SquareRooms Issue 181 Mid-Year 2020

The Sherlock Table Lamp, $69, Castlery , has a perforated brushed brass lamp shade which casts a gentle and warm glow around the room. Soft lighting Hotel lighting is all about setting the right mood. Indirect and warm lighting will create a calm atmosphere that’ll set you at ease. Bedroom Lighting Tips Lighting doesn’t get a great deal of attention but they’re especially important in the bedroom where they can set or break the mood. Choose the right hue Cool, blue-tone lights are best if you need to focus and see things clearly, but they’re not the best for sleep as they tend to stimulate your mind. For bedrooms, experts generally recommend using bulbs with a colour temperature of about 2,500K to 3,500K as they give off a warmer glow. Dimmers are amazing Sometimes you need bright lights to get dressed, sometimes you want to create a cosy atmosphere. Paired with the right bulbs, dimmers will help you switch between the two in a jiffy, and you may even be able to change the light temperature in the room. Layer your lighting Don’t just light everything from overhead which will give your room a flat look. You could add light panels to the walls, or use wall and floor lamps. You could also add under-bed lighting which will make your bed look lighter and is ideal for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips where you want to avoid having bright lights shining directly in your eyes. Think smart Smart bulbs and lighting systems cost quite a bit to set up, but they give you the convenience of being able to turn off the lights, not just in the bedroom but all around the house, from the comforts of your bed. Alternatively, chat with your electrician about installing a hotel- style lighting console by your bed that will give you the same control albeit with switches. Fun Fact While households throughout Asia like brightly lit homes and ceiling lights, families in Nordic countries like Denmark and Norway prefer dimmer and more intimate settings. Instead of ceiling lights, they often opt for several lamps placed throughout the room and may also light the fireplace or candles for extra glow. (left) Instead of wall or table lamps, you can go for floor lamps like the Miles Floor Lamp, price upon request, Delightfull , which add more flair to the room. (below) Need to maximise floor and bedside table space? A wall lamp such as the Hector Medium Dome Wall Light, from £135 (about $237), Original BTC , is ideal. 34 S Q U A R E R O O M S