1. AVOID THE 'BIG LIGHT'
To create that coveted cozy feel in the bedroom, playing with shadow and is your best friend. Work with light and shade to create that warm, comforting feel that helps to calm. Rule number one is therefore all about keeping that big light off. Ceiling lights cast light directly downwards, brighten the whole space, and when turned on, can feel too harsh and not conducive to a relaxing bedroom.
2. USE SHADES THAT DIFFUSE AND COVER BRIGHT LIGHT
Think carefully about the shades that you go for. You want to diffuse the light and avoid that glare hitting your eyes. I love my paper floor lamp in my bedroom and always turn it on for guaranteed coziness as I'm winding down at the end of the day. This space designed by Los Angeles design studio, Ome Dezin also relies on a floor paper lantern that softens the bulb's harshness and diffuses the light beautifully around the area, bathing it in a soft, golden glow.
3. LAYER THE SPACE WITH CANDLES
Candles are my number one go-to for coziness. Bringing a golden, warming glow that calls to nature, there is something so comforting about a flickering flame on your bedside table as you tuck into a good bedtime read. There are so many different types you can enjoy, so make use of candles' decorative appeal, going for a mix of taper candles as well as smaller tea lights in cute holders.
4. THINK ABOUT THE TYPE OF GLOW
The actual bulb is important too when it comes to cool light versus warm light. Kelvin-wise, go for anything less than 2000k which gives off a dim glow of light, similar to what you might find from candlelight, best for low-light areas where ambient illumination is welcomed.
5. TRY WALL LIGHTS OVER THE BED
'Lighting is the quickest way to determine how cozy your bedroom feels,' says Alexandra. 'I love opting for a couple of wall lights to provide areas of light that are more relaxing than ceiling lights.' I'm a big fan of wall lights too. They add a decorative addition to your wall and give you the functional option of directing light perfectly above your bed, ideal for cozying up with a good read without having to rely on that dreaded 'big light'.
6. REMEMBER TO DIM
Dimming is also up there when it comes to creating the perfect cozy feel in the bedroom. 'The ability to adjust the brightness of your lighting allows you to create a personalized ambience in your bedroom,' says Jade Jiambutr, architect and founder of Invoke, a design studio based in Thailand and The US. 'And it's not just for ceiling lights. Beyond adding dimmers to your overhead lights, also consider ones for your bedside lamps.'
7. TRY CONCEALED LIGHTING
Add concealed lighting, either in the trim or cleverly built into the wall. This will add a subtle glow that isn't too overwhelming. 'Adding cove lighting along cabinet or wall bases can introduce a gentle, warm glow that not only enhances the quality of the space but also conveniently functions as a nightlight,' says Jade.
8. CONSOLIDATE LIGHT SWITCHES
Finally, consolidating your light switches to one clear place in the bedroom is a practical solution that can help you sink into your cozy space. ‘Consider hardwiring outlets for lamps into your main switch panel too,’ says Emma. ‘Have one circuit for your main ceiling light to add brightness and general lighting throughout the day, and a separate one for wall lights and lamps to bring in that warming glow for those cozy evenings.