Bathroom Lights & Lighting

Good bathroom lighting will complete and complement the look of your bathroom. In a large bathroom, for an effective and eye-catching scheme it's possible to combine the three main types of bathroom lighting although most bathrooms only require ambient and task lighting:

Ambient - General lighting that takes the place of daylight
Task - Lighting for specific jobs such as applying make up or shaving
Accent - Used to focus on special features or interest areas of the bathroom

Placement

When placed at certain angles, lights can create shadows. While shadows can add a dynamic element in a family room or bedroom, they can cause you to miss a spot when you're shaving or apply too much or too little makeup in the bathroom. Keep in mind how big your grooming mirror is and how to best place lights around it to minimize shadows.

In smaller bathrooms, particularly those that have windows or do not have a shower or bathtub, you may only need one light to provide sufficient illumination. Installing the fixture into the middle of the ceiling will provide enough light, but it can also create shadows when you're using the mirror. In that case, you may want to install the light or lights above the mirror. To avoid uneven lighting, install a strip of lights for consistent illumination across the entire length of the mirror. Lights placed at the side of a mirror will further reduce the likelihood of problematic shadows. In larger bathrooms, particularly those that do not have clear shower doors, you may need to install multiple lights. If you have a particularly spacious bathroom, you'll need a combination of mirror, shower and overhead lights to effectively and stylishly illuminate the room.

• Consider room size and external light sources before choosing fixtures
• Avoid installing lights where they will create too many shadows
• Install waterproof light fixtures in shower areas for added brightness
• Glass lenses are less likely to yellow than plastic ones when installed over showers
• Dimmer switches enable you to adjust light levels to accommodate different tasks
• Low-wattage or under-cabinet lights make ideal nightlights

Strip Lights: Installing a strip light above your mirror is a good way to ensure evenly distributed lighting for grooming tasks. Choose bright, white bulbs to provide the best lighting. Installing strip lighting down each side of your mirror will generally minimize the appearance of shadows. A variety of styles including globes and upturned or downturned cups let you choose the best possible angle of illumination.

• In small bathrooms, strip lights may be the only lights needed
• Strip lights on the sides of a mirror more effectively reduce shadows
• Halogen and fluorescent bulbs provide brighter illumination

Recessed and Overhead: Whether you wish to install lights over the tub, shower or toilet, recessed and overhead lights provide a range of styles that fit nearly any bathroom. Recessed lights are fixed into the ceiling, making them ideal for bathrooms with low ceilings or installing above your shower. Since only the trim and bulb are visible, they are unobtrusive and can provide either soft or very bright light, depending on which type of bulb and wattage you choose. When installing overhead lights near mirrors, consider adding supplemental lights to the side of the mirror to reduce shadows for more accurate grooming.

• Angle recessed lights to highlight tile work or wall decorations
• Install lights alongside mirror to supplement overhead lights
• Hanging lights add style and flare to larger bathrooms with high ceilings
• Some overhead lights are paired with an exhaust fan for multipurpose operation

Wall: Wall lights can provide the perfect accent to artwork and other decorations while reducing shadows near your mirror and complementing overhead lights. Install sconces to highlight paintings or provide light above the toilet. Look for fixtures that complement your décor and supplement overhead lights in areas where extra illumination is needed.

• Versatile design allows for both task and accent lighting
• Use sconces alongside mirrors to create ideal light for grooming
• Softer bulbs are ideal for accenting or providing ambient light

At Divine Bathrooms we recommend the following products suitable for your bathroom:.

Ceiling lights

A central ceiling fixture will provide good levels of ambient light. Bathroom light fittings must be well out of reach and shielded, so close-mounted ceiling lights which are enclosed or flush are used instead of pendant fittings and light switches must be out of the reach of anyone using a bath or shower.

Flush light fittings are available in a range of traditional or modern designs in clear or frosted glass with chrome or  brushed chrome.

Recessed lights/down lights

Recessed halogen lighting provides a high level of illumination, is an affordable and popular option. Special bathroom down lights are available for use over showers and baths. They are sealed and can withstand condensation although ordinary downlights can be used in appropriate areas of the bathroom.

Down lights come in white, polished chrome, brushed chrome and brass finishes and are generally available in packs of 3 or 5. Eyeball and tilting styles allow the light to be directed where it is most needed and are slightly more expensive than true down lights which are fixed in a downward position.

Wall lights

A versatile lighting option, wall lights with shades or covers provide soft atmospheric light and add variety to a lighting scheme. Use in addition to a central ceiling light or downlights, to create a mellow atmosphere. Wall lights are attractive fittings in their own right and can be used for decorative effect in alcoves or on either side of a mirror or above a bath.

Wall lights can be wired into the mains so that they come on when the main light switch is pulled or wired independently and switched on separately.  

Spotlights

Ideal for task and accent lighting. Spotlight bars featuring a pair of spotlights have the advantage of using a single fitting to hold a number of light sources and provide useful task lighting when fitted over a mirror for example

Over mirror or shaving lights

Long and slim, these lights provide bright task lighting.  Many mirror lights are energy saving with long lasting bulbs

Lighting Features

Dimmer Switches: Lights with dimmer switches enable you to customize the level of light you need. You can adjust lights up or down with a handy wall switch to choose the perfect low-light setting to keep the bathroom illuminated at night.

Frosted Bulbs: Using frosted bulbs can reduce glare and shadows compared to clear bulbs, so you may want to consider using them with whichever type of light fixtures you decide to install.

Halogen and Fluorescent Bulbs: In addition to providing greater energy efficiency than incandescent bulbs, both halogen and fluorescent bulbs wear out less frequently and provide brighter light, making them ideal for use above and around mirrors.

Combination Exhaust/Lighting: A popular choice in bathroom lighting combines the utility of an exhaust fan with overhead lighting for an all-in-one solution. Some models may also incorporate heating elements or heat lamps for even more versatile use

Some final tips

• Bright light is necessary in bathrooms, because it can alert you to any water on the floor around showers, basins and bathtubs.
• The sink and mirror should be lit in such a way that faces are lit evenly, without shadows. To accomplish this, more than one light is generally necessary. Try using a row of lighting above the mirror or a light fixture on either side at eye level.
• Recessed lighting placed directly above a mirror can cast harsh shadows across your face, making grooming more difficult.
• All light fixtures should be moisture-proof, particularly those used in showers.
• Lights directed toward the ceiling will make the room appear larger.
• To get the most natural skin tones reflected in the mirror, use halogen bulbs as they emit a crisp, white light.
• Shower stalls, particularly those that use an opaque or frosted glass, may require extra lighting to compensate for the light that's lost as a result of the shower screens.

Questions

Here are some questions to when deciding on your lighting scheme:

• How large is your bathroom?
• Does it allow natural light into the area?
• Where should lighting be placed for maximum effectiveness?
• What types of fixtures are best for your bathroom?