6: Bedroom
* You will spend a lot of time in here so make sure you use layers of light to create the right mix of functional and relaxing lighting.
* Pendants in the centre of the room can look good, enhance the interior design and provide adequate, general lighting. However, they will not create soft, relaxing light so complement them with table- and/or floor-lamps.
* Recessed downlights provide good ambient lighting and can be used to wash walls/pictures with light but be careful of wardrobe locations (free-standing or built-in) and make sure that the downlights are not shining directly onto the tops of wardrobes. Downlights should be set 400mm back from the wall (450mm for ceilings over 3.0m high).
* Position recessed downlights for wall-washing and for additional ambient lighting at the end of the bed. Do not put downlights over the bed as this will cause glare and they are not needed.
* There are 3 main options for bedside task lighting: table-lamps, wall-lights or pendant lights. Provide 5amp wall-sockets for table lamps. Wall-lights and pendant lights have the advantage of reducing clutter on the bedside table. Some bedside wall-lights have in-built LED lights for reading, so can e used for both ambient and task lighting.
* Table- and floor-lamps can be added around the room to provide ambient and/or background lighting. Provide 5amp wall-sockets so these can be controlled together via the light switch.
* Task lighting on a dressing table can be achieved with a table lamp, wall-light or recessed downlight above. This should be switched locally ie. separate from all other lighting in the room.
* Internal wardrobe task lighting is best achieved using linear LED lighting, either built into a profile recessed into the carcass of the wardrobe or simply surface mounted using a flat profile. The LED should be min 10-15W/metre, warm colour 2700K, with high 97+ CRI for precise colour-selection of clothing. If the wardrobes have doors, use door-switches or miniature PIR sensors to control the light.
* When providing ambient lighting over a full-length mirror, ensure you are not going to be in shadow when standing in front of it ie. position a recessed downlight between body and mirror (usually 450-500mm back from the mirror surface). Use high 97+ CRI for precise colour selection of clothing.