Planning your bathroom lighting carefully is crucial in avoiding pitfalls that can result in poor design, or even costly do-overs. If you’re in the process of preparing for your next bathroom remodel, read on as DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park shares some common bathroom lighting mistakes you should avoid.

1. Ignoring Task Lighting. For most people task lighting is associated with kitchen lighting — it’s the dedicated lighting for work areas. However, task lighting is just as essential in areas like the vanity. Daily activities such as shaving, makeup application and other grooming tasks are best done when you have flattering illumination that lets you see what you’re doing.
2. Improper Light Placement. Improper light placement can lead to ineffective illumination or uncomfortable glare. Avoid placing downlights directly over the head or installing them in a grid pattern, as they can create a harsh and unflattering light.
3. Imbalance Between Ambient and Accent Lighting. Another common lighting mistake is focusing solely on functionality and ignoring the visual aspect of bathroom lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, while accent lighting highlights the vanity, as well as architectural features or artistic elements. Creating a balance between the two types of lighting can add depth and character to the bathroom.
4. Wrong Color Temperature. Light bulbs come in a variety of color temperatures, from cool, which mimics daylight, to warm, which emits an orange to yellow tint. The choice of color temperature can define the look and feel of the bathroom — cooler temperatures can make the space feel sterile, while warmer tones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. For a balanced approach, choose warmer tones for ambient lighting and cooler, brighter lights for task lighting.
5. Ignoring Safety and IP Ratings. Water and electricity are a perilous combination, making safety a paramount concern in bathroom lighting design. Make sure all fixtures are suitable for damp environments and comply with Ingress Protection (IP) standards to prevent accidents and maintain a safe bathroom environment.

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Looking into exploring ideas for your bathroom, check out our case studies, where we share a look at our past projects. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park at (952) 522-3008 or contact us online! We serve homeowners in St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Deephaven, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Shorewood and Wayzata.