As any parent knows, and any new parent will soon discover, the right lighting can make all the difference in a nursery. From those peaceful, quiet moments to bedtime routines, the lighting sets the tone for everything. With two young boys, we’ve carefully created a lighting setup that not only adds warmth and style to the room but also makes night feeds and bedtime routines a lot easier. Here’s a glimpse into our nursery lighting, along with the lights we use.
Why Lighting Matters in a Nursery
A nursery should be a safe, comforting place for your baby, and the right lighting plays a huge part in that. Bright, harsh lights can be overstimulating, while softer, warmer lighting creates the calm, relaxed atmosphere needed for sleep and quiet moments. The good news is you can have it all in this instance. We opted for dimmable lights that mean we can adjust the lights to suit our needs, making it easy to go from soft ambient light to something brighter when needed. You can also get lights that change the warmth of the globe (more on that below on warm white vs cool white below).
As a parent, I quickly realised how essential it is to have lighting that feels inviting but also practical. The right light helps set a peaceful mood, whether I’m gently rocking my baby to sleep in the middle of the night or reading stories with my four-year-old before bed. The soft glow from the lights truly makes the room feel like a sanctuary for us all.
Why Choose Warm White vs. Cool White?
When it comes to lighting your nursery, one of the most important decisions is whether to choose warm white or cool white light. Here’s why we opted for warm white lighting in our nursery and why it works so well.
1. Creates a Calming Atmosphere
Warm white lighting, typically around 2700K, mimics the soft, inviting glow of sunrise or sunset, which helps create a soothing environment for both you and your baby. This kind of light has a gentle warmth that promotes relaxation and comfort, which is ideal for winding down before naps or bedtime.
2. Supports Sleep Patterns
Cool white lighting (above 4000K) can be energising and stimulating, making it more suitable for active spaces like kitchens or offices. However, in a nursery, especially at night, warm white light is much more conducive to sleep. It helps reduce the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, and promotes a sense of calm, making it easier for your little one to fall asleep and stay asleep.
3. Perfect for Night Feeds and Comforting
In those late-night moments when you need just enough light to check on your baby, warm white light is gentle and reassuring. It provides the right level of illumination without being too bright or harsh, allowing you to attend to your baby without disrupting their sleep cycle.
4. Creates a Cosy, Inviting Space
Warm white light also adds a touch of warmth to the room, creating an inviting, homely atmosphere. This is especially important for a nursery, where you want both the baby and yourself to feel comfortable and at ease. Warm lighting enhances the natural materials in the room, such as timber and fabric, making it feel cosy and safe.
If you’re undecided, or think you might want a bit of everything, you can choose to have CCT adjustable lights which let you go from one colour to another.
Our Lighting Picks
We’ve found that the key to a great nursery lighting setup is flexibility. We needed lights that could create a calming atmosphere for those late-night feeds but also be bright enough for reading bedtime stories or playtime. Here are the three key pieces that have made a difference in our nursery:
