The bedroom is your sanctuary, where you rest and unwind from a busy day. Your bedroom is your safe personal space “away from it all.” The lighting in your bedroom goes a long way in setting the tone, ambiance, and tranquility everyone desperately needs. Here we’ll show you how to light your bedroom with recessed lights.
1. Measure The Height Of The Bedroom Wall
The first step is to determine the length of the wall. Next, use a tape measure and measure the wall height from the floor to the ceiling. Write down the measurement.
2. Determine How Many Recessed Lights Will Be Sufficient
To determine how many recessed lights will be needed, you divide the height of the bedroom wall by two. For example, say the wall measures eight feet; you will divide eight feet by two, which equals four. The rule of thumb is to then space recessed lights four feet apart.
3. Decide On The Type Of Recess Lighting To Use
Depending on the space above the ceiling in your bedroom, you can either install a can light, also referred to as a pot light, or use canless lights. Canless lights are easy to install when renovating your room. However, canned lights need to be installed before the ceiling is completed at the time of building.
4. Decide On Lighting Requirements
The three basic types of recessed lighting are accent, task, and ambient or general lightning.
Accent lights are installed to lighten specific objects, artwork, or furniture. For example, task lights will typically be installed above your work desk, and ambient or general lighting will lighten up the room.
Carefully decide which type of lighting you would like to install to enhance every aspect of your bedroom. Choose cool hues for peace, calm, and comfort. Warm hues offer a snug and homey feel.
You can use a combination of these lights. When combining the three types of recess lighting, keeping them at the same temperature is advisable. At this point, you can also decide if the lights should be dimmable.
5. Choose The Size And Style Of The Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are available in an array of sizes and styles. Consult a lighting specialist if you are unsure what style and size will suit your bedroom.
Decide on the size of the lights you prefer, the style that suits your taste, and what trim you would enjoy. Then, visualize having these recessed lights in your bedroom ceiling.
Do enough research and explore all the options. Visit lighting shops, ask to see their recesses light displays, and search the internet for additional information before making a final decision.
6. Draw A Layout Plan
Every successful project starts with a plan. Take the time to draw a layout for placing the recessed lights. If you are using a combination of recessed lights, indicate the position of each light on the layout. Remember to adjust the plan if you have a ceiling fan.
7. Purchase The Recesses Lights
Even if you are a DIY person we highly recommend you to ask a professional to confirm all your plannings before you make the purchase. The installation of recessed lights requires more steps than a simple ceiling light and most of them cannot be undone later. So you need to be absolutely sure your bedroom lighting is planned correctly.
8. Equipment Needed For Installation
When installing the recessed lights yourself, you must gather the following equipment.
- Stepladder
- Tape measure
- Pencil and paper
- Scissors
- Drywall saw
- Utility knife
- Hacksaw blade
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Drill
- Stud finder
- Wire stripper/cutter
- The layout plan
- Safety goggles and gloves
9. Make A Template Of The Recessed Lights
If not provided in the recessed light kit you purchased, draw the outline of the recessed lights on paper and cut it out. Then, stick the templates on the ceiling according to your layout and confirm that the spacing and positioning are correct.
10. Install The Recessed Lights
Continue to install the recessed lights according to the instruction manual provided with the light kit. Refer to the layout as much as possible. Check every step, and do every test twice if necessary.
For the electrical installation work you need to hire an electrician. Electricians know all the safety steps required for your exact lighting setup to wire your recessed lights successfully.
How To Incorporate A Ceiling Fan Into The Light Layout
Your bedroom may already have a ceiling fan, or you may want to add one while renovating. However, placing recessed lights too close to the ceiling fan will cause a strobing effect since the blades will interfere with the lights shining from the recessed lights.
To combat strobing, you must place the recessed lights at least eighteen inches from the edge the fan blade. Even further, if the ceiling fan is mounted a bit lower. If installing a new ceiling fan, consider one with a light attached. This way, you will not have dark areas underneath the ceiling fan.
Adjust the layout of the recessed lights accordingly to incorporate the ceiling fan.
Hints And Tips For Lighting Your Bedroom
- Use accent lights to put emphasis on unique items in your room.
- Install task lights above dressing tables and underneath overhead cabinets.
- Consider using dimmers to set the brightness of the lights. It sets a mood and enhances the ambiance.
- Layer light fixtures to suit the functionality of areas in your bedroom.
- Use warm or neutral white light to create a soothing and comfortable atmosphere.
- Keep the temperatures of the lights the same or like prevent clashing.
- Warmer and softer light bulbs promote better sleep.
- Cool lights may leave a room feeling impersonal and cold.
