The Bathroom

What we know now as the Bathroom has evolved from its simple origins into the room that can provide an escape from the stress of the day, a private retreat.

Bathroom's requires two types of lighting, task lighting and ambient lighting.

New construction or remodeling, bathrooms require careful consideration when planning lighting solutions. Task lighting must sufficiently bright to provide illumination, but also be appropriate with indirect accent lighting to add layering to the bathroom's ambiance. Decorative light fixtures and portables or lamps can add another layer of light and design sophistication. A well placed recessed shower can illuminate a dim shower and highlight tiles or wall treatments. A reading lamps near the toilet provide more focused light.

Task Lighting
Task lighting is important because it is lighting that is focused on a specific area making the completion of visual tasks easier. This enables us to perform tasks that require attention to detail, such as, shaving, applying makeup, styling our hair and doing our nails.

Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting or general lighting is important since it provides lighting throughout the whole bathroom. It is most often supplied by a central fixture, usually a surface-mounted ceiling light.

The lavatory and vanity area requires the right amount of illumination. It is important that this lighting be bright and flattering, but not glaring. A common mistake is putting recessed ceiling fixtures directly over the mirror, which casts shadows on the face. For even lighting, consider mirror lighting, pendant lighting, or sconces mounted on either side of the mirror. Lighting the Vanity Right To eliminate shadows under the chin, eyes, and cheeks, fixtures should be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror (or on the mirror's surface, if it's large), 36 to 40 inches apart.

The center of each fixture should be roughly at eye level, or about 66 inches above the floor. This will ensure even illumination across the face for grooming. A functional and decorative choice for vanity lighting is the Bath Bar or Cosmetic Strip mounted above the mirror. It is important to specify bulbs that have a lower wattage or frosted glass to minimize glare. Wall lights or Sconces should be mounted at eye level. When standing and looking at the sconce, you don't want to be able to the see the light bulb itself.

Shower Area Lighting
Another layer of bathroom lighting to consider is the bath or shower area. Recessed fixtures work well over a shower, bathtub, or in the toilet area. For the shower, it is very important to use a recessed fixture that is intended for the shower and rated to work under conditions of humidity and possible contact with water.