Bedroom

Quiet pieces and bedside sconces, dimmed low.

Bedroom lighting is about softness. A small chandelier or a semi-flush mount over the foot of the bed, a pair of sconces or table lamps at the bedside, and all of it on dimmers. Alabaster and fabric-shaded brass give the gentlest light; small crystal pieces add sparkle without glare when dimmed.

Keep a bedroom chandelier modest in diameter, 18 to 26 inches for most rooms, and at least 7 ft clear above the floor at the foot of the bed. Bedside sconces are mounted so the light falls on the page, usually 48 to 55 inches from the floor.