Lighting is a crucial aspect of bedroom design, but deciding how many lights to install can be a challenge. Whether you’re planning a cozy 100 sq. ft. room or a spacious 500 sq. ft. suite, here’s a guide to ensure your space is well-lit and aesthetically pleasing.
1. The Basic Rule for Lighting Placement
A general rule of thumb is to place a light every 3 to 3.2 feet if you are using COB lights (Chip-on-Board). These lights provide focused, pyramid-shaped illumination, making them ideal for creating a spotlight effect in specific areas.
2. Mixing COB and Panel Lights
If you plan to mix COB lights with panel lights, you can extend the distance between lights to 4 to 4.5 feet. Panel lights act as modern replacements for traditional tube lights, providing uniform and broader illumination. They complement COB lights by balancing the room’s lighting.
3. Understanding COB and Panel Lights
- COB Lights:
Emit light in a concentrated manner, ideal for creating a cozy and warm ambiance. Their focused beam works well for accent lighting or highlighting specific areas. - Panel Lights:
Designed to spread light evenly, panel lights illuminate a room broadly, covering larger areas from the ceiling. They ensure the space feels bright without harsh shadows.
4. Balancing the Lighting Layout
To ensure your room is adequately lit:
- Use COB lights for task or accent lighting over specific zones, like the bed or seating area.
- Pair them with panel lights for general ambient lighting, filling in darker areas and making the room uniformly bright.
Key Takeaway
The size of the room—whether 100 sq. ft. or 500 sq. ft.—doesn’t dictate the exact number of lights needed. Instead, focus on spacing them appropriately to achieve a balance between brightness and ambiance. Following these guidelines will ensure your bedroom is well-lit and visually appealing.
