Tips for Bathroom Lighting
Did you know that on average we spend about 1.5 years of our lives in the bathroom?! Since we spend so much time in the bathroom and one of my favorite things to talk about is lighting it is very appropriate that our very first episode of the webseries Creating Cokobo is all about bathroom lighting! This episode was so much fun to put together and it features my husband and bathroom hog, Chris. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Most full bathrooms have a minimum of three zones that require specific lighting needs - Overhead, Shower and Vanity.
Overhead lighting could also be called the general lighting as it is what provides the general light for the space. In the Price Guest Bath we used 3, four inch recessed cans in the ceiling. By spacing them out evenly in the ceiling, the lighting is consistent without creating shadows or hot spots. Another option could have been to use one or two larger cans such as a standard 6 inch can however I prefer to use more of the smaller size to get the even spread of light. The smaller cans also have a more minimalist, modern look that I enjoy.
For the Shower and bathing area, even and consistent lighting is also just as important as with the overhead lighting and of course this lighting is also overhead in this zone so the same principals apply. For the Price Guest Bath we used two, wet-rated 4 inch recessed cans to make sure there was a even spread of lighting that also provides a wall washing effect on the textured wall tile.
If possible, all of the lighting in the bathroom should be on a dimmer to allow for various levels of lighting. I like having the light bright in the morning and dim in the evening.
Vanity lighting is primarily used for lighting our faces. We use our bathroom mirrors to help us get ready in the morning before we leave the house so it is important that it can be trusted. The most flattering lighting will be a light source that is more or less parallel to your face as this will help to prevent shadows caused by overhead lighting. Think about how ring lights are used for lighting selfies - this same concept can be applied to vanity lighting. For the vanity lighting in the Price Guest Bath we used a round, lighted mirror that has an adjustable color temperature and dimming feature making it quite possibly the perfect vanity lighting concept. It is both a flattering lighting source and a beautiful statement piece.
Not all bathrooms have or need accessory lighting but in the Guest bath we had some fun with accessory lighting by using a tape light under the floating vanity. Of course this enhances the floating effect but it actually has a couple additional benefits.
Using a floating vanity with lighting underneath actually creates the illusion that the floor space is larger because you eye follows the tile underneath the vanity.
This is a great solution for smaller spaces that you want to visually expand without adding actual square footage. Another great benefit is that this feature is the perfect nightlight for children and guests. The light is just enough to see where you are going without being too bright or direct to wake you up in the middle of the night.