Dorm Room Lighting 101

By Clarissa Allison | August 26th, 2016

If you or a loved one have ever had to room in a dorm, you’ll know the lighting in them is typically abysmal. We know that lighting plays a major role in our circadian rhythms and emotions as well as our ability to concentrate and complete tasks. These factors are of utmost importance during the hectic college years. Read on for some helpful tips on compact and functional lighting options for the alumni in your family!

STRING LIGHTS

String lights give any indoor or outdoor space an instant feel of festivity and casual fun. They are easy to set up and their flexibility allows them to be used in a variety of ways. It is a popular option to hang string lights directly on an accent wall as an outline, or drape them behind the bed’s canopy for a romantic effect. We have several string lighting options on louielighting.com by Bulbrite and more!

ROPE AND LED TAPE LIGHTING

Rope lighting is typically used for party or event lighting, but has several practical uses within a home or dorm room, especially considering saving space anywhere you can is of paramount importance in college dorms. Rope lighting can be used to accent the back of a headboard, installed under overhead wall cabinets, or to illuminate the inside of a closet. Keep in mind that they aren’t ideal for tight spaces or 90 degree angles, however, as they will not bend easily to fit within sharp corners.

Tape Lights are also also referred to as LED strip lights or Flexilights. Their shape has a few advantages. More flexible than rope lights, they fit into tighter spaces with ease. They are incredibly easy to install – just peel off the adhesive backing and you’re done. What’s more, LED tape lights are often less expensive than rope lights and are available in many colors, including RGB color changing tape light. The lights can be cut in sections and should have an indicator on them regarding where they can be cut. Be aware when you cut the light in sections, note that each cut section requires its own power source and connector to work properly.

TASK LIGHTING

You’ll soon discover that your tiny (and perhaps even windowless) dorm room has nowhere near enough lighting for the day, let alone for late night cramming during exams, so it’s a good idea to invest in a desk lamp. There are several fun, colorful, and practical options out there that will help you work while still saving space. Clip-on or adjustable desk lamps allow you to light your work space only, rather than the whole room, allowing you to study in the presence of a sleeping room mate without disturbing them. If you can easily place an adjustable desk lamp near your bed for reading, that will also serve a dual purpose without additional expense. Be sure to place it in area where it is easy to turn off.

The Lasseter Desk Lamp by Cyan Designs is an elegant, minimalist design featuring a polished nickel finish. Constructed of aluminum, this lamp is also rated for damp locations.

FLOOR LAMPS

Adjustable floor lamps provide the perfect combination of up-lighting and directional lighting for tight spaces. They are a great option when you aren’t able to install hardwired overhead lights and will balance your lighting scheme by helping to eliminate dark shadows in corners. Locate a low-profile lamp with sturdy base to keep it from tipping over. The ideal lamp will be height adjustable and have a swing arm or rotating lamp heads that allow you focus light exactly where you need it.

The Tolomeo Classic Floor Lamp has a floor support consisting of weighted steel base with stamped aluminum cover and stem in chromed steel, combined with Tolomeo classic table model for conversion to floor model. It features an optional set of castors in molded thermoplastic attach to base for easy mobility. Interchangeable plug options accommodate most electrical outlets for global diversity (LED version only)

MORE USEFUL TIPS

1. Right-handed people should place desk lamps to their left.Left-handers, to the right. This will eliminate any shadows from your hand obscuring your work surface.
2. Always have room lights on while you are completing work unless you are trying not to disturb your neighbor. This will minimize eye-strain and headaches caused by insufficient lighting.
3. Natural light is ideal, so take advantage of light via any windows in the room, being careful to avoid glare from the sun on your computer screen. If you are unable to get any natural light into the room, try a fixture that mimics natural daylight, such as the Happy Light by Verilux.
4. Energy efficiency is important even in a short term living situation, so why not save electricity and cut down on your own carbon footprint if you can? LEDs, while having a larger upfront cost, use less energy and generate little to no heat. This is why they are preferred to halogen bulbs, especially in small rooms. LED bulbs are also safer, as since incandescent and halogen bulbs generate a lot of heat, they can be dangerous if they were to catch onto fabric, plastic or a pile of papers.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s blog! Please let us know if you need help selecting the perfect lighting fixtures for your dorm room – we’ll be glad to assist! Call 1877 385 2104 or email info@louielighting.com

The Louie Lighting Team wishes you and yours a safe and happy weekend.

August 26, 2016 | Add a Comment