Interior Design – Secrets of Proper Bathroom Lighting

We all know proper lighting makes us look better in a picture so why do we ignore this when it comes to our own bathroom where we view ourselves daily?   Whether applying make-up, shaving or just brushing teeth appropriate lighting is necessary.   Ever wonder about those women with racing stripes on their cheeks for blush or hideously overdone eye make-up at the office?  Do they own a mirror?  Rather than bad taste the most likely culprit is bad bathroom lighting .

“It looked good in the bathroom.”

Photo via Picasa

The most important component of a good bathroom is proper lighting.  What is the secret to achieving it?  Every bathroom needs at least two if not all three types of lighting: task, general and accent.

Project photo from Naples, FL guest bathroom – before I paid attention to quality photography.  I apologize. 😉

Task Lighting

1. Light over the sink, in the ceiling not on the wall above the sink.  Install a pin-spot fixture directly over the sink bowl.

2. Light both sides of the mirror if used for applying make-up or shaving.   This allows light to illuminate the whole face.  There are actually three sconces in the above bathroom on the mirror which make for one on each side of the sink area.

3. Place overhead light fixture inside shower stall not on the ceiling outside.

General Lighting

1. Use an overhead fixture to give ambient light to allow one to safely move through the space.  This is the first switch when you enter the room.

2. Under cabinet baseboard lighting makes a fabulous night light.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is included to make a space look better or highlight a specific area or detail.   It isn’t necessary for a task or safety in using a space, but it can really make a room special.  In the above photo we used sconces on the mirrors as both ambient and task lighting.