The right kind of bathroom lighting can help create a relaxing atmosphere in a personal sanctuary within your home. To help you choose the right kind of lighting, the bathroom remodeling contractors at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville have compiled a basic guide.
General Bathroom Lighting
Warm light mimics natural sunlight (or more specifically, the light from a sunset) while cool lighting is brighter and more focused. The latter is the preferred option for bathroom lighting because it provides better visibility and a cleaner feel.
Do You Really Need Bathroom Windows?
Natural lighting has several advantages over artificial lighting. For starters, it can brighten the mood in your bathroom and give the illusion of a larger floor space. Installing bathroom windows also has the added benefit of improving bathroom ventilation, which can prevent mold from forming.
There are several ways to balance your lighting and privacy needs. One would be to install bottom-up shades on windows. If you want to maximize natural lighting while maintaining maximum privacy, there’s the option of installing skylights during a bathroom remodel.
Vanity Lighting
Your bathroom vanity needs to have dedicated lighting; overhead fixtures cast shadows on your face and make grooming more difficult. These lighting fixtures should be installed at eye level on both sides of the mirror. Avoid using clear bulbs with filaments (which cast shadows on everything) and use opaque lighting fixtures instead.
Tub Lighting
Building authorities have strict regulations on tub lighting: no open or hanging lighting fixtures should be within eight feet above the tub nor three feet in front of it. Avoid installing fixtures pointing directly down on your head, as this kind of lighting is unflattering.
Here’s a design tip: the tub is usually the focal point of the entire bathroom. The natural light passing through a skylight can help draw more attention to your tub and create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.
Shower Lighting
One wet-rated lighting fixture (which can handle exposure to moisture) should be enough for a standard-sized shower, but two or more fixtures will be needed for bigger showers. For more tips on improving bathroom lighting, consult the bathroom renovation contractors at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
To get started with a no-obligation consultation with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Huntsville, call us at (256) 203-9451 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Huntsville, Owens Cross Roads, Gurley, Triana, Meridianville and the surrounding communities.
