Easy Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Easy Bathroom Lighting Ideas – Guest Post by Arthur Smith

Your bathroom doesn’t just have to be a functional, utilitarian space for getting ready in the morning, it can also be a calming and pleasant retreat. A space were you can meditate and renew yourself before the day or relax and recuperate at the end of it. For this to be possible, though, having the right kind of lighting is essential. Implement some of the easy bathroom lighting ideas contained in this article, and you will be well on the way to having an efficient, practical bathroom, which is also a therapeutic sanctuary from the world outside.

Lighting Types & Positions

Don’t make the common mistake of confining yourself to ONE central ceiling light. Although you may be conscious of finances, getting a few extra wall sconces should’t break the bank. When shaving or putting on make-up in the morning, you want a bright, even light illuminating your face. If you rely solely on overhead lighting, certain parts of your face will end up cast in shadows and can make you look drawn and tired. Vertical sconces placed either side of your bathroom mirror, some vanity lights, or a bath bar are a particularly good option as they complement one another, creating a cross-light effect. They can be inexpensive and easy to install as well.

General, All-Purpose Overhead Lighting

Depending on the size and layout of your bathroom, using several small pendant lamps can help light each area. They will provide you with better coverage than just one large pendant lamp. (Make sure also that they are waterproof). For a normal shower and tub set-up, pivoting LED spotlights are a practical option. Prices can vary, but there are plenty of very affordable options available. These spotlights provide good, quality light, and can easily be directed to different regions of your bathroom. They are easy to set up, and LED lights are extremely efficient and long lasting, compared to incandescent or fluorescent lights, and they can help you save money in the long run.

Layering Lighting for Different Moods

Bright lights are great for your early morning preparation and grooming rituals, but aren’t so suitable for when you’re relaxing in the tub after a hard day. On the latter occasion, you will want soft mood lighting. To be able to switch from one vibe to another is a great advantage to have in your bathroom. Some easy ideas for doing this include installing dimmers, so you can control the intensity and output of light in your bathroom at the mere turn of a dial. Another option is to install some customized LED strips under the window sill or the rims of your bathtub. You won’t see the lamps themselves, but they will cast a delicate, soft light – they’re a great option if you want to enjoy a romantic, relaxing bath in the evening; just turn the main lights off and switch your custom lamps on. Consider also, adding a decorative lighting fixture to the bathroom. A small chandelier, for example, can give your bathroom a softer more gentle ambiance.

Choosing the Right Colours

Most importantly: go for natural looking light! When it comes to getting ready in the mornings, you want to see what it will look like in actual daylight – this should be the light quality you try to imitate in your bathroom.  In order to achieve it, go for light fixtures that have white shades. The light temperature should be neither too warm (yellow), nor too cold (blue).

• Incandescent Light Bulbs, there should be a ‘white’ (warm or cool) color listed on the label, or they should have a color temperature ranging from 2700K to 3000K.
• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL bulbs) are another good option for bathrooms; their Color Rendering Index (CRI) should be 90 or over. This shows that they display colors in a fashion similar to daylight. The appropriate color temperature for CFLs is also 2700K to 3000K.
• LED Bulbs should have a CRI of 90 or more, and a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K are recommended. Also, pay proper attention to the brightness of the LED light, measured in lumens (not watts). 

One more tip:

Try to avoid neon-colored lamps, as they tend to make everything appear unattractive. Recent studies show they can even be dangerous to your eyes themselves.

Just as for most people it is essential to have solar string lights for Christmas decorations each year, you should have amazing lighting in your bathroom! However, choosing the right lighting scheme for your bathroom, one that is efficient and practical but also aesthetically appealing , may seem daunting. But by following the easy-to-implement ideas presented in this article, you shouldn’t have any problems. Good luck and here’s to a relaxing and meditative bathroom experience!