Seven Tips for Bathroom Lighting
Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. Whether it’s the master bedroom, downstairs powder room or guest bathroom, here are some bright new lighting ideas.
1. Go Bold
If you got tired of seeing gray everywhere, you’ll be happy to know that gray tile and brushed metal fixtures are out. Interior decorators are putting fixtures in warm, muted brass and gold tones everywhere. Gray floors and walls have given way to black walls, black and white tile, dark blue tiles with gold fixtures, and other bold combinations.
The industrial style is still in. Toilets, sinks, and bathtubs look like they belong in an old-fashioned factory or a working farm. If you picture a black and white bathroom with gold fixtures, a barn-style sink, and brass hanging lamps, you’re seeing a bathroom that’s right in line with the trends this year.
You may not want to totally revamp your bathroom, but you can incorporate some of these trends if you like them.
2. Make a Place for Pendants
Pendant lights are all the rage in kitchens now, so why not let them find a place in your bathroom? They add an unexpected, stylish touch.
Pendant lights work best in a large bathroom with tall ceilings. If you have a small bathroom, use small LED lights and wall sconces to add fashionable touches and balanced lighting. Sconces are also a good choice for accenting a bathtub or shower.
3. Light Up the Mirror
Are you bothered by shadows on your mirrors? These are usually the result of overhead lights. Installing light fixtures along the sides of your mirror helps balance the light levels.
Add wall sconces or dimmable vanity lights and watch those shadows disappear.
In a small bathroom or powder room, a single row of lights will be enough to balance out the overhead light. In a large bathroom, add sconces, overhead lights, and accent lights over your shower or bath.
4. Layer Your Lighting
You may have heard of the concept of layering your lighting when it comes to your living room or kitchen. The term refers to using a combination of lights including overhead lighting, ambient lighting for mood, task lighting for specific activities, and accent lighting to focus attention on certain objects or areas. Layering is the best way to create rooms that work for every person and function in your home.
Use a combination of lighting types to make your bathroom useful and inviting for everyone.
5. Fit the Function
When you think about your lighting choices, think about the many ways you use your bathroom.
- If you’re doing your morning makeup, shaving, trying to clean the sink, or bandage a wound, you want bright, focused light that lets you see everything clearly.
- If you’re applying makeup or checking your hair color, you want lighting that’s as close as possible to natural sunlight. Use this lighting for your vanity lights.
- If you’re using your bathroom as your in-house spa, use warm, soft lighting that will help you relax. Leave off the bright overhead lights and the vanity lights. Turn on the bathtub accent lights and a wall sconce near the tub.
6. Choose the Right Bulbs
Choose light bulbs that further enhance your bathroom lighting. Bathrooms are an ideal location for frosted light bulbs, which give soft illumination and reduce glare.
Customize your lighting scheme even more with dimmers, colored LED bulbs, and light strips. Lower-wattage and colored bulbs are a good choice for accent lighting.
Under-cabinet lights aren’t just for your kitchen. They can make an elegant statement in your bathroom cabinets.
7. Consider Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are ideal for bathrooms. They fit into any size bathroom, and you can choose the level of light you want. They’re great for small bathrooms where a hanging lamp wouldn’t fit. You can install dimmers and colored bulbs to create a custom look.
Call SESCOS for All Your Lighting Needs
Once you decide to revamp your bathroom lighting, call SESCOS for fast, expert installation of recessed lights, pendant lights, dimmers, and under-cabinet lights. We’ll help you create a bathroom that’s beautiful and functional.