How to Choose The Perfect Lighting for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are usually overlooked when it comes to design. Details, like lighting, are probably the most neglected part. People tend to choose the least expensive option, or the one that’s the easiest to install. However, bathrooms are an important part of our daily routines. Therefore, choose your lighting solutions meticulously, and you will immediately notice a difference in the overall ambiance.

Main light source

The best light source for any room is always natural light. It isn’t an option for many, but try to have as much of it as possible. If there is no chance to introduce natural light to your bathroom, think about installing a nice chandelier which will make the room appear spacious and inviting. However, with all that water running around this can be a bit dangerous if not done properly. Therefore, make sure you place it at least 3 feet away from the tub. Also, add a dimmer to this solution as you might want to dim the light by about 20 percent during the day.

Task lights

It’s important to have proper lighting for mundane bathroom tasks (like applying makeup, flossing or shaving). Mirror and vanities are the best places to hide a couple of stronger (75 to 100 watt) light bulbs. Put one light on each side of the mirror at about face level. If you place it higher than, you might not like the results. Use LED lights because they are much easier to control and dim. Don’t forget to place a small light above your storage area as well – it might come in handy.

Bathtub and shower

Bathtubs can be a bit tricky to properly illuminate. Aside from the various technicalities you’ll need to consider, this area is very private so keep that in mind as well when choosing the best lighting option. Furthermore, putting fixtures too close to the tub can be pretty dangerous. Most people decide to usewet location downlights, but those who have big bathrooms may also install spotlights. Trim lights which are pretty bright and cast a large shadow are the best solution for open showers. Since these come in direct contact with water, you should maybe consider having an electrician 24 hours at your disposal. 

Light bulbs

When choosing the right light bulbs, your primary concern should be the way their light affects your skin tone. Also, you should consider the impact they have on the environment and the amount of electricity they consume. Halogen bulbs are definitely a smart choice, but they are a bit pricey. On the other hand, you won’t have to change them very often which means that you might even end up saving some money in the long run. Fluorescent light bulbs are a close second when it comes to tone, and they consume 10 times less energy than other bulbs. It’s also important to check if the new light bulbs fit the traditional fixtures.

A new ambiance

It’s important to note that by changing the lighting, you might feel the need to change some other things in your bathroom, as well. This change may expose a problem with your paint, or make the old paint feel inadequate. Also, by introducing a different light a room can seem more spacious, so you might want to add mirrors or a couple of other smaller decorative items.

Choosing the right lighting solution for your bathroom is much more art, than it is science. It’s good to have an overall vision of the atmosphere you wish to create, but unless you try a few ideas out, you won’t be sure which of them actually work.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith