Indoor Lighting Ideas for Children's Rooms

Lighting children's rooms should be simple, clean and safe. That being said, it should also be whimsical fun and practical for the spaces in which the room is divided into. There are many ways that we can make light in the child's room without inhibiting creativity. The perfect children's room should be divided into three spaces; a space for sleeping, a space for playing, and a space for working. In each of these three areas different lighting is required to increase productivity, protect eyesight and sooth and relax the child so that they are able to sleep.

Lighting where the child sleeps should be calming, adjustable, and able to be dimmed, or switched to low level lighting. At many home stores, chains of indoor novelty lighting can be obtained for less than twenty dollars a string. One of my daughter's favorite things about her room is the pink, star shaped lights that are draped over the canopy on her bed. We took careful notice choosing these lights, as they are in contact with fabric, the do not get warm when left on for long periods of time, and are turned off when we check on her before we go to bed. They are plugged into the wall, and three sets of lights are draped over the metal canopy on each side of her bed. When these are switched off, a nightlight is placed on the opposite side of the room, just enough light in case she wakes up, but not enough to disturb her sleep.

The lighting where the child works, over his or her desk should be bright - as children should have high watt light bulbs to protect their eyes. This being said, light shining down in the room tends to distract, therefore high lamps, facing upwards with bright lights will cause the light to reflect from the ceiling without causing strain on the child's eyes.

An alternative to traditional lights on the ceiling are lights that are lit from the walls, in the ways of sconces or wall attached lighting. These keep the child's eyesight sharp, while adding a whimsical note to the room. These wall fixtures can be customized, and should be high enough on the wall that the child is unable to reach them. Wall fixtures are some of my favorite ways to light a room, as they cast a warm glow over the entire space.

If the room is shared with two children, than it is a good idea to make the investment and change the electrical to incorporate dimming, and adjustable lighting on each side of the room. If it is impossible to have the electrical changed, use lamps to create an ambiance in the room, on opposite sides.

There should be various levels of light in every room, especially a child's room. You can create these effects by using lamps, colored light bulbs and different sources of lighting such as wall fixtures, lowlights, and dimmed lighting. These ideas are sure to light up your child's room with flare.