From applying makeup to brushing your teeth, there are numerous things you do in the bathroom which rely on clear visibility.
Lighting is a key consideration but bathroom lights are about more than just clarity of vision – they’re about atmosphere too.
Your bathroom lighting needs to be sensual as well as practical and here at VictoriaPlum.com we’ve compiled this guide to help you plan the perfect lighting options for your bathroom.
Consider your choices
Bathroom lights don’t just come in one format so make sure you consider everything on offer. Downlights, which fit flush into the ceiling, are a good option around the shower but you can also use them to add delicate lighting around the walls and floor. As with all electrics in the bathroom, make sure a qualified electrician checks this and installs for you.
Illuminated mirrors and mirror cabinets are another great idea, especially when it comes to fiddly things like applying makeup or putting in contact lenses. Our Sienna Oak 120 Mirror with Lights is a popular option in beautiful oak and can be combined with our other Sienna bathroom furniture units for a harmonious style.
You may also want a general ceiling light for overall illumination. Choose something in-keeping with the design and consider how low it hangs from the ceiling. You don’t want to end up knocking into it when drying yourself.
Don’t overlook the shower
When choosing whether to position strategic lighting, remember your shower is as important as the bath or any other unit. Place lighting around this area for an interesting background or use floor level lighting on a raised platform for a star-studded walkway.
Mix soft and bright lights
As mentioned previously, bathroom lights are about sensuality and practicality so combine soft with bright lights. The latter should appear in the main ceiling light and in illuminated cabinets while the former is perfect for downlights and other types of mood lighting.
If you’re worried about going overboard then a dimmer switch on your main lighting can work wonders – just make sure your switch is outside of the confines of the bathroom itself; ideally on the wall by the main access door.
Placing spotlights in recessed areas of the bathroom is another good way to create a focal point.
Plenty of natural light already? Read our blog post 6 tips to enhance natural light in your bathroom.
Make your final checks
Before you finish your design you need to make sure the lighting you’ve chosen is right. Use this checklist to help you make those final considerations:
- How much natural light does the bathroom get? Are you making the most of windows and mirrors to enhance this?
- What lights do you already have in place in your bathroom? Do they cast shadows? Do they need upgrading or replacing?
- What light bulbs are you using? Could switching to lower wattage bulbs in a larger number of fittings work better than a single, high watt light bulb?
- Do the lights you’ve added increase function and enhance style?
As we’ve already said, you should always hire a qualified electrician to talk through your lighting options and to carry out any work. Electrics and water mixed together can be deadly, and there are specific regulations that electrical work must conform to. Unless you are qualified, never take the risk of trying to carry out electrical work yourself.
Check out our wide range of bathroom lighting today.
