Don’t underestimate the impact lighting has on your bathroom. After all, the right kind of lighting can give the illusion of a larger bathroom and help create a relaxing atmosphere. However, lighting your bathroom isn’t as straightforward as it seems, which is why the bathroom remodeling contractors at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Collin County have compiled this guide.
General Bathroom Lighting
Warm vs. Cool Lighting<
First, decide whether warm or cool lighting is more suited to your bathroom. Warm light mimics natural sunlight while cool lighting is brighter and more focused. Most bathroom remodelers recommend choosing the latter, which provides better visibility and a cleaner feel.
Why Natural Lighting Is a Must<
Keep in mind that while warm lighting can mimic natural sunlight, there’s just no substitute for natural lighting. It not only brightens the mood inside a bathroom, it also helps make it feel airy and spacious. Installing bathroom windows is the easiest way to increase natural lighting, but you’ll have to balance your lighting needs with privacy needs. One way of doing that would be to install bottom-up shades or skylights.
Vanity Lighting
Does your bathroom vanity really need dedicated lighting? The short answer is yes; overhead fixtures cast shadows which can make grooming difficult. To avoid shadows, install lighting fixtures at eye level on both sides of the mirror. You should also avoid using clear bulbs with filaments, as they cast shadows on everything; go with opaque lighting fixtures instead.
Tub Lighting
Building codes 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. It’s also recommended that you avoid installing fixtures directly above the tub; this kind of lighting is both harsh and unflattering.
There’s the option of installing a skylight above the tub. The natural light coming from the skylight draws attention to the tub (which would normally be the design focal point in a bathroom) and creates a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.
Shower Lighting
One wet-rated lighting fixture should be enough to light a standard shower, but two or more fixtures are needed for larger showers. For safety reasons, the lighting fixture should not be installed by bathroom contractors directly over where you stand in the shower.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Collin County offers a wide range of professional bathroom remodeling services, including shower remodeling and tub installation. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (469) 815-7032 today! We serve homeowners in Plano, Allen and McKinney, as well as the surrounding communities. For your convenience and safety, we also offer the DreamMaker Virtual Modified Process.
