I would bin the idea of spotlights, have two long pendant lights each side of the bed with a nearby switch and then add lights inside your wardrobes.

Like this

You could also add lights behind the shelves

Thanks Jonathan for your feedback. I can see where you're coming from. And I think we will create some moody lighting in other ways too. However, as it's a north facing window, we don't get that much light coming through the window and I think we definitely need some brighter lighting for some tasks that we'll do.

With that in mind, do you or anyone else have any thoughts on spotlight positioning?

You don’t need spotlights and will never use them. If you ever read in the chair you could add a floor standing light behind the chair. If there is a gap between the wardrobes and ceiling you can add a led strip there to spill some light across the ceiling. The most useful light will be one inside the wardrobe,

Hey Oliver,

I think you're asking exactly the right questions here, because the challenge isn't just where the downlights go, it's how the room will actually be used day to day.

From what you've described, the wardrobe lighting requirement is arguably the most important factor. Even with carefully positioned ceiling downlights, fitted wardrobes can still create shadows when you're standing in front of them, especially with floor-to-ceiling units.

One option worth considering is incorporating dedicated wardrobe lighting, such as specific under cabinet lights, sensor-activated fittings, or magnetic and rechargeable options within the wardrobes themselves. This gives excellent visibility when choosing or putting away clothes without relying solely on the ceiling lighting scheme.

Here is a great suggestion for wardrobe lighting:

3 Watt 56.4cm LED Rechargeable Under Cabinet Magnetic Light with PIR Sensor – Silver (no need for an electrician to install)

https://www.litecraft.co.uk/3-watt-56-4cm-led-rechargeable-under-cabinet-magnetic-light-with-pir-sensor-silver

We also have these in different sizes.

If you take that approach, the ceiling lights can then focus more on creating a comfortable ambient light level throughout the room, rather than trying to do all the heavy lifting for task lighting too.

Looking at your proposed layout, I'd personally be cautious about positioning downlights too close to the bed, particularly with a ceiling height of 2300mm. Even dimmable fittings can feel quite harsh if they're directly within your line of sight when lying down. A small adjustment further towards the room perimeter can sometimes make the lighting feel softer while still keeping the room balanced.

Another alternative worth considering is adjustable spotlight bars or track lighting. These provide flexibility because you can direct light towards the wardrobes and circulation areas while keeping the beams away from the bed itself. This can be particularly useful if you're still undecided on the final downlight positions.

Track lighting offers optimal flexibility and customisability to suit your space and can offer a very sleek modern look:

https://www.litecraft.co.uk/lighting-0/ceiling-lights/ceiling-track-lighting

Whereas if you are set on spotlights but want flexibility without compromising on style, here are a couple of great decorative options:

Safie 4 Light Industrial Style Ceiling Spotlight Bar - Antique Brass

https://www.litecraft.co.uk/safie-4-light-industrial-style-ceiling-spotlight-bar-antique-brass

Eyeball 3 Light Adjustable Ceiling Spotlight Plate - Black & Brass

https://www.litecraft.co.uk/eyeball-3-light-adjustable-ceiling-spotlight-plate-black-brass

Hugo 4 Light Ceiling Spotlight Bar - Chrome

https://www.litecraft.co.uk/hugo-4-light-bathroom-ceiling-spotlight-bar-chrome

The headboard LED strip washing light up the wall should also help create a much more relaxing atmosphere in the evenings, so I think that's a great addition.

Overall, I'd be looking at the room as a layered lighting scheme:

• Dedicated wardrobe lighting for clothing visibility
• Ceiling lighting for general illumination and cleaning tasks
• Headboard lighting & lamps for ambience and relaxation

That combination should address all three of your concerns: avoiding glare from bed, achieving good task lighting around the wardrobes, and maintaining a balanced feel throughout the room.

If you decide that dedicated wardrobe lighting could be the answer, you may find you don't need the downlights to work quite as hard as originally planned. Feel free to drop us a message if you'd like some ideas or suggestions for length when picking wardrobe lighting solutions, adjustable spotlight bars, track lighting or other bedroom lighting options. We'd be happy to help.

Kindest regards,

The Litecraft Team

I personally use Backlit headboard and adjustable bedside lamp so when unused it gives off ambience light on the wall and I can adjust it toward me if I want to read on the bed

for ceiling I am a fan or drop ceiling but keep in mind to use fire safety material