An off center light fixture in the ceiling was once the acceptable way to light up a bathroom. That’s a perfect place for a light… provided your can put on make up or shave while holding a mirror up in the air and lying on your back.
Bathrooms need a good wash of fresh and natural light. The light experts at Lumens.com offer some good ideas. Try lighting the sides of the mirror. Placed properly, (approx 28 inches apart, and 60 inches off the floor) the lights will cast an even light on your face and make your morning grooming easier. If lights on the side are not practical, you can use overhead lighting above the mirror. It should be about 78 inches off the floor.
The kinds of light bulbs you use will make a difference, too. Incandescent bulbs are the popular choice to a warm or cool look. You can also choose money saving fluorescent bulbs. Look for something called the “color rating index” or CRI. If the number is above 90, you’ll find the light is very close to natural light. LED lighting has also come a long way in recent years. Different colors and shading can also give you a natural look to your bathroom lighting, and save you quite a bit of money.
Finally, dimmer switches and lights at different heights can fill in a room so it doesn’t look like you’re standing in a dentist’s office. When doing a bathroom remodeling job, consider creative placement of the lights. Each light may have a different purpose, but working together they will create a great, fresh look to your bathroom.
