What is the right kind of lighting for children's rooms?

There are a number of special requirements when planning the lighting for children's rooms. To design the lighting points for their rooms, the three most common types of lighting should be taken into account.

1. General lighting: this is also known as ambient lighting, it is uniform and enables the different activities to be carried out in a room to be correctly undertaken, since it usually lights up every corner. It usually consists of one or more spotlights or ceiling lamps that work with switches.

2. Focal lighting: this is the type of lighting that focusses on a specific area. This type of lighting is typical for desks and bedside tables. Unlike general lighting, it does not always need to be switched on since it focusses on a single activity: lighting to read or study.

3. Decorative lighting: this type of lighting is the least essential, since it is used only for aesthetic purposes, for example, a lamp depicting a cartoon character or lights that imitate the stars.

Having looked at the most frequent types of lighting in homes, there are some issues that will help and guide us in the design of a room for children.

Adapt the lighting to protect the children's eyesight

Children's eyes are constantly developing, so special care should be taken. Not only are frequent check-ups by an ophthalmologist recommended, but you should also supervise the lighting they use for each activity and the time they spend, to make sure they are suitable for their age. Symptoms of poor lighting include the following: fatigue or dry eyes and blurred vision.

Here are some general recommendations for good lighting:

• Give priority to natural light, which has numerous advantages and is linked to Circadian cycles. Because natural light varies, it helps regulate the body's biorhythm cycles. You may have noticed that your daily activity is governed by the solar phases, which help you enjoy healthy sleep and regulate your diet, both key aspects especially in the early stages of growth.
• With regard to ambient lighting, it is best to create warm, diffused lighting, with overhead lamps or LEDs recessed into the ceiling which is how a cosy, comfortable atmosphere is created. If the lighting can be regulated, as the evening arrives the intensity can be reduced.
• For focal lighting, it is advisable to opt for dirigible and dimmable devices, such as sconces next to the headboard of the bed or a lamp on the desk. It is best for lighting located near the bed to have a warm tone, since it is linked to rest. You will find that cold lighting makes you more attentive, so this is ideal for those points used for studying or doing something that requires skill.
  Another factor to take into account when placing the lighting is whether the children are left-handed or right-handed, so that unnecessary shadows are not projected. It is recommended to locate the bulb between 20 and 40 centimetres above the work table, depending on the height of the child.

Here are some further recommendations to help you get the most out of the lighting in each room:

• It is important to encourage children to take small breaks from time to time so they can relax and rest their eyes. You can get them to change their activity and the lighting, for example, by taking a short walk or moving to another room.
• Make sure children sleep suitably, both in quality and duration. Make sure the lighting is suitable when they are falling asleep and while they are asleep as this helps them rest well.
• Make sure the area where they do their activities is suitable: If they are going to do homework, they need appropriate chairs and tables in accordance with the weight and height of the child, as well as customised lighting.
• Make sure the child is in the correct position, especially with regard to the lighting, that their shadow does not get in the way of the activity, especially when reading, doing homework and using screens.

Pay special attention to electrical safety

As for all rooms in the house, it is very important to take into account the main safety recommendations for children. There should be optimal maintenance of the electrical installation and appliances to sure that they meet the required standards and that they are regularly inspected.

In children's rooms, avoid standing lamps and lamps with long cables, as they can cause children to trip or fall. We recommend you use wall lamps or table lamps. It is essential to avoid loose cables, either with fasteners that keep them attached to the skirting board or the wall or with cable protectors. It is also important to put unused electronic devices away and keep their cables rolled up and out of reach.

It is completely normal for children to want to sleep with a nightlight or a small lamp on, these small devices emit soft lighting that helps them fall asleep safely and in comfort. Before plugging them in, you should check that these devices comply with safety regulations (since sometimes it will be the children who turn them on and off) and that their design responds to their functionality, as well as making sure you follow their instructions for use.