Bathroom Lighting Ideas That Expose Your Good Side
Bathroom lighting is available in styles, colors, materials and designs that range from the reasonably-priced to top-of-the line. Here are some points to consider that will put your bathroom in the best possible light – and reflect your good taste.
Change the Look and Feel with Lighting Choices
Small bathrooms can appear larger and vast spaces can look more inviting with the right lighting choice. Don’t let your dull, utilitarian bathroom look remain when you can transform it to an inviting sanctuary with a simple change of bathroom lighting.
Additional Lighting can Brighten Things Up
Try recessed lighting above mirrors and vanities to focus on areas where you apply makeup, shave or perform other tasks. Consider a table lamp for additional warmth and soft glow. If you have room for a chandelier, this makes a dramatic statement as well as provides additional bathroom lighting. Similarly, wall sconces add an immediate effect of warmth.
Don’t Forget the Tub and Shower Areas
Closed-off areas like enclosed tubs and shower stalls can be dingy places – and unsafe without adequate bathroom lighting. Consider recessed lighting in these areas to both enhance the décor and provide enough light for you to accomplish what you need to safely and securely. For example, think how difficult it is to shave your legs if all you have to see by is the dim light over the sink? Don’t take a chance. Make the shower and/or tub area an equal lighting priority. The installation of the right lighting here also adds a dramatic touch to your overall bathroom décor. Just be sure the lights you select are rated for wet locations.
Light Placement is Important
Where you place the lighting in your bathroom is as important as what type of lighting you choose. Poorly placed lighting does little good, as does sticking too many light fixtures in the bathroom. The key is balance, making sure that you have enough light in the right bathroom locations to satisfy need, coordinate the look, and provide the appropriate ambience.
Bathroom Lighting Finishes and Glass Choices Abound
Styles, materials and colors of bathroom lights add up to thousands of different combinations for your consideration. What you choose should depend on your objectives, the look you want to achieve, your budget and timing. If you opt for a hand-made lighting piece, you may have to factor in months to have it made and shipped to your home.
Choose More Energy-Efficient Lighting
As long as you’re going all-out in your search for just the right lighting for your bathroom, it makes sense to search for lighting that’s more energy efficient. This includes the choice of bulbs as well as dimmer switches. The number of lights you need is another consideration. If you have a light strip across the top of your bathroom mirror, for example, you can get by with smaller wattage bulbs than more energy-wasting ones in higher wattage. Consider compact fluorescent bulbs for maximum energy efficiency. Look for the Energy Star label in all lights and fixtures. Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy seeks to help individuals save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
Change the Look and Feel with Lighting Choices
Small bathrooms can appear larger and vast spaces can look more inviting with the right lighting choice. Don’t let your dull, utilitarian bathroom look remain when you can transform it to an inviting sanctuary with a simple change of bathroom lighting.
Additional Lighting can Brighten Things Up
Try recessed lighting above mirrors and vanities to focus on areas where you apply makeup, shave or perform other tasks. Consider a table lamp for additional warmth and soft glow. If you have room for a chandelier, this makes a dramatic statement as well as provides additional bathroom lighting. Similarly, wall sconces add an immediate effect of warmth.
Don’t Forget the Tub and Shower Areas
Closed-off areas like enclosed tubs and shower stalls can be dingy places – and unsafe without adequate bathroom lighting. Consider recessed lighting in these areas to both enhance the décor and provide enough light for you to accomplish what you need to safely and securely. For example, think how difficult it is to shave your legs if all you have to see by is the dim light over the sink? Don’t take a chance. Make the shower and/or tub area an equal lighting priority. The installation of the right lighting here also adds a dramatic touch to your overall bathroom décor. Just be sure the lights you select are rated for wet locations.
Light Placement is Important
Where you place the lighting in your bathroom is as important as what type of lighting you choose. Poorly placed lighting does little good, as does sticking too many light fixtures in the bathroom. The key is balance, making sure that you have enough light in the right bathroom locations to satisfy need, coordinate the look, and provide the appropriate ambience.
Bathroom Lighting Finishes and Glass Choices Abound
Styles, materials and colors of bathroom lights add up to thousands of different combinations for your consideration. What you choose should depend on your objectives, the look you want to achieve, your budget and timing. If you opt for a hand-made lighting piece, you may have to factor in months to have it made and shipped to your home.
Choose More Energy-Efficient Lighting
As long as you’re going all-out in your search for just the right lighting for your bathroom, it makes sense to search for lighting that’s more energy efficient. This includes the choice of bulbs as well as dimmer switches. The number of lights you need is another consideration. If you have a light strip across the top of your bathroom mirror, for example, you can get by with smaller wattage bulbs than more energy-wasting ones in higher wattage. Consider compact fluorescent bulbs for maximum energy efficiency. Look for the Energy Star label in all lights and fixtures. Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy seeks to help individuals save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.