How to enlarge a room with lighting?

How to make a room look bigger with lighting?

The bedroom is a private space to which we don't invite many people. Unfortunately, in practice, this means that we allocate small, often unreliable, and difficult to arrange rooms for sleeping. Only later does it become clear that the design and arrangement of such a space requires special attention and caution. It's worth planning in advance how to arrange such a small bedroom and what to do to make it seem less cramped. Proper lighting is a good way to eliminate awkward spots and shapes. What should you keep in mind when lighting a small bedroom? We invite you to read.

Take care of the right foundation

To begin with, let's establish one thing: lighting can really do a lot in small spaces, but you should also try to make things easier for yourself with the right foundation for such an arrangement. We're talking about the right colors. In a small bedroom, choose bright colors. It may not necessarily be white, but all sorts of beiges, pastels, and ash grays will be suitable here. You can read more about this in the text What color to paint a room to make it look bigger. Bright colors are much better suited to small spaces. They don't absorb light, but reflect it, making your room optically larger, softer, and more spacious, and that's what it's all about.

If we take care of the colors, we can move on to the lighting, which lamps should we put in a small bedroom?

Lamp size matters

First of all, there's no room for huge chandeliers in a small bedroom. Even if you've always dreamed of lighting coming straight from a palace chamber, full of crystals and sparkling glass, you should opt for a slightly truncated version. Yes, all kinds of glasses that reflect light rays will work perfectly here, but certainly in a smaller version. Choose elegant lamps, but not too large. Instead, opt for simple lampshades or slender chandelier arms in a minimalist shape, such as a Gigi or Rubens lamp. Remember that a large lamp in the center of a small room can overwhelm the entire interior.

Central lighting in the form of a simple ceiling light or ceiling trellis will be an excellent option in a small bedroom. Don't worry, this is just a base that can be complemented with a few additional decorative lamps, but placed in slightly more appropriate locations. Not necessarily in the middle of the entire room.

Where to install lamps in the bedroom?

If you want to install lamps in the bedroom, no problem, but use them as night lighting. Two pendant lamps on both sides of the bed will look great, they won't divide your small space - because you'll install them relatively close to the wall and save space on the bedside table. Only advantages, right? In this case, you can also disable the bedside tables if your bedroom is really small.

Recently fashionable wall lamps with built-in shelves, such as the Dakota, are a great solution. They also save space for standing bedside tables. These lamps are installed so that, if necessary, they illuminate your evening reading and make it easy to reach small items on the shelf. A great option are lamps with built-in USB ports, such as the Rack wall lamp, so you don't have to worry about finding a socket to charge your phone before bed. This is a perfect solution for a small bedroom in an apartment building, where every inch of free space counts.

Classic bedside lamp as additional lighting

Dreaming of a traditional bedside lamp placed on a table? No problem, but opt ​​for a metal or glass model, like the Stockholm or Lagos. The key is a glossy finish. This will help the lamp reflect light better and add a touch of drama to the space.

Visually align the room with light

Unfortunately, a small bedroom is often a problem of shape. If your bedroom is narrow and long, try to direct more light towards the shorter wall. You can illuminate it with decorative wall sconces or ceiling spotlights. This will visually align the room's proportions. If the room is too low, direct the light towards the ceiling. You can easily achieve this by choosing lamps with open shades. This will also help maintain the correct proportions.

The optimal color of light in the bedroom can be an important factor here. It is best to illuminate rooms with unusual shapes with strong, cool light, but do not overdo it, as it will be difficult to calm down and relax in it. The light can be dazzling and too intense.

A small room in the attic - how to make it bigger?

We've already written about how to light a bedroom in an apartment building, but there's no denying it: most small bedrooms are located in the attic, and sloping rooms pose a problem when decorating the interior. These rooms are often severely underexposed due to the fact that it's difficult to illuminate the space in the corner, just at an angle. How to deal with this problem? You can choose decorative and delicate slope lighting with string lights that will create a stunning and very cozy atmosphere in your bedroom. You can also find the darkest corner of the attic and place a floor lamp there, the light of which is directed upwards, such as the classic Cadiz lamp. You'll see what an incredible effect you can create with such a small treatment. Such a lit corner will no longer scare you.

Mirrors will visually enlarge a small room!

A mirror is the best thing you can do for your small bedroom. Mount them so that the light from the lamp is reflected in them. This will enhance the lighting effect and blur the boundaries of the room. They will add depth to the room, making it more spacious and effective. Don't be afraid of large mirrors. You can mount them on the wardrobe door or place them in a corner of the room. See how this will transform your small bedroom.

A small bedroom - what should you remember when applying visual tricks?

• Choose light wall colors
• Opt for smaller lamps that won't overwhelm the interior
• Choose bright lighting - glass and metal are good choices
• Brighten dark spaces to even out the room's proportions
• Position the mirror so that it reflects the light from the lamp

FAQs: Visually enlarge a small room with lighting

How to choose wall color to visually enlarge a small bedroom?

Opt for bright colors like beige, pastel, and ash gray. These shades reflect light, making the room appear larger and more welcoming.

What type of lamps are best for a small bedroom?

Choose moderately sized lamps with simple, clean designs. Avoid large chandeliers and opt for discreet central lighting, complemented by strategically placed decorative lamps.

Where to install lamps to optimize space in a small bedroom?

Install lamps as night lights on either side of the bed, either hanging or as wall sconces with built-in shelves. This saves space on the bedside table and adds functionality.

Can you use a bedside lamp in a small bedroom?

Yes, but choose a metal or glass bedside lamp with a glossy finish to reflect light and visually enlarge the space.

How to adjust lighting to correct the proportions of a small bedroom?

If the room is narrow and long, direct the light toward the shorter wall. If it's low, direct the light toward the ceiling. Use wall sconces, ceiling spotlights, or lamps with open shades for these effects.

How to visually enlarge a small attic room?

Use decorative lighting like string lights and place a floor lamp with upward light to brighten dark corners and create a cozy atmosphere.

Can mirrors help visually enlarge a small room?

Yes, using mirrors can amplify the effect of lighting and make the space feel larger. Position them so that the light from the lamps reflects, adding depth and brightness to the room.

What are the best practices for using lighting and mirrors in a small bedroom?

- Use light wall colors to reflect light.
- Choose small lamps so as not to clutter up the space.
- Opt for reflective materials like glass and metal in your lamp choices.
- Strategically light dark areas to enhance the room's proportions.
- Position the mirrors so as to reflect the light from the lamps and visually enlarge the space.