The importance of lighting in a room cannot be over emphasized. Strategically placed lamps can transform the most unimaginative room. Retailers have finally recognized the need for sophisticated and appropriate lighting, and there is something to suit everyone's requirements. You can choose from a great variety of standard bases, high-tech flexible stems, spots. uplighters and downlighters. Experimenting with lighting is not cheap, however, so it is probably better to start by looking at some basic principles alongside what you already have.
Forget overhead light: it will kill any atmosphere particularly important in the bedroom. If you have always used standard bedside lamps but find that they are too harshly bright in their new environment, use bulbs of a lower wattage. Experiment with different shades; drape dark-coloured fabric over the existing shade to test a tone; have your lights on a dimmer switch so that you can adjust them to suit your immediate requirements; in extremis, place the lamp base on the floor to act as an uplighter.
Candles are cheap and will guarantee atmosphere.Metal-backed wall sconces reflect the candle light and so increase illumination in the room generally, but silver foil will achieve the same effect. You must remember to consider all aspects of bedroom life in your lighting plan: vanity units and dressing tables will need brighter, more directional lighting, and equally vital is the positioning and efficiency of reading lights.
Lighting can make or mar the overall effect of a bedroom. Your first consideration should be practical for there is nothing more irritating than trying to read in bed with inadequate light, or having the shadow of your head thrown onto the page because of a badly placed lamp. However, the exciting variety of lighting available in the shops means that boring old bedside lamps on tables can be a thing of the past.
This light. white bedroom (far left) admits natural light through internal glass bricks. The choice of artificial light creates an interesting architectural focus. The lamps, on flexible arms, can be turned down for reading or turned away to reflect against the wall for a more muted, atmospheric effect.