While doing up the house, a lot of people focus on the bedroom or the living room while neglecting the bathrooms. If you tend to do his, you might be missing out on a lot.
If you think about it, bathrooms are the place where you look at yourself the first time in the day, it’s where you spend most of your morning getting ready, and it’s also where you unwind after a hard day with a nice long bath.
Unlike other rooms, you needn’t worry about furniture or upholstery, but lighting is one of the most important factors to be considered while decorating your bathroom. Making use of natural light is the easiest way to transform a regular washroom into something you see in magazines. Too much artificial light has a harsh effect on the room and can even make you look a little paler than normal – something you definitely don’t want the first thing in the morning. Natural sunlight brings a lot of positive energy and makes it easy to shave, put on makeup or try out a new look.
Here are some simple ways to make the most of natural light in bathrooms.
1. Go pristine
White reflects light, so it is an excellent choice if you want a subtle yet well-lit bathroom. VictoriaPlum.com has a wide range of all-white suites for you to choose from. White decor has the added advantage of making a room look bigger, so it’s ideal if you have a lack of space to work with. A white suite also leaves you free to play around with the look of the room as much as you want. Add a pop of colour with a bright floor mat or a posy of cheerful flowers. Or keep it simple with neutral fittings and frames.
2. Use some shower power
The shower enclosures you use can make a lot of difference too. A dark, chunky enclosure will cut off whatever sunlight you get, forcing you to switch on those electric lights. It is better to go for airy, open designs instead. These days, you’ll find plenty of enticing walk-in shower enclosures that look luxurious yet minimalistic. The glass doors and panels won’t obstruct any natural light, so you will emerge refreshed and energised from your morning shower, even if it’s a hurried two-minute affair.
Skylights and a large mirror help to make this bathroom light and airy
3. Upon reflection
Mirrors, of course, also reflect light, so a strategically placed mirror can make a world of difference. There are plenty of options, ranging from functional storage cabinets to funky LED illuminated mirrors. Placed on the wall adjacent to the window, it will reflect the sunlight streaming in and light up your bathroom effectively. For extra-dramatic results, install two mirrors on adjoining walls, perpendicular to each other. This brightens up the room drastically while also giving the illusion of extra space.
4. Paint it right
Painting your bathroom walls is another simple way to optimise the natural light coming in. Badly maintained walls with peeling, flaky paint will only increase the shadows, so make sure you give your walls a fresh coat. Dark colours absorb light, so it’s better to choose a lighter shade that will have a reflective effect. Turquoise, coral and yellow are some options that don’t eat up natural light and can make the room look cosy and cheerful. Since water and moisture is unavoidable in bathrooms, be sure to use good quality waterproof paint.
Strike the right balance in your bathroom, with light colours
5. Clever cover-up
Natural light is all well and good, but you may actually find that the sunlight coming through your window is too bright, or perhaps you simply need a bit of extra privacy? If so, a beautiful blind or window covering will help keep brightness at acceptable levels, whilst providing a whole new dimension to your bathroom design. Look through magazines or Pinterest for inspiration. You can choose from a wide range of beautiful bathroom blinds or perhaps even go for shutters.
6. A fitting solution
Lastly, paying attention to your bathroom fittings will prove to be invaluable in brightening up the room. Chrome and shiny metal fittings reflect light, so choose them over heavy wood or matt plastic counterparts. Taps, racks, shelves and holders—all the things that add those finishing touches—are perfect for the purpose.
These simple tips and tricks can be easily adapted to bathrooms of any size and the difference is immediately noticeable. Whether you want to do up a spacious master bathroom or maybe you’re looking to impress visiting friends and relatives with your tiny downstairs cloakroom, getting your natural light right will help you achieve a look that is smart, modern and refreshing.
Further bathroom lighting inspiration
For further inspiration, take a look at our superb bathroom lighting ideas.
