Bathroom Lighting Design

Bathroom Lighting Design Ideas

Fixture casing and lenses

While plain fluorescent tubes or matchstick bulbs will do the job, a simple decorative casing over the bulb can make a world of difference. There are glass casings in various shapes, the most common ones being shells, rings, and fluted plates. Check out different hardware or home supply stores for options, or have one custom-made to suit your tastes. Make sure the casing is heat-resistant and still allows enough light to pass through.

You can soften or brighten an existing light by changing its lens. Translucent lenses are a favorite for bathroom lights because they diffuse the light while keeping brightness intact. Clear lenses can cause light to glare unflatteringly from mirrors, while opaque lenses provide poor illumination. You can use a translucent lens on your general lighting, mirror or accent lights only, or place them over the entire system.

Lighting makes up a small part of most bathroom plans, but for serious bathroom designers, it is one of the most demanding aspects of bathroom design. It has to be bright enough to be functional, but soft enough to relax and flatter. It also has to match your color scheme without clashing or blending in. You also need to consider safety, as you will be installing them alongside heating and water systems. The following guide should help you pick the right lighting system for your bathroom.

Start with a plan for Lighting

Even the most expensive lighting fixtures are useless when installed with faulty wiring. Consult an electrician or contractor to help you plan out your overhead wiring. If your existing layout is still functional, you can simply have it rechecked for flaws before installing. But if the wiring is severely damaged or stands in the way of the heating or water system, you may have to have your bathroom rewired. A wiring plan will help you locate errors and know where it is safest to install your fixtures.

Maximize Natural light in your Bathroom

Natural light is still the best, safest, and cheapest way to illuminate, so use it whenever you can. Large windows and skylights allow sunlight to stream in and light up the entire room. Add a light-colored curtain to filter the light and cast a warm, relaxing glow. If you have small windows, increase natural light by placing mirrors opposite the windows. Mirrors reflect incoming sunlight and spread it throughout the room.

Use downlighters in Bathroom

Downlighters are lights that are recessed into the ceiling and point downwards. These are usually low-voltage and come in small bulbs, making them both economical and attractive. Install a series of downlighters instead of a single fluorescent tube for a softer, more even lighting. They can be blindingly bright at night, though, so use them with a dimmer.

Light mirrors from the sides

Mirror lighting can be tricky – lights have to be in the right position, angle, and brightness to be both functional and pleasing to the eye. Some of the no-nos are a strip of light at the top, daylight or fluorescent lighting, and dim incandescent bulbs. The best arrangement is a series of light bulbs installed around the perimeter, but this design is a bit dated, not to mention costly. A good alternative is to put a strip of frosted or diffused light on either side of the mirror.

Illuminate your tub

There are also underwater lights available for your bathtub. They are usually available in various colors, allowing you to set the right mood for a long, relaxing bath. Fiber optic lights are completely safe and perfect for children’s bathtubs. Make sure the wiring for these bulbs are kept safely away from the water and that the switch is tightly sealed and waterproof.

Lights are often the last to be installed in a remodeled bathroom, but that does not mean they should be considered last. In fact, even expertly designed bathrooms need good lighting to accent their décor. The wrong lighting choice can ruin an otherwise beautiful bathroom. Read on for some of the things to look for when buying bathroom lights. Color temperature This refers to how warm or cool the light appears. Bluish to pure white lights have the highest color temperatures and are considered cool, while yellowish shades are the warmest. Your choice of color temperature depends on what you want out of your bathroom light. If you want something simple and functional, go for a daylight or sunlight bulb. These color temperatures range from 5000 to 6500 Kelvin and are the brightest on the scale. For mirror lighting, you may want something more subtle, because mirrors reflect light and can make daylight too harsh and unflattering. Warm and medium temperatures – less than 3500K – work best for mirror lighting. Accent lights should be warm and subtle, but strong enough to draw attention to themselves. Lamp placement Bathroom lights can be classified into three general categories: general, accent, and mirror lighting. General lighting provides overall illumination to make the bathroom usable. Plan out your general lighting before deciding on accents and mirror lights, or whether you want any at all. Fluorescent lamps are the cheapest and most functional choice. Place accent lights along the wall above eye level, preferably in a sconce shell that directs the light upward. If you have long, wide walls, hang accents in a horizontal line every few meters. Mirror lights depend on how big your mirror is. Regular-sized rectangular mirrors are best lit up by a wall sconce on either side. Position the lights about 30 inches apart and 66 inches above the floor. This will allow the light to frame your face and flatter your skin tone.

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