The bathroom light is probably  the most important light in any room of the house.

Lighting is crucial to how well your bathroom functions.  The bathroom is where we all do some very detailed and important work such as applying makeup or shaving.  Obviously, you do not want to make a mistake with either one of those tasks due to poor lighting.  It is also the first place we see ourselves in the morning and the last place we see ourselves at night.  Don’t you want the sight of yourself to be a positive one?  I’ve got some tips for lighting that I learned while researching the possibilities for our own bathroom.

Tip #1 – Consult a Lighting Designer

A lighting designer will consider the bath’s overall design to determine the amount and placement of light needed in the space.  Visit the International Association of Lighting Designer’s website at www.iald.org. However, if a designer does not fit in the budget, there are many books and guides to help you along.

Tip #2 – Layer the Light

Anyone who has been in a bathroom with just one light source knows how unflattering a single source of light can be.  A bathroom remodel calls for the following 4 types of light:

1. Task Lighting provides adequate light for applying make-up and shaving. The best way to achieve this is a pair of fixtures mounted on the wall flanking the sink or “work area”.  This is called cross illumination.
2. Ambient Lighting is achieved by bouncing the light off the ceiling, which softens shadows and can take ten years off a person’s age.
3. Accent lighting adds depth and dimension.  It allows you to illuminate design features, such as art, plants, or beautiful tiles.
4. Decorative lighting, created by hanging eye-catching fixtures from the ceiling, will dress up the bath, and add some luxury.

Tip #3 – Create a Scene

Zoned lighting and dimmers can adjust for a variety of situations or “scenes”.  Different lighting scenes give you bright light in the area where you get ready in the morning, or create soft lighting for a relaxing soak in the tub.

Tip #4 – Overcome Design Challenges

Often bathrooms are located on interior walls, lacking any source of natural light.  This lack of a natural light source can feel a bit subterranean.  It is best to try to incorporate natural light wherever possible.  Experts recommend the addition of windows or skylights as part of a remodel.

Basically, if your bathroom light looks good, you will too.