A child’s room is a reflection of parental care, as a child’s development is significantly influenced by their surroundings. An aesthetically pleasing room, designed with harmony in mind, contributes to proper development. However, it’s crucial to adhere to sanitary standards specifically designed for children’s spaces. This includes paying close attention to the lighting a child’s room.
Natural Lighting
A child’s room should be well-lit during daylight hours. The study area, where homework is done, should be especially well-lit. The best location for a study area is near a window. Natural light is always beneficial, and the more, the better. However, there’s a limit. Rooms with south-facing windows should have sheer curtains to reduce glare and eye strain. East-facing windows are generally optimal. For north-facing rooms, there are two ways to improve natural lighting. You can use reflective surfaces in the interior, such as white walls, or enlarge the window. The latter is more labor-intensive but also more effective.
Central Lighting
Artificial lighting often combines a central ceiling fixture with wall-mounted lights or floor lamps for specific areas. In a child’s room, recessed spotlights placed around the ceiling perimeter are recommended. This prevents situations where a child has to strain their eyes in dimly lit areas.
Task Lighting
The most stringent requirements apply to the study area. To protect a child’s eyesight, it’s essential to position a desk lamp correctly to avoid shadows. The lamp’s wattage should be appropriate, and the light should not shine directly into the child’s eyes. Therefore, it’s best to place the lamp slightly below eye level. If there are shelves above the desk, you can achieve even light distribution using spotlights. These should be positioned at the bottom of the shelves.
Accent Lighting
Don’t limit yourself to functional lighting. Decorative lamps of various shapes, including illuminated toys, can be a fun addition.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps can be used to define functional zones like play areas or workspaces. They can also be used to create a cozy reading nook by casting a soft glow in one area while keeping the rest of the room dimly lit.
Safety First
Lighting fixtures should be both attractive and safe. Prioritize sturdy fixtures without small, easily breakable parts. If a lamp does break, it should not shatter into small pieces. All wires should be concealed and out of reach of children.
Nightlights
Nightlights are a common feature in children’s rooms. They should not be too bright, as they shouldn’t interfere with sleep. However, they should be bright enough to avoid casting shadows that might frighten a child. Nightlights are often designed as illuminated toys. A wall-mounted light near the bed can also serve as a nightlight. It should have a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness.
The most important rule when designing a child’s room is to prioritize safety. Carefully inspect each lighting fixture to ensure it meets all safety standards.