Design Direction

January 13, 2010 · Posted in Bedroom design ideas, Design Direction

Do you have a challenging space or need some design guidance? Design Direction is a chance for you to submit photos or videos of your design challenge(s) and a Vastu interior designer will provide you with some help. Every Wednesday we will feature one reader’s submission.

“My Master bedroom has two windows and a King size bed in the middle. Unfortunately, the nightstands are directly underneath these 2 windows. Is it customary to have bedside lamps on these nightstands when the window is right there? They are tall narrow windows.”

Jason says…

Thanks so much for your inquiry. It looks like your bedroom is flooded with natural light which must be great! In terms of artificial light for when it is nighttime, I can see your hesitation in using traditional table lamps and blocking your windows. We often think about light in terms of layers – overhead lighting, table, floor, or wall lighting, and candle light (for entertaining). In a master bedroom, you probably want reading light in bed. This is most effectively achieved with table lamps or sconces and not overhead lighting. It is difficult to position overhead lighting for reading whereby your own head won’t cast a shadow on your reading material. Given your window arrangement, I would recommend hardwired sconces above your headboard and to the extreme left and right (just inside the windows) that can be aimed at your reading material – something similar to the wall light pictured below. I would also suggest recessed overhead lighting to fill the room with general light or to light specific pieces of artwork. Please let us know what you decide and please don’t hesitate to send final photos.