It’s just a bathroom! Or is it? The bathroom is where you begin and end your day. It’s where you get yourself ready for the big meeting, a special date night, or wind down after a long week. This space is anything but just a bathroom. It requires flexible lighting solutions in order to perform properly for whatever task is at hand.
Getting lighting right in this space can be a bit challenging, but our experts are available to help guide you! Here are a few common bathroom lighting mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Not enough light
The fix: layer lighting
Layering lighting is a design technique that should be utilized throughout the home, however it is especially important in the bathroom. Missing layers of light – or having too much or too little lighting can make a space feel uncomfortable. Be sure to utilize the three types of lighting:
- Ambient : This includes your main overhead lighting that will provide general illumination to the space.
- Task : This includes vanity lighting, or any specific lighting needs to help you perform tasks like applying makeup, brushing your teeth, shaving etc. without shadows or lines across your face.
- Accent : This includes wall sconces or a decorative chandelier. Accent lighting can highlight specific architectural elements or be used as functional art.
Mistake #2: Overlooking color temperature and CRI
The fix: learn how light looks at different color temperatures
It is important to familiarize yourself with how light looks at different color temperatures. Have you ever been to a public bathroom and noticed that they had the wrong light bulbs? The lighting was too yellow and dim, or perhaps way too bright and harsh? The color temperature can ruin the whole ambiance. If you’ve noticed the same thing in your own bathroom, it can be as simple as updating the light bulbs. Ideally, the bulbs should be between 2700K-3000K on the Kelvin scale and have a color-rendering index (CRI) of 90. This brighter, warmer light is generally acceptable for any bathroom.
Mistake #3: Dismissing dimming and multiple switches
The fix: say yes to versatility with dimmers and multiple switches
Versatility is key in regards to bathroom lighting. Not only will dimmers save energy, they can add to the overall ambience! Additionally, adding switches to control specific lights in the bathroom can also help. You may only want to use the vanity lights or only turn on the decorative chandelier above the tub – whatever the case may be, it’s best to have a dedicated switch for each fixture or set of fixtures in the bathroom, along with a dimmer for added versatility.
Mistake #4: Outdated light fixtures
The fix: visit your local showroom, look online, purchase new fixtures
