When you design your new bathroom, lighting is very important. Choose wisely because it really can make a big difference. And within the lighting type you choose, you also will have to choose the type of light that you want to emit from it. For example, track lighting usually needs a clear, bright bulb, whereas globed lighting requires softer or dimmer bulbs to attain the right effect.
To decipher your specific bathroom lighting needs, you first have to know what they are. Depending on the bathroom’s placement in your home, those needs will vary greatly. Here are some of the most common types:
Primary Bathroom: Usually near the front door and the one you send your guests to, this bathroom is usually smaller than others, so the lighting will serve several purposes.
Family Bathroom: Usually located in the hall by all or most of the bedrooms, it’s typically a little larger than the guest bathroom and is generally best suited for task lighting.
Master or Suite bathroom – This is a bathroom specific to one bedroom and is usually the largest bathroom in the house. It may even be divided up into several sections, complete with walls and closets. This type of bath has the most varied lighting needs.
Know what look and feel you’re going for with each of your bathrooms, but also know exactly what end result you want.
Mood or Accent lighting – This type of light does exactly what the name implies, it sets the mood for the room and is usually subdued. It could be as simple as an over the vanity light on a dimmer switch, a small lamp or even some type of candle light. Note: never leave candles unattended. If you want the feel of candle light without the hazards, consider battery powered or electric candles.
General bathroom lighting – This is the light you usually turn on first when entering the room. It can also be the mood lighting, but is normally brighter than that. This is the light we think of first when we think of bathroom lighting. It’s usually a fixture positioned somewhere over the vanity. The light should be bright enough to see yourself clearly in the mirror, but not be overpowering.
Purpose Lighting: Used for activities where focused light is needed such as grooming or applying makeup. There may be one or more of these lights, depending on the size of the bathroom, and is usually provided by halogen on a mirror or a recessed light angled toward an area by a mirror.
Many options are available, so it’s important to do your research to see what’s available to you and how much it costs. Your new bathroom design is worth it.
Want to see more bathroom lighting tips? Visit Tom Wesley’s site for FREE, expert tips & advice on bathroom remodeling.
