There are a lot of things to consider when planning your bathroom renovation. You may be focusing on adding a new shower or vanity. Perhaps your attention is on repainting or updating the flooring. The question is, have you given much thought to your bathroom lighting?
The lighting scheme in your bathroom is extremely important –perhaps even more so than in most other rooms. That’s because not only is this s space for lounging in the tub or de-stressing under the comforting rain of a nice hot shower, but it’s also where people apply makeup, do their hair and shave –tasks that require specific lighting to be done well.
A well-lit bathroom requires a layered lighting scheme, which consists of both ambient and task lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Ambient bathroom lighting sets the overall mood in the space, and can also add to the décor (depending on the style that you choose). This could be pot lights, a standard flush mount, or even a small chandelier.
It’s also a good idea to put your bathroom lights on a dimmer. This addition will make things less jarring in the morning or in the middle of the night. If you enjoy lingering in a relaxing bath, you may find that dimmed bathroom lights can add to the experience.
Recessed shower lighting
Source: Home Bunch
Source: Home Bunch
One of the things that keeps a standup shower from feeling too cave-like is the presence of good lighting. Recessed shower lighting is a little bit different than ordinary lighting. As your contractor will tell you, what’s needed here is a wet location lighting fixture. This is a lighting fixture that can withstand not only condensation, but also splashes and drips.
For all intents and purposes, a shower light is a utility fixture, but that doesn’t mean it can’ be attractive to look at. Recessed shower lighting fixtures are available in a wide variety of shapes, finishes and lens colours. Select the one that works best with the overall design of your bathroom.
Vanity Lighting
Source: Décor Pad
Arguably, the vanity lights are the most important lights in the entire space. They’re essential as task lights that help you do makeup, hair or shave, and they are often seen as a focal point in the room. However, what you might not realize is that most homes actually don’t have optimally installed lights over the sink and vanity area.
Most bathrooms have the vanity lighting positioned over the mirror. The problem with this is that the overhead lighting casts shadows down onto the face and actually makes you look older –definitely not what you want in the place where you’re trying to look your best.
The best vanity lighting comes in the form of two sconces mounted at eye level, on either side of the mirror. This positioning is best for shadow-less illumination and optimal grooming lighting.
