These days modern conviences or mod-cons as people like to say, are being more and more common. This week I wanted to discuss this particular topic because especially in new builds and big renovation jobs, having switches and sockets next to your bed has become the norm.
No longer do we want to get up to turn off the overhead light, or any other lights in the room for that matter!
Of course this could all be done from the comfort of your bed by investing in some smart bulbs, but what if you don't want to go smart?
What if you want to stay analogue and keep it simple?
Well I have some ideas for you!
First of all it's important to note that this will require some electrical knowledge, and some demolition/repair work!
1. In-wall/joinery light switch and bedside wall light.
Simple but quite a cool idea, especially if you want a simple wall light next to your bedside. Adding a bedside light and reading light combo is also a really cool way to add a relaxed and focused form of lighting to your bedside. It also removes the need to fiddle around if you drift off with the light on, looking for the fiddly little switch on a lamp!
2. Adding USB sockets to a plug socket.
Did you know that USB stands for 'Universal Serial Bus' ?
After reading that sentence I'm sure you understand why everyone calls it a USB cable, it avoids shouting, "pass the universal serial bus cable!".
This one is probably one of the most simple, but in my opinion absolutely necessary additions to any bedroom in todays world. We use USB sockets for just about everything! Soon our phones, tablets and laptops will all be charged by the latest USB type C. Fitting this very simple accessory to your existing sockets immediately adds easier charging capabilities to any bedside!
As you can see they come in various design styles and USB locations.
BUT the best bit?
If you know how to change a socket, it'll only cost you about £10-£20 for a cheap one!
3. Going custom with a combo light switch, USB and plug socket.
This is one of my favourite ideas and its also one of the more unseen ones. I recently discovered that Corston Architectural actually create an ultra wide bedside light switch/USB and socket made using 3 single in wall back boxes.
Now it is a little on the pricey side due to the brand, but I really love the simplicity of this solution creating a clean almost hotel like bedside socket/switches. I'm still researching this one but if I find any other brands I'll post them to instagram!
4. Going classic with a Pullcord light switch.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily think this is a great idea. However, I did some research on some attractive looking pull cords and I was quite surprised actually, because there are some out there that I did like!
The reason I included this classic look is because if you had access to a loft room, if there is one! It would be a great way to add a bedside pendant with a simple pull cord switch for it, with very minimal mess making!
5. Simple USB sockets.
Similar to the above idea but without the socket attached, if you had no need for a socket then you could add a single back box or replace the sockets themselves with standalone USB sockets.
6. Install a retrofit wall light with switch.
One of the great things I've noticed online is the need for retrofit bedside wall lights. They seemed to appear on my instagram feed a lot more over the last few years, I have seen them at Dunelm and wayfair.co.uk and they create a beautiful wall light without any big cabling required.
They look great and they simply just plug into a regular socket! I think this is a great look for a living room wall lamp too. When your space is too tight for a floor lamp, this is the perfect solution!
7. Add a 5Amp Socket.
5 amp lamp sockets are such a simple nice touch to add to any room not just a bedroom! Adding Lamp sockets and wiring it back to your bedside and main light switch means you can easily turn on your lamps as you're walking in, and save yourself walking time if one gets left on.
Even in living rooms though, I feel that lamp sockets are a must if you're going for a full rewire of the room! I personally don't like using the basic ceiling lights my flat came with. I pretty much always use lamps over ceiling lights, as i prefer the more relaxed feel a lamps light can create.
With my intelligent lighting system and HUE light bulbs I have added them to my light switches and it was a game changer.
8. Go smart.
I know I said analogue only here, so I won't delve into this too much but it does make it incredibly easy to add in lamps, and wireless switches to your room! For more information head back here to my lighting post from 2022!
The options are pretty endless when it comes to switches and socket ideas, I personally like the matte black sockets for everywhere but only as long as it works with the room!
I hope you got some inspiration from these ideas!
Would you got for a classic Pullcord in your bedroom? Let me know by leaving a comment or message on instagram!