let there be light!

This week, let’s shine a light on...lighting! Are you ready to illuminate those dark winter nights? Let’s get started! Here is your supply list. 

What you will need:

• 1 Bedroom that needs transformed
• Some time
• Anything that gives light (flameless candles, string lights, lamps, lanterns, nightlights, light-up decor, glow-in-the-dark decor, etc). 

In the Zone! 

Now, let’s talk about … your bedroom! Let’s divide your room into four main lighting zones. This will be quick, and then we can get to the fun part, I promise! First off, you have the “bed” zone. This area contains (obviously!) your bed, along with any headboards or nightstands near it. 
Next, you have the “desk” zone. This area is where your desk/hobby or crafting workspaces are. Then, there is the “resting” zone. If you have any chairs, benches, or other comfy places to play, rest, read, and generally relax, then they would fall into this zone. Finally, you have the “storage” zone. This zone is the main space where you store things (e.g. closet, chests of drawers, bookcases, or other large storage systems). 

Have you identified where all four of your zones are? Then read on! 

Light it up! 
Now, let’s talk about the best lighting for each zone! After reading the suggestions for each space, don’t forget to actually do it in your own room! Your “bedroom” zone is the perfect place for muted, warmer lights, like flameless candles and string lights, and is also an ideal spot for nightlights. The “desk” zone is where you need bright, direct lighting to help you concentrate on assignments and projects. This would be a great place for desk and/or floor lamps, especially if your desk is in a darker corner. The “resting” zone is your personal space to express your style, and where you go to have fun and unwind. Feel free to totally experiment here with glow-in-the-dark and light up decor, or perhaps that antique lantern you found! Finally, we come to the storage zone.  If the overhead lights are not bright enough, then incorporate lamps into this area, perhaps with some string lights or a light-rimmed mirror, just for fun. 

The Best Part
It’s time to test it out! Make your room completely dark (or wait until nighttime, if you need). Then, turn on varying combinations of lights in different zones.

Experiment….

• What does your room look like with just the string lights or one lamp turned on? 
• How about with just the flameless candles or the lantern?
• What do you think when you leave both the desk lamp and the storage zone lamp on at the same time? 

Then, ask these questions...

• What lighting combinations would be best for each time of day? 
• What lights would be best for reading?
• What lights would you want on to fall asleep, if any? 
• What light combos are best for getting dressed and ready for the day? 

Until next time, 
A
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