Balanced Bathroom Lighting

Finding the right balance of lighting in a bathroom can be a challenge, especially if the space is small and the natural light is minimal. Natural light and artificial light must be mixed into a balanced combination. With so many types of lighting fixtures, customers can feel overwhelmed by and unsure of the options presented. Knowing how important the right lighting is to every-day bathroom tasks, such as applying make up or shaving, use the following information as a guide before making any purchases.

Before choosing any fixtures, you must first assess your bathroom as a whole. There are three main questions you need to ask yourself.

1) Is natural light present in the bathroom? If so, how much? Is there only one window? Or are there several? Is there is a skylight in the bathroom? Is there no natural light whatsoever? The amount of natural light present will help you determine what type of fixtures you need to add.

2) How large in my bathroom? A large bathroom typically feels brighter because it is more open. However, a larger bathroom may need fixtures in many locations to keep the brightness especially when natural light is gone. A smaller bathroom needs fewer fixtures but high quality light to achieve balance. Smaller bathrooms tend to have less natural which can make it somewhat difficult to have good lighting overall.

3) What overall effect am I trying to achieve in my bathroom? Consider the colors in your bathroom and how you want every detail to tie together. Are you looking for a bright, spring-time feel? Or are you wanting something more intimate and cozy? Do you have a dark wall that you really want to brighten up? Or are you trying to dim already flashy tile and flooring? Colors and other elements greatly affect the balance of light in a bathroom.

Other questions to consider are:

What types of fixtures will work the best in my bathroom?
What locations need light?
How much lighting do I need to maintain a good balance at night time?
What style of fixtures will match the bathroom?

One of the main things to consider about balancing the light in your bathroom is the location of the lighting. You don't want to over-brighten area and completely neglect another. This is why it is necessary to assess the current lighting in your bathroom under various circumstances. During a cloudy day, what areas are darkest? Where do you need brighter light? On a sunny day, are there any areas which are still not receiving sufficient light? And at night time, where are the shadows? Where are the dark spots? These are the areas in which you need to add light.

When you start shopping for light fixtures, you will begin to notice a large array of options. There are many types of lighting, and each type is made for specific situations and locations. Since you are likely to be overwhelmed and probably confused as to what the best decision will be, let us make you informed of the many different types before you begin your search.

Recessed and Overhead Lighting: This type of lighting is very common in bathrooms and is usually found above the shower and the mirror. These lights may be recessed, hanging, or chandeliers depending on the style of your bathroom. Overhead lighting is very practical and can be placed just about anywhere in the bathroom. One or two overhead lights in a small bathroom easily brighten things up. In a larger bathroom, overhead lighting is simple to install in several locations.

Strip Lighting: If you have ever seen a vanity or mirror in a television make up studio, you have an idea of what strip lighting is. This type of lighting is typically only found on the sides or top of a mirror. Strip lighting is not always very practical because it does not offer much light to any other places of the bathroom. In a small bathroom, strip lighting may be sufficient, but in a larger bathroom, it will likely have to be combined with other fixtures. This type of lighting reduces shadows and provides even lighting, which is good for a mirror that will be used frequently for make up application.

Wall Lighting: This type of lighting, which can be installed as brackets or sconces, is excellent for reducing shadows, ridding the bathroom of nightime darkness, and generally aiding natural light. A wall light may not be bright enough for a bathroom that does not receive much natural light, as it is used mainly as a accent light. If the bathroom is already dim, a wall light will need to be mixed with other overhead lighting or well-spread natural light to achieve a balance.

Evenly place light fixtures in various locations to minimize shadows and lighten the room. You can choose a variety of light bulb types which will affect the brightness. If you are concerned about any light being too bright, you may also install dimmer switches. These switches aid immensely in achieving the perfect light balance because the intensity of light can be changed throughout the day.

Finally, you will want to assess your budget. What type of fixtures are the right price for your design? There are as many price options as style options, so it is best not to the enter the store without some idea of what you can spend. Prices for bathroom lighting range anywhere from $40 into the hundreds.

You might be wondering at this point where you should go to buy your bathroom lighting? If you have a local home department or renovation store, this would be a good place to look. Even if you do not make a final purchase, you will at least have the opportunity to look at the many options and speak with some lighting professionals who will be able to answer a lot of questions. You will also be able to get a good idea of prices for the types of lights that interest you.

As you make choices about the lighting in your bathroom, consider the following bathroom lighting ideas and further questions:

Have you ever heard that lighting on the sides is more flattering than lighting from above? That is actually not just a Hollywood myth. Truthfully, lighting on the sides of your mirror is much more flattering, provides more even lighting for primping, and leaves you with a boost of confidence when you walk out the door.

When shopping for light bulbs, steer clear of bulbs giving light that is too yellow or too white. This type of light is the kind used in hotel room bathrooms or most public restrooms. Have you ever noticed how poor you look in these bathrooms? On this occasion, you can blame it entirely on the lighting.

If you do not want to be blinded when using the restroom at night, install a single light over the toilet with a dimmer switch or a small night light which you can easily turn on without illuminating the whole bathroom. If you tend to use the bathroom frequently at night, consider adding one of these low-light options for ease on your eyes.

For those bathroom decorators who are feeling creative, there are many fun lighting options as well. You might try an addition of spotlights over the tub or artwork or add track lighting around the room. You could add some recessed wall lighting into tile around the shower or even run some strip lighting around the edge of the floor in a larger bathroom.

What type of switch do you want in your bathroom? Are you okay with a traditional light switch? Do you want a dimmer switch or sliding switch? Do you mind pressing a button on the light itself or do you want to be able to hit some quickly on the wall? Light switches are as essential as the light itself.

Remember that this bathroom is your bathroom, and more importantly than any technical rules, you must be satisfied with the final result. What type of lighting and effect are you trying to achieve? Discover how you can accomplish this goal through bathroom lighting. In what ways does your bathroom need to be balanced? Research the many types of lights and determine what types will be best to even out the light and shadows. What style is your bathroom? Even if a light is practical, it might not be beautiful, so be sure to shop for style as much as for lighting and price.

Lighting fixtures are an essential part of any bathroom and will greatly affect the overall feel of the room. The right balance of lighting can make daily bathroom tasks much easier while the wrong balance may leave you with make up streaks or shaving nicks. When designing and decorating your bathroom, do not neglect the idea of lighting even if it seems complicated. After some research and comparison shopping, you can be confident in balancing the light in your bathroom.