Lighting your bathroom may seem simple, but there are important tips you want to know. There is a difference when lighting a master/full bath where you get ready daily, and lighting a powder bath.
WHERE DO I PLACE THE LIGHTING. Let’s start at the mirror. The best lighting to illuminate your face is on either side of the mirror. Doing so prevents shadows as well as getting even light on both sides of your face. Especially important if you are putting on makeup, shaving, or styling hair and daily tasks. If you have one long mirror you can opt to mount lights directly on your mirror. If you do not have the space to put a light on either side of the mirror, mounting a light above the mirror is best. The length of the light usually does not exceed the length of the vanity.
WHAT BULBS SHOULD I USE. The brightest light will come from a medium base socket. With LED now being the more popular light source, you can screw in a bright LED bulb in the color temperature of your choice, 2700K warmer light or 3000K for a whiter light. You may also use a dedicated LED light. This means that the LED light source is built in the fixture. This allows for a more even light color without having to replace the bulb.
DO I NEED ADDITIONAL LIGHTING. This will depend on the size of your bathroom. Wall lights can give enough lighting for the entire bathroom, however if the bathroom is large, you may want to add a ceiling light, or recessed lighting. You will definitely want to add a shower light regardless of the size of your bathroom.
LIGHTING OVER A WHIRLPOOL or FREE STANDING TUB. This adds to the beauty of your bathroom! You may choose to match the lights by the mirror or go with a different look. Check local code requirements for specifications on hanging the light over a tub.
DO I DIM MY BATHROOM LIGHTS. If you have a light over the tub, this should definitely be dimmed to set the mood. You may also consider dimming the lights around the mirror for night time use of the bathroom- entering the bathroom with soft dimmed light is much easier on the eyes at night!
EXHAUST FAN is a must in all bathrooms. Exhaust fans should be chosen by the CFM (how much air is moved) as well as Sones (noice level). Your bathroom size and if you have a shower will determine what size CFM you will need. Exhaust fans come with or without lights.
LIGHTING A POWDER BATH that you do not use for daily tasks such as shaving, putting on makeup, etc. does not need to be lit as bright. Many powder baths will have a decorative mirror over the sink and two lights on either side or one above.
DOES THE COLOR OF MY BATHROOM MATTER. Yes! If you have dark walls or floors then your light source will need to be brighter as the dark surfaces will absorb most of the brightness. Lighter colored bathrooms will feel brighter.
