative elements, size matters. Sitting alongside the discreet, practical task bedroom lighting are oversized statement pieces including super-sized bedside lamps or hanging pendant lights on either side of the bed, sculptural light fixtures and striking, modern-style chandeliers.

Dimmable sconces either side of the bed, or even integrated into headboards, are increasing in popularity. “And don’t forget floor lamps – they can help fill a dead space,” advises Niki Wright, lighting expert at Lights & Lamps. “A statement floor lamp offers interest by day and will illuminate and expand the corners of your room by night.”

In terms of adding shape, pattern and colour, more is more. Wiggles, waves, bobbins and playful curves will continue to dominate the lighting scene. Lamp bases in bright accent hues topped with patterned shades add personality and interest to the space. Still, elegant, sculptural forms in muted natural materials including wood, terracotta, rattan, bronze and aged brass will appeal to those looking for something more pared back, yet no less impactful.

Stylish sockets and switches

Details including paintable and clear sockets and switches are also having a moment, with designs from the likes of Corston and Soho Lighting allowing for further customisation. Let’s face it, switches and sockets are available in more attractive finishes than the classic white designs. But they can still distract from your stunning wallpaper or cocooning paint colour. So, a barely-there look for electrical points is sometimes preferable.

Overall, a good balance of ambient, task and accent bedroom lighting will allow for a personal, beautiful, flexible and functional scheme, making the chore of waking up easier, and bedtime that bit more pleasurable.

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