When doing a remodeling project, you simply can’t overlook the importance of bathroom lighting. It’s a space that you spend a lot of time in, and it needs to be comfortable and well lit. Here’s what you need to know about how to light your bathroom:
Brighten It Up
You want your bathroom to be a functional space, so it has to be bright. That’s why it’s necessary to use both task and ambient lighting. Task lighting should be added around or above the vanity and mirror. This makes it easier to do everyday things like apply makeup and shave. The room has to be brightly lit for these types of tasks.
If space allows, you will also want to have a light mounted above the tub or shower stall. Ideally, there should be a light placed at both ends of the tub to create an even cast of light.
Consider LED Lighting
LED lighting is a great energy saving option. One of the reasons many people have avoided them in the bathroom for years is because they don’t provide the warmest light. However, they’ve been significantly improved over the years. LED lights best used in combination with incandescent bulbs to create the right warmth and coloring in the space.
Avoid These Lighting Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when installing lighting during a remodel is not adding enough of it. Having more lighting is better than having less. Use dimmers to make one lighting fixture multi-functional. This is especially helpful if you’re working with a smaller room or on a tight budget.
Placement of the lights is also important. If you place a fixture directly overhead of where you’ll be standing at the sink and vanity, it can create a harsh, unflattering look. Determine the most practical spots to install lights that also offer the most flattering illumination.
Renovations of powder rooms and guest bathrooms have some of the same consideration as master bathrooms with regard to the quality of the products you include, yet usage is ultimately different, not to mention the fact that these spaces are often much smaller. As such, you will want to creatively use the space available for overall design as well as decorative purposes.
The typical powder room remodel rarely involves tearing out walls and repositioning of plumbing and electrical fixtures, so you can concentrate more readily on design elements. As powder rooms are small, rarely much larger than the size of a closet, use darker paint colors to make the area look bigger. Brightly colored wallpapers are also a consideration. Streamline wherever possible to maximize space. Swap out an outdated vanity for a pedestal sink and add an attractive wall cabinet or decorative shelving to hold towels, toilet paper, tissue and other essentials.
The powder room is one of the few areas in your home that guests almost always see, so it is an automatic extension of your style. Use one or two elements such as mirrors, unique lighting or ultra stylish plumbing fixtures to set the tone.
When remodeling the guest bath, balance elegance with comfort. The guest bath is another room that reflects your taste and style, so make sure you have interesting elements that include attractive tile patterns, modern task and ambient lighting and the latest plumbing fixtures. Include plenty of counter space on attractive high grade natural stone surfaces and sufficient, but not overly ample storage. Including an amenity such as a towel warmer is a nice touch, but you don’t have to provide the spa-like atmosphere of the master bathroom. Consider zero-threshold showers, grab bars and wider doorways to accommodate guests who may have disabilities or balance issues.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
