PROPERTY NEWS - Decorating a nursery is exciting. You might be creating a cosy little nook for your future bookworm (with Harry Potter wallpaper and books to match) or you might have a pink paradise for your little one all decked out. However, there is one element that many people forget when decorating their baby's nursery: the lighting.
Lighting the nursery is important. If you buy lamps online, you can choose from a diverse variety to suit any décor. If you are not sure where to start, read on for some top tips on how to light your baby's nursery and create a perfect space for your little one.
Avoid harsh lighting
A soft glow makes a room feel warm and inviting, but this is not the only reason to avoid harsh lighting. Soft lighting reduces the contrast between light and dark, preventing over-stimulation and allowing your baby's undeveloped eyes a chance to rest. Try not to use halogens and exposed bulbs, opting rather for fixtures with shaded or diffused light. It is also unsafe to use exposed bulbs or halogen lights, as curious babies might try to touch them or bite them. The bright light might make them feel anxious and stressed, which is why a dimmer, softer bulb is a good idea. Soft lighting will also help with sleep time and relaxing your little one.
Don't forget nightlights
Once your little bundle of joy has dozed off into dreamland, you are likely to turn off the overhead lighting to keep the room cosy and dark. But you should not forget that newborns and young babies have a hard time adjusting to their new external environment. A night light can help your little one feel less confused and scared in a dark room and provides accent lighting that is not distracting for a baby who is trying to sleep.
It gives just enough illumination without over-saturating the room in light. And an added bonus is that when you run in to soothe their cries, you will not stumble over any toys and stuffed animals on the floor. When you buy lamps online, you will find some that are crafted specifically for a nursery and have night light functions.
Natural lighting.
The dimming of the day
A dimmer switch is an effective way to light your baby's nursery. It allows you to choose the right amount of light you need at any time of day or night. For example, if you need to change a nappy at night, you can set the dimmer to a medium brightness so you can see what you are doing and then return it to a lower setting to get baby back to sleep.
A serene atmosphere tells your baby's body and mind that it is time to sleep, which helps immensely in creating the perfect circadian rhythm.
You can keep the room bright during daytime hours for task lighting, but once it reaches a later hour, start dimming the lights. You will notice your little one becoming drowsier as they realise it is time to start going to sleep.
Control natural lighting
Natural lighting is important for the development of your baby, but it can also be a premature wake-up call. You will need to look for heavy curtains that are lined, so that the bright morning light does not wake your baby up too early, specially in summer.
Keeping the nursery dark and cool will help your little one sleep longer and it will prevent them from overheating, which can be damaging to their health. You can leave the curtains open during the day to let in warm sunlight while your baby plays, but be sure to close them as the sun starts to set. As with the dimmer switch, this change in lighting will help your baby to relax and calm down before bedtime. A serene atmosphere tells your baby's body and mind that it is time to sleep, which helps immensely in creating the perfect circadian rhythm.
Make a statement
Practical lighting does not have to be unattractive. You can buy lamps online that are quirky and unique, such as unicorns that change colour or fairy lights that you can use to make the ceiling look like a night sky. You could even invest in a small chandelier for the nursery, as long as baby cannot reach it and it is securely fixed to the ceiling. Be creative and make the room extra special and cosy by choosing a side lamp with a cute and delightful lampshade, or you could choose a pendant lamp that can also be used when they are older.
Be sure to think about the practical elements first, however, as safety must be the primary concern. Match all elements to the décor too, for a synchronised, stylish nursery.
Always be creative
A nursery is a space with which you can truly have fun, by creating the ultimate space in which your baby can grow and flourish, with a bit of whimsy and playfulness thrown in. The lighting is an important element of a room, so you will need to consider it carefully. Avoid harsh lighting and remember to install a nightlight or two in the room.
Dimmer switch.
Having a dimmer switch and heavy curtains are useful for making the space peaceful for sleep. Remember to make a creative statement to build a memorable and beautiful room.
Source: www.all4women.co.za
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'
