Lighting-design ideas for the bathroom

Kichler fixture model 63740I

Have you taken a look at the lighting in your bathroom? Do the fixtures contribute to that spa-like atmosphere you desire? A report from the American Lighting Association states that “the finishing touch to a redecorated bathroom is complementary lighting that is highly functional and attractive.”

Don’t upgrade everything in the bath (vanity, shower, tub, faucets and flooring) and neglect lighting.”The right lighting will make the room. Without it, everything you purchased won’t look half as good,” says George Chandler, a lighting manufacturer based in Vermont.

Kellee Hollenback, who works for a lighting manufacturer based in Georgia, says, “Redoing the bathroom is an economical way to do a home makeover. Even simply installing a UL-listed shower light or a chandelier or spotlight over the tub can enhance both comfort and ambiance.”

The lighting association says there are two “must-haves” for proper bath lighting: an ambient light source and task lighting. The most critical area for proper lighting is at the mirror, where the majority of grooming tasks (from make-up application to shaving) takes place. Although many builders and interior decorators install one recessed light over the sink, lighting experts say this is not ideal for putting your best face forward.

“The best scenario at the bathroom mirror is a lighting fixture at the top and two smaller wall-mounted fixtures located on either side of the mirror,” explains architect Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA, and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design. “It is possible to add a recessed light over the sink as a supplementary light source, but it should never be the primary light because it will create shadows on the face.”

Decorative sconces that either match or complement the over-the-sink light will evenly illuminate both sides of the face. Rey-Barreau recommends a minimum of 150 watts of incandescent lighting per sink, or 40 watts of fluorescent.

Don’t forget dimmers. Dimmers are essential for creating a soothing and comfortable environment. Installing a dimmer in your master bath is one of the easiest, least expensive and mood enhancing techniques you can do.

“The reality is that the amount of light provided by typical vanity fixtures gives much more lighting than we need for the majority of times that we are in the bathroom,” says Rey-Barreau. “Once you have a dimmer, being able to adjust the light levels for different situations is amazingly practical.”

Find more ideas for “Lighting Your Life” at the American Lighting Association website.