Bathroom Lighting Tips and Ideas

Through no fault of its own, the bathroom is generally the most improperly lit room in one’s home. Because it is frequently the smallest room in the home, many people erroneously think that a single light fixture can sufficiently illuminate the entire space. This idea, however, often leads to inadequate lighting and can prevent a bathroom from providing its full range of services as brilliantly as possible.

Most bathrooms today are designed with a compact assortment of metals and finishes, all of which deserve to be highlighted and emphasized. From wall tile to shower tile and cabinet hardware to faucet hardware, the spectrum of bathroom design options is endless. Similarly, the bathroom is a place in which a range of functions are performed, and each task must be illuminated properly. From taking a relaxing bath to applying makeup or shaving with accuracy, different parts of the bathroom demand different forms of light. Creating an appropriate bathroom lighting plan is a vital step in designing a bathroom that can be used and enjoyed to the fullest extent.

Four-Light Brandywine Wall/Bath

The vanity is the place in the bathroom that demands the most precise light. Not only do you want to ensure that you have enough light for your most intricate tasks, but you want to prevent awkward shadows from distorting your desired results. Everyone wants to start off the day feeling positive about the way they look when they face the world, and appropriate vanity lighting plays an essential role in achieving this objective. To minimize unwanted shadows and contrast, frontal light the best way to illuminate your vanity. Sconces or wall-mounted fixtures installed on each side of the mirror with the center of the scone centered at eye level are great ways to create a uniform light. However, because of the size of some bathroom vanities, side-mounted lighting may not be a realistic option. One elegant alternative is to mount sconces directly on to your oversized mirror. This option is often costly, but will create a sparkling, even light for your vanity and provide a classic look to your bathroom.

Another possibility for lighting your vanity is the strategic placement of a lighting fixture above the vanity mirror. To achieve sufficiently bright vanity lighting, the vanity fixture should hold at least 150 watts and it should be at least 24 inches long. For an even glow, the fixture should be mounted 75 to 80 inches above the floor. For more creative vanity lighting, consider using low-voltage track lighting fixtures with suspended low-voltage fixtures interspersed with spotlights and glass diffusers. When these lights are directed at the mirror, they will reflect back towards the face and create a crisp, uniform frontal-lighting affect.

The shower is another place where adequate lighting is crucial. Having a shower light attached to a separate light switch is an easy way to conserve energy when the shower is not in use and to help prevent dangerous falls and shaving nicks that occur in the shower. An overhead light fixture will provide sufficient light for most shower stalls, but care must be taken to select a fixture that is approved for use in wet areas. Make sure that your fixture can accommodate enough wattage to light up the shower stall sufficiently. To determine how much wattage you will need, use the formula LENGTH OF THE SHOWER x WIDTH OF THE SHOWER x 1.5.

To brighten your bathtub, consider recessed lighting controlled by a dimmer switch. The recessed lighting should be focused on the perimeter of the tub to avoid glare, and the dimmer switch will allow you to create an atmosphere of tranquility for those times when you need a relaxing soak in the tub.

Finally, general lighting is necessary in all bathrooms to improve the general aura of the room. Whether you are using the toilet, washing your hands or gathering your laundry, proper bathroom lighting can make sure that your tasks are completed comfortably and properly.

Perform your bathroom tasks efficiently and comfortably with a proper lighting scheme accessorized by gorgeous light fixtures. With so many beautiful bathroom fixtures to choose from, you will surely find one that will match your bathroom décor and your budget.

For more great tips and ideas about lighting throughout your home, browse our collection of lighting articles.