One room, many functions

A children's room is a playroom, bedroom and, later, a place for homework all in one. That calls for lighting that can adapt as your child grows: enough light for playing and crafts during the day, softer light for a bedtime story in the evening, and just enough light at night to find the way to the toilet. With a few lights that you can switch on and off separately, you can cover all of these needs.

Where do you find what?

A children's ceiling light provides general lighting without getting in the way. A children's pendant light adds atmosphere. A children's wall light provides reading light while keeping the desk or bedside table clear. And a children's table lamp works well on a desk or beside the bed.

What to look for

Choose lighting that can withstand a knock and either hangs out of reach or stands securely. A ceiling or wall light is often more practical than a free-standing floor lamp in a children's room, simply because there's usually plenty of playing going on. Also pay attention to cords: a cord running down the wall can be a nuisance with small children. A rechargeable lamp is a practical solution.

Dimmable is worth its weight in gold

Choose warm white light (around 2700K) for the evening, as it helps create a calm atmosphere. Dimmable lighting is particularly useful in a children's room, as you can go from playing to reading to sleeping within the space of an hour. A 3-step dimmable light bulb works with your ordinary wall switch, without installation. For the night, a night light with a sensor is a useful addition: it provides soft light without leaving the room completely dark.