Proper Bathroom Lighting
Needs Layers
Most people don't put a lot of thought into bathroom
lighting. It's a relatively small,
utilitarian room where you don't spend a lot of time, so many people don’t
spend a lot of money on lighting fixtures for the bath. This is a mistake, because the bathroom is a
room where you do a variety of tasks that need plenty of the right kind of
light. If you have a larger bathroom
with a soaker tub, Jacuzzi or oversized shower designed for relaxing, the right
kind of bathroom lighting is even more important.
Vanity Lighting
Fixtures Eliminate Shadows
Bathroom lighting requires layers of light at different
levels in order to provide the type of illumination you need for various
activities. One of the most crucial is
vanity lighting. Your family will apply
makeup, shave, fix their hair and a variety of other activities at your
vanity. Plenty of targeted task lighting
is essential. One solution is the
installation of popular bath lighting fixtures that feature three or more
lights mounted just above the mirror so that the light floods the face from
above. This works best if the light
strip is at least 24 inches wide so that light is hitting your face from above
and from an angle at both sides to reduce shadows.
If you have enough space on either side of the mirror,
consider installing sconce lighting fixtures as an alternative. This lets light hit the face from both sides
so that there are almost no shadows and will make shaving and applying makeup
even easier. If you choose sconces for
your bathroom lighting, be sure it is installed at about the height of your
face for the best task lighting.
Overhead Bathroom
Lighting
Consider something more dramatic than a simple ceiling
lighting fixture if you've spent the time and money to install and decorate a
dramatic bathroom. The larger the
bathroom, the more appropriate it is to install a pendant lighting fixture or
chandelier to give a touch of added style that will set your bathroom apart
from the norm.
If you prefer more functional bathroom lighting, take a look
at the many attractive combination lighting fixtures that feature a built-in
exhaust fan. These are a great way to
reduce moisture build-up and keep the bathroom's environment comfortable even
when someone is taking a steamy shower.
Most exhaust lighting fixtures are flush mounted, with the exhaust fan
next to the ceiling and the light fixture directly below.
Targeted Bathroom
Lighting
Unless you have a clear glass shower door, your shower area
can seem like a cave, dark and dreary.
Rather than fumble around in a dark shower, have a recessed lighting
fixture installed directly above the shower to flood it with light. You can also use recessed lighting for
additional, unobtrusive lighting above the toilet area or bathtub.
For safety’s sake, make sure any lighting fixtures you
install are wet rated, meaning they are appropriate for the watery environment
of your bathroom without any electrical hazards. If you layer ceiling lighting, targeted
recessed lighting and proper vanity lighting in your bathroom, you’ll end up
with a well-lit, attractive bathroom that has the perfect lighting for every
activity. Your bathroom lighting will
also be the envy of your friends!