How to keep the monsters away with night lights, and other ways to keep homes safe in the almost-dark

The night can be a scary time for children, even in their own homes, when the darkness raises questions over what may be hidden in the shadows or under the bed, just because it can’t be seen. But that fear doesn’t completely go away when you become an adult. In truth, our night-time wanderings are still filled with thoughts of who, or what, might be around the corner.

Whether it’s a bull-nosed furniture leg, a sharp-edged toy or an upturned plug lying expectantly in the middle of the carpet, danger abounds for exposed toes and feet on a late-night snack hunt. Meanwhile, there’s always a chance that the strange noise which woke you from a particularly pleasant dream wasn’t just a noise.

We can protect ourselves from both danger and fear by installing thoughtful, non-intrusive and energy-efficient lighting, from cosy, animal-themed night lights in children’s rooms to more decoratively-integrated solutions, and helpful guiding lights around the home that light a safe route through the danger, while warding off unwelcome visitors.

Night lights are an important feature in any child’s room. Even those who don’t get nervous in dark spaces still need a little light to find their way to the bathroom, for example. There are many plug-in night-light options that don’t take up shelf or desk space, but those that do are able to bring a little bit of whimsy to the interior decor, even in the daytime. Swedish lighting manufacturer ZERO’s PXL table light, for example, stacks multicoloured rings into a large balloon shape, while the Lamp Rhino, from environmentally friendly brand ecoBirdy, sculpts the friendly animal from 100% recycled plastic. Available in four colour options, the Rhino is also available in a cordless rechargeable option, for children to take with them when sleeping in less familiar surroundings.

Creativity doesn’t start and end with off-the-shelf night lights, only to sit back on the shelf, however. There are many more ways to bring gentle through-the-night illumination while also creating truly special environments children will remember forever. By installing recessed star-shaped lights from Atelier Sedap, for example, ceilings can be transformed into magical starlit night skies to fall asleep under.

Lighting manufacturer 9010 Novantadieci also produces a recessed star light, meanwhile, with smaller 16mm and 11mm diameters, making it possible to vary the size and strength, and therefore proximity, of the stars, creating a three-dimensional interior skyscape. Alternatively, lighting manufacturer Fabbian’s crystal-encased Tripla light is formed in a tetrahedral shape, thus throwing mesmeric and angular light patterns onto nearby surfaces, as well as the room underneath.

For more mature children, the idea of night lights can seem childish and embarrassing, but that doesn’t stop them feeling anxious when faced with a night without one. The Totem & Tabù wall mirror from Rotaliana throws diffused LED light across the surrounding wall, increasing the mirror’s functionality in bedrooms, hallways or bathrooms in the darkness. In the daytime, meanwhile, the mirror, also available in decorative slate or wood options, hides its after-dark alter-ego well.

Moving out of children’s bedrooms, brave adults don’t necessarily need a night light to be able to fall asleep without worrying what’s under the bed (apart from years of accumulated dust), but as we age, the number of nightly trips we take outside the bedroom means low-light luminaires are more useful than ever – helping us avoid unwanted trips of a different kind.

Recessed wall lights like these Pathmarker LEDs from 9010 Novantadieci can light up the route anywhere there’s a wall to walk alongside, helping residents steer clear of left-out toys or unexpected furniture. When applied on a staircase, meanwhile, the downlights give a clear indication of exactly where the stair edge is. Alternatively, aluminium stair tread profiles like these from LEDsON line up LEDs along the stair itself, while also protecting its now-non-slip edge.

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