At the start of your day, the first thing you do is stand in front of the mirror to groom yourself. Many people have different grooming rituals that they do, but all usually need the mirror at one point to check on their progress and see how they are presenting themselves to the world. This is why vanity lighting is an integral part of good lighting. It is a common misconception that people have about placing overhead lighting directly above the vanity area. This kind of light actually cast shadows on the face, instead of lighting it evenly. Wall sconces on either side of the mirror will actually light the face better.
Another important area of lighting is the shower area. This is where the recessed overhead lighting will work well. It is also an ideal light fixture for above the bathtub or toilet as well. These areas need practical lighting more than ambient lighting, thus why the overhead light is best placed directly above it.
After the important task lighting has been taken care of, it is then time to create an ambient lighting scheme. This will be enjoyable for those who spend time in the bathroom, winding down from a long day. Mood lighting is great for establishing a relaxing environment. These will usually involve other kinds of light fixtures, mainly hanging pendant lights or some kind of ceiling light along with all the other task fixtures lighting the room. Making light layers softens the look of the space while illuminating it adequately. An interesting alternative to attached fixtures can be cove lighting. This type of light is usually hidden behind a molding that is set in the wall just below the ceiling. It will add a soft glow along the perimeter of the room, which will be appeal to your mood if you spend copious amounts of time in the bathroom.
You might be thinking that it is impractical and maybe overwhelming to put too many lights in your bathroom. That is true if you turn all of them on at the same time at their brightest. The best way to control the amount of light that is emitted is by using light dimmers. This can act as an all encompassing light controller that can turn any light into a task light, ambient light or an accent light fixture. It extremely useful and will allow you to choose the levels of light that you want in your bathroom. They can also save you money because they conserve energy.
Lighting your bathroom can be a daunting task if you are unsure of what to do, but if you get the right information, you can create a haven in any bathroom.
