Tag Archives: bathroom lighting

Why Do Bathrooms Require So Much Light?

When it comes to deciding which rooms need lighting in your home, bathrooms may not be first on the list. However, they tend to require more strategic lighting than you would typically think of for such a small room. Why is this?

Bathrooms require so much light because they:
• Are small and dark
• Often lack windows and/or doorways to let in natural light
• Are used for many different purposes.

Often times, the smaller the room, the harder it is to light. Small bathrooms regularly lack windows or wide doorways that would otherwise let in natural light. Aside from their small size and cave-like characteristics, bathrooms are also used for many different purposes, which make them difficult, yet extremely important to light properly.

Bathrooms are used for getting ready in the morning, doing ones hair, getting dressed and applying makeup. You may be able to get away with minimal lighting some of those tasks every once in awhile, but when it comes to applying makeup, lighting is vital.

Vanity lighting and wall sconces are two of the most common types of lighting fixtures for a bathroom. Lighting is all about layers, and the bathroom is no different. Start with vanity lighting or wall sconces to bring in light at eye level. Next, you’ll want to add overhead lighting to light up the room as a whole. You can do this with recessed lighting, track lighting, or a chandelier. Not sure your bathroom will always need that overhead lighting? Make sure it is on a dimmer so that you are always in control.

By lighting your bathroom from different heights, you’ll create layers of light that are perfect for this type of space. When it comes to your bathroom, it is better to have the option of always adding more light than not having enough. You’ll be thankful for your layers of light next time you are trying to get ready in the dark during an early winter morning.

Bath and Powder Room Lighting 101

Bathroom

Bathrooms today have become versatile multi-use rooms where lighting can be critical to enhance its use. Aside from adequate light at the sink and vanity, lighting the tub area and any architectural features are also important. (Always have a licensed electrician perform any electrical work in a bathroom. Electrical codes vary by location and safety should be the utmost concern in a bathroom.) Instead of installing a light fixture over the bathtub water faucet, add light to corners of the tub where you would place your objects d’art. Halogen lights are perfect for a bathroom and will make surfaces and objects sparkle, especially if they are made of marble or glass block. Another idea is to light the toe kick areas under the vanity or the bath tub, giving the fixture a soft night-light type effect. It’s a good idea to put the bathtub lighting on a separate dimmer switch to allow for a relaxing soak in the tub.

Powder Room

The Powder Room offers an opportunity to get creative with your lighting. Since this area is not generally used for grooming, the lighting can be very dramatic. Place decorative wall sconces on either side of the mirror or hang pendants for a true design statement. Also, remember to provide light for a niche or artwork. If the sink or faucets look like a work of art themselves, highlight them with a narrow, halogen spot light from above. Remember that dark colors absorb light, so plan for more than you think you may need and be sure to use a dimmer. Also, small rooms need more light than larger rooms as there are more walls and surfaces to absorb the light, so keep this in mind when choosing fixtures for smaller spaces.

What is the best way to light my bathroom vanity area?

For shaving, applying make-up and styling hair, the best light should be even and shadow-free. To achieve this, light should come from above and from both sides. Wall sconces should be at least 28 inches apart and centered 60 inches off of the floor. Of course, taller or shorter people can adjust this guideline appropriately.

Vanities – Learn the Ins and Outs of Bathroom Lighting

Bathrooms tend to be ignored when it comes to lighting because they are often misconstrued as being difficult to light. Sure they are typically smaller and more cluttered than other rooms, but that should not stop you from properly lighting your bathroom. Homeowners tend to leave up whatever fixtures the builders installed into their home years ago, even if that lighting has become outdated or doesn’t properly light up the space.

Because the bathroom is where the majority of us get ready each morning, lighting is extremely important. There are a lot of lighting options when it comes to bathrooms, but the easiest, most practical, and by far the most popular choice, is vanity lighting.

Vanities are unique in the sense that they are designed specifically for bathrooms. Sure, vanities can be used elsewhere, but their unique design is what makes them the perfect choice for bathrooms.

If you’re considering a new vanity or vanity makeover, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Measure – Vanity lighting comes in many sizes, so measuring your mirror (a few times) is key to ensure that your vanity fits perfectly.

2. Style – Keep the style of your vanity consistent with the style you have throughout the rest of your home.

3. Brightness – Choose a light fixture that will produce the right amount of light for you. To do this, pay special attention to the shade covering the light, as that is where the dimming will come from. For instance, a cream or white shade will produce more light than a tan shade.

As long as you pick a vanity light fixture that is the appropriate size for your bathroom, the right style and produces the right amount of light for your liking, you will be happy with the results. Once you achieve the three tips above, have fun with the project and pick something you are drawn to!