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Brighten Your Bath Decor with these Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Bathroom lighting often goes unnoticed, but adequate lighting in this small room of your home is very important. This is where you do many personal tasks of the day - shower or bathe, fix hair, put on make-up, shave, brush teeth, etc., and having the proper lighting can help you do each task easier.

Avoid the mistake of placing only one light in the bathroom, especially in a larger bath with separate areas for the toilet, vanity, and shower or tub. You really need bright general lighting, vanity lighting, and possibly lights for the tub area. Also, consider the affect lighting will have on your bathroom decor and colors. Lighting can either hinder or highlight your decor, and it can actually change the shade and brightness of colors.

Vanity Lighting

Let's start with lights for the vanity and mirror. You have to be careful when choosing lighting for a vanity because certain positioning and types of lights can cause a reflection or glare in the mirror. The lighting needs to be positioned in such a way to reduce glare and to prevent unwanted shadows. This light should be precise to enable you to do your "mirror" tasks while seeing clearly.

To minimize shadows and glare, use frontal lights to illuminate the mirror and vanity area. This can include wall sconces or other types of wall-mounted lighting, preferably mounted on the sides (at center) of the mirror. If your mirror is too wide for side-mounting, consider mounting a sconce directly on your mirror or use a hanging lighting fixture directly above the vanity area. An overhead light should have at least 150 watts and should be mounted about 75 or 80 inches above the floor. Another option is to use track light fixtures suspended with glass diffusers and spotlights.

Shower or Tub Lighting

Another area that needs adequate bathroom lighting is the shower or tub area. Good lighting in this area can help prevent accidents due to water on the floor or if small items fall into the tub. Without bright lighting, you might not be able to see these. Even with very bright general lighting, the light is likely dimmed somewhat when you close the shower curtain. Proper shower lighting also comes in handy when shaving to prevent nicks and cuts.

Consider a separate light switch to save on energy while the shower is not being used. Overhead lighting fixtures work well in the shower or bath, but make sure the light is approved for wet areas. For a tub, consider using recessed lighting with a dimmer option. This creates a tranquil bath experience with the brightness determined by you.

General Bathroom Lighting

The general lighting of your bathroom can be a normal light or a light with an exhaust fan that comes on automatically when you flip the switch. The light should be bright enough to accomplish all tasks in the bathroom. It can be centered in the room or placed in an area where the other special lighting does not reach.

There are many beautiful light fixtures to choose from when decorating your bathroom, so be sure to shop around. Use various online resources to see what types of bathroom lighting are available. Styles include sconces, multi-bulb fixtures, single-bulb ceiling lights, and spotlights. You can find lighting that matches the decor and colors of the room. Sconces are very decorative and are usually made of intricately carved wood or wrought iron. These look wonderful with pedestal bathroom sinks.

Use these bathroom decoration ideas to illuminate your favorite retreat!

by Candice Pardue

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