To improve the feel of your bathroom space, you need to invest in great lighting. A bathroom remodeler would be the first to say that lighting is important in every part of your home, but moreso in your bathroom. While lighting a bathroom effectively can be challenging, it’s not impossible. In this article, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Collin County shares the do’s and don’ts of bathroom lighting design.
Bathroom Lighting Considerations
DO Plan How Many Fixtures You Need
Once you decide to upgrade your bathroom, be sure to plan how much lighting you will need ahead of time. You want to install ample overhead and task lighting — or track lighting that combines both. Consider adding dimmers, especially since they can help you enjoy a spa-like experience in your bathroom. Dimmers not only add to the overall ambience, they also help you save energy.
DO Place Fixtures Wisely
Instead of installing your bathroom lighting directly over your head, position your ceiling light over the walkway area so that you’re lit from behind. By doing so, you prevent harsh and unflattering reflections. Also remember to place a fixture on both sides of your mirror to allow even illumination and make grooming easier.
DO Choose the Right Bulbs
LED light bulbs are the go-to bulbs for many homeowners because of their energy efficiency and long life. Today’s LEDs have more wattage and the light quality is much warmer than before, which means you have a more cohesive look if you plan to pair them with incandescent bulbs. If you’re looking for the warmest light possible, consider 2700K LEDs as they are the closest to natural light.
DON’T Install Only One Light
A single light source will not be enough, even for a small bathroom. A sconce above the mirror might be a good lighting option for grooming, but it does not provide enough ambient light to reach the shower. Make sure to consult a bathroom contractor for help to layer your lighting. This process involves the use of multiple lighting sources to create a well-lit space: ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for certain areas and accent lighting for areas of interest.
DON’T Forget to Consider Color Temperature & CRI
Color temperature, which is measured in Kelvin (K), describes the color of the light that a bulb or fixture provides. While the color temperature is up to you, most people usually prefer light in the 2700K-3000K range for their bathrooms because the light is most natural. Meanwhile, the color rendering index (or CRI) is a measure of how a light source shows color naturally when compared to a full spectrum source of the same color temperature. CRI is measured on a scale out of 100, with 100 being the perfect score.
DON’T Underestimate Natural Light
Many homeowners tend to forget the importance of natural light in the bathroom. Not only does natural light help you to conserve energy, it can also enhance the appearance of your bathroom. One way you can do this is by adding a bathroom skylight. For even more efficient natural lighting, you may want to put your bathroom facing north as light from this direction creates soft, diffused light.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Are you searching online for a “bathroom contractor near me“? Turn to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Collin County! Call us today at (469) 815-7032 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Plano, Allen, McKinney, Fairview, Frisco, Richardson, Murphy, Wylie, Prosper, Celina and Carrollton.
