6 min read
Lighting does more than just brighten a space. Good lighting can lift moods, create a welcoming atmosphere and completely transform a space, so it’s as important as any other element of your room design. For nurseries and kids spaces, reducing glare and feeling safe and cozy is top of mind. Whether you’re looking for nursery floor lamps or ceiling pendants for your playroom, this in-depth guide will help you create a baby or kids space with the best lighting ideas.
lighting by room
Whether you’re designing for a nursery or big kids room, you’ll want to consider at least 2-3 sources of light to layer in. For each kid-friendly space, don’t forget these lighting tips.
For your baby’s sensitive eyes, bring in softer lighting with ceiling, task and floor lamps that are shaded and provide diffused light. A night light comes in handy for late-night feedings, and creates a soft nighttime glow so you don’t have to navigate in the dark.
Choose lighting with durable materials, like wood or plastic, that don’t break easily. A desk lamp (or some sort of task lighting) is ideal if your child does homework in the bedroom. And don’t forget a reading lamp for the most important part of all: story time. Make sure to keep a night light handy (preferably with a plug, so the battery doesn’t give out overnight) just to keep the room from becoming pitch black. Keep a night light in a bathroom as well, for those potty breaks.
Just like the bedroom, you’ll want to consider preventing accidents and choose lighting that you won’t have to worry about if tipped over (or choose lighting that is secured to the wall or ceiling). Be sure to have ceiling lighting that provides plenty of overhead ambient lighting for play. This is also a great space to incorporate themes that your child loves, and add some personality to your lighting.
If you already have your ceiling lighting, it’s time to look for task and accent lighting. Desk lamps are great for supporting focused work, like reading or writing, and are really useful for portability and adjusting angles to focus light on the right area. Let your child choose their favorite color lamp so that they can be surrounded by things they love while they study.
lighting by type
No matter the size of your room, the easiest way to make sure you’re lighting your spaces well is to have more than one light source to play with helps bring your room to life, and also lets you use different types of lighting for various purposes.
Floor lamps are a convenient way to brighten corners and supplement your ceiling lighting, and come in timeless styles that can grow with your kids over the years. They’re also great space savers, depending on the design, and perfect for bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms.
Shaded table lamps are a must-have in the nursery or bedroom, bringing soft or focused light that’s easy on the eyes. Whether it’s for study time or accent lighting in the bedroom, playroom or nursery, a table lamp is always in view, day or night, so it’s a great piece that doubles as decor. Mix and match with shades to create your own customized look, or let your kids choose a style that can grow with them.
Ceiling lights are so important for general, ambient lighting in a space, no matter how large or small the room is. As a general rule, smaller pendant lights can be hung lower, while larger lights should be hung higher. If your home has high ceilings, you’re probably better off opting for a larger hanging pendant. For an average 8-foot high ceiling, hanging pendants should be hung about 12 to 20 inches from the ceiling.
Wall-mounted lighting is a great opportunity to bring in some fun accents. Think favorite colors and fun shapes for playful spotlights that complement the ceiling lighting you already have. Don’t forget night lights: Place plugin night lights in the hallway or by the stairs for any late-night, rogue wanderings.
lighting by size
While you do want to layer various lighting sources no matter the size of your room, you’ll want to make sure the proportions are ideal, too. If your room has lower ceilings, you’ll want smaller lighting that points light upwards. With higher ceilings, you’d consider the reverse: a chandelier or hanging pendant that brings more light to lower points in the room.
SMALL NURSERY & KIDS LAMPS
Accent lamps come in all shapes and sizes, and are essential for adding fun and function. For a smaller space, a small table lamp can work double duty as a beautiful and unique piece of decor, like our Wonderland Natural Wicker Table Lamp by Leanne Ford (cottagecore style at its best!).
MEDIUM NURSERY & KIDS LAMPS
For a big style statement but smaller floor footprint, a modern, streamlined floor lamp really hits the mark, like our Cosmos Gold Metal Lamp.
LARGE NURSERY & KIDS LAMPS
Even at a larger scale, you can add a designer touch to your ceiling lighting that feels right in your baby and kids spaces in a style you love, like a modern woven rope flushmount light, or mid-century style chandelier.
