One of the most important rooms in your home, often hidden from view, is the bathroom. Who wouldn’t confess playing games, creating a 22Bet login, or just texting friends while being there? So, let’s find out how to make it brighter and cozier.
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Types of Lighting in a Bathroom
Since most bathroom designs do not include windows, it’s essential to plan for one or more sources of artificial lighting. The lighting should gently highlight the space, illuminate corners, and be comfortable for the eyes. Experts usually identify three types of lighting, each with its nuances:
- Ceiling lighting evenly illuminates the entire bathroom and is used for everyday routines like brushing teeth, showering, or loading the washing machine.
- Task lighting is placed near the mirror: it helps with cosmetic procedures, shaving, and hairstyling, making them more efficient and time-saving.
- Decorative lighting creates a cozy ambiance, visually expands the space, and helps highlight accents in the room.
At the beginning of the bathroom renovation, it’s important to plan out the placement of all lighting fixtures because wiring is installed during the repair phase. You should also determine how many power outlets you’ll need and where they’ll be used — for appliances or extra lights.
What Kind of Lighting to Choose for a Bathroom
When choosing light fixtures, consider the following factors:
- Wall color and materials — the darker the surfaces, the more powerful and numerous the light sources you’ll need.
- Lamp shades — matte, transparent, or colored shades all affect how light is dispersed.
- Protrusions and architectural elements — the more of them, the harder it is to light the room evenly.
- Bathroom shape — different lighting works better for rounded, square, or rectangular spaces.
- Height of fixtures — the lower the light source, the smaller the area it covers.
- Reflective surfaces — mirrors, chrome elements, ceramic tiles, and glass partitions can influence lighting efficiency.
Style also plays a critical role:
- Minimalist style uses spotlights or pendant lamps with no decor and simple shapes. LED strips also fit perfectly.
- Classic style suits elegant lighting like wrought-iron sconces, frosted shades, or fabric lamp covers.
- Scandinavian style favors any non-bulky light fixtures.
- Loft style welcomes creative pendant lights on chains and vintage bulbs combined with simple round shades.
- Provence style looks great with graceful light-toned fixtures made to resemble wood.
- High-tech style features chrome surfaces, metallic finishes, and cylindrical glass shades, complemented by spotlights or floor lighting.
If your bathroom doesn’t follow a specific style, opt for frosted glass shades and a few chrome elements to evoke cleanliness and airiness.
What Else to Consider
- Size of the bathroom — small bathrooms may need only one fixture, while larger spaces or those combined with a toilet require multiple light sources to brighten corners and enhance perceived space.
- Ceiling height — low ceilings call for matte shades that diffuse light both upward and downward, visually expanding the space. Spotlights also help make the ceiling feel lighter. High ceilings benefit from pendant lights.
- Light temperature — use lighting with high color rendering.
- Daylight = 4000K
- Warm light = 3500K or less
- Candle-like light = around 2400K
Fixture Placement
The location of your light sources depends on the type of lighting you choose.
- Task lights should be installed around two meters high to avoid glare.
- Mirror areas can feature wall lights placed on both sides or mirrors with built-in LED lights.
- Cabinets and shelves benefit from spotlights.
- Wall-mounted fixtures that adjust color temperature and angle can create a unique bathroom atmosphere.
Decorative lighting can go around the bathtub rim, on shelves, in niches, along baseboards, on walls, or ceilings. You can outline the room’s perimeter, bathtub, steps, or specific objects. LED strips, illuminated shower heads, or pre-lit ceramic tiles are popular choices.
Lighting for Bathrooms With Stretch Ceilings
There are three types of fixtures for stretch ceilings:
- Spotlights — the most common, especially in small bathrooms.
- Chandeliers — better for large bathrooms and can be complemented with other light sources.
- LED lighting — available as flexible strips or bulbs. Strips can be installed along the ceiling or on drywall structures; bulbs provide bright general lighting.
Chandeliers can face up or down and may be on a stem or shaped like a dish. For stretch ceilings, down-facing chandeliers are best to prevent heat damage and discoloration.
Stem-mounted chandeliers are better than dish-shaped ones, which sit flush with the ceiling and may degrade the material over time.
Lighting Tips for Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms shouldn’t rely on a single light source. Even in compact spaces, you’ll need three to four ceiling lights. Place them closer to the walls for even illumination and don’t skip additional lighting near the mirror. You can also highlight the shower and sink with spotlights.