Lighting the Bathroom
The new blog, Complete Setting, is taking us on an interactive journey. We get to help the writer redecorate his bathroom. Tell him what to do and he’ll do it. Anyway, that got me thinking about lighting for bathrooms. There are so many things we do in the bathroom (not that! Well… oh, never mind) Anyway, the bathroom needs to provide adequate lighting. But the lighting also needs to provide different qualities of light for different uses, such as applying make-up. Whether your bathroom is large or small, good lighting design should incorporate the same elements. Here are some things to think about.
Start with an ambient ceiling fixture, or downlights to light the entire bathroom. This should provide plenty of light, day or night.
Install a light over the shower or tub. You’ll need to see those parts you missed. Also, older people need to see where they put their feet.
At the vanity, install lighting that bathes faces with warm, flattering light from both sides. That means two sconces and maybe one over the vanity, if you need it. Lighting just from above is the worst mistake you can make. You’ll look like Frankenstein.
Put all the lighting on dimmers. Did you or your mother ever one of those make-up mirrors that copied office light and evening light? Well, you need that same mood lighting for the same purpose – even if it’s just to check yourself out in the full length mirror. Likewise, being able to dim the light over the bath has obvious importance – even if it’s just to relax after a hard day.
Next, think about accent lighting. Does the ceiling have some interest you could highlight? Is there some artwork you could single out? Perhaps, you’ve chosen a beautiful material you want to accentuate. Take that one special element and pop it with a special lamp. There are lots of downlights that can do this. Ask at your lighting showroom.
Now that I’ve written all this, go back and reverse everything. In other words, figure out the accent lighting first, then the task (sconces), then the ambient. Your bathroom will thank you.
Do you have a lighting project you’re proud of? Pop a photo through the email and I’ll post it.
