Increase Bathroom Charm with the Right Lighting

By B.E. Conrad

There are many great improvements you can make to enhance the beauty of your bathroom. Some, such as putting on a fresh coat of paint, are simple and inexpensive, while others, such as the installation of that great new hot tub, can be quite complicated and very expensive. One of the most dramatic changes you can make, however, does not involve tubs, showers, faucets or even paint. Indeed, the right lighting can make a dramatic change in virtually any bathroom, so before you start that remodeling project look at your lighting choices and how they can enhance the beauty, charm and elegance of this important room.

Standard Lighting

Many bathrooms, of course, use standard florescent lighting, which can be a good choice. However, there are drawbacks to this type of lighting, and it is important to think carefully about the other choices you have, many of which can provide more natural lighting than the standard florescent found in many homes.

For many bathrooms, the best lighting will involve a combination of different types of lighting, depending on the location and the use of each part of the room. For instance, most bathrooms will of course have some sort of ambient lighting, providing general illumination for the entire room.

Task Lighting

In addition, most bathrooms will have some sort of task lighting installed, such as the lighting above the bathroom mirror. This type of lighting is designed to make specific jobs, such as shaving or applying makeup, easier by providing stronger lighting.

Of course that task lighting can be attractive as well, and there are many highly attractive lighting choices for bathrooms of all sizes. These great light bars can be excellent choices, and they are a focus of many bathroom remodeling projects. It is important to consider the needs of yourself and your family when it comes to choosing the right kind of accent and ambient lighting for your room.

Of course many bathroom remodeling projects will also include the replacement or redesign of the ambient lighting source as well. For most bathrooms, the ambient light will come from a centrally located fixture in the room. This lighting fixture will take many forms, depending on the room. It could be anything from an elegant chandelier to a practical ceiling fan. Flush mounted lighting fixtures and skylights are also frequently seen in bathroom redesigns and remodeling projects.

Central Lighting

If a new central lighting fixture is in the cards, it is important to consider the advantages and drawbacks of each type of light. For instance, while a bathroom chandelier can certainly lend charm and elegance to the room, they may not be the right choice for many bathrooms. Steam and water vapor can be hard on the exposed lights of chandeliers, causing them to crack and be damaged before their times.

Flush Mounted Lighting

Flush mounted lighting fixtures are often a better choice, since these flush mounted fixtures will generally include some sort of protective cover to protect the light itself from steam and water vapor damage. For lighting fixtures that are particularly difficult to reach or hard to change, you may want to consider installing a long lasting compact florescent bulb in place of the shorter lived incandescent variety.

Finally, those homeowners thinking about a bathroom remodeling project may want to think about installing a dimmer switch in the bathroom. The ability to control the amount of light can help the homeowner create a number of different moods, from practical and focused to soft and romantic. The bathroom can after all be a retreat from the stresses of modern life, and that well deserved bubble bath can be even more of a pleasure in a properly illuminated room.

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