Lighting is perhaps the only design element that lets you change the look and mood of a room instantly. When that room belongs to your child, variation is even more important. The right lighting can be warm and comforting, creative and energetic, and above all – able to keep up with your children’s many needs. It can help soothe them to sleep, wake them up in the morning, and encourage critical thinking and self expression during the day.
Here are a few elements that add a little practical magic to the kids’ bedroom:
1. Night Lights
I’d say safety and sleep are the first two things to address when lighting a child’s bedroom. How to help your child sleep through the night, and how to help him navigate in the dark without mishaps. A night light can solve both these issues. (No wonder it’s a bedroom classic!) Of course, you can go with the standard plug-in variety, or you can use battery operated guide lights to add light where your child needs it most.
I love the idea of a halo of soft mini guide lights around a headboard to comfort a child at night, or a bedside guide light she can use to reach the bathroom safely in the dark.
2. Lighting Controls
I’m still not sure who likes having customizable lighting in the kids’ room more – the children or the parents. Just a simple dimmer switch used to bring the light level down in the evening and up in the morning can both soothe and delight your child. Not to mention you’ll probably have an easier time putting them to bed and waking them up.
If you want to take your lighting customization to the next level, try a new smart phone controlled LED light bulb. You can change this light bulb’s color temperature, along with its brightness, and even place it on a timer to help your kids learn how to fall asleep and wake up on their own.
3. Light Layers
Here’s where a bit more magic comes in. We always recommend using multiple light sources in whatever room you decorate. It adds visual interest, useful illumination for tasks, and helps make a space feel more inviting. In the the kids’ room, adding light layers the perfect opportunity to encourage self-expression.
You can let your child pick decorative lights in fun shapes and colors. Use accent lights to highlight a happy painting or favorite poster. You can even use light layers to make your child’s room resemble an entirely different environment – like outer space, for example – with small star lights on the ceiling.
4. Colored or Color Changing Lights
I’ve noticed one of the most popular choices with young kids is colored or color changing lights. Children get really excited about expressing themselves with light, and with today’s LEDs, bedroom accent lights come in almost any hue you can imagine. They might be just the thing to help your kids learn how to be content playing on their own.
Colored accent lights come in many varieties, from LED tape lights to color changing light bulbs to colored night lights.
Are you planning to update the lights in your child’s room? Tell us about it in the comments section below!