What to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Bathroom Lighting
Lighting might not be the first thing you think about when planning a bathroom remodel in Montgomeryville, but it definitely should be. Whether you’re stepping into the shower before you start your busy day or looking to unwind after a long day’s work, the right lighting is crucial in setting the mood, enhancing comfort, and making your bathing space feel bigger and brighter. In a room where details matter, think shaving and makeup, good lighting can truly make a difference.
Unlike other areas of the home, the bathing area brings its unique set of challenges: constant moisture, mirrors, and often limited natural light. This means that you can’t put in one ceiling fixture to get things right. You’ll have to think about ambient and task lighting to make sure that you have all your needs and angles covered. If all this sounds like too much to process, don’t worry, we’re here to illuminate the issue and make sense of it all.
How do I choose a bathroom light fixture?
Bathroom lighting is tricky. It’s not just a question of what looks good but also what works for your space. Getting things right means balancing brightness, tone, and style. The best way to achieve this is to layer your lighting and make sure it’s thoughtfully placed to create a space that feels luxurious and looks great under the spotlight.
1. Layering, layering, layering
Even in smaller bathrooms, a single light source just won’t cut it. Modern luxury bathrooms have a layered lighting setup, from overhead lights and task lighting to accent lighting that highlights the architectural features and beauty of your spa-like oasis. Start with ambient or overhead lighting that lights up the whole room, and proceed to task lighting on your vanity area. Task lights help with detailed grooming, like makeup and shaving. To top it all off, a well-placed accent lighting, such as an LED strip or backlit mirrors, will add another dimension and eliminate shadows on your face.
2. Pay attention to color temperature
One thing that people rarely think about is color temperature. Measured in Kelvin (K), it ranges from warm tones (around 2700K-3000K) to cool ones (4000K-5000K). Warm white light emits a soft, cozy glow, while cool white (around 3700K) has a crisp feel that aids visibility. Typical daylight bulbs (5000K+) mimic natural light and are ideal for tasks that require great accuracy and attention to detail. Consider the color combination, style, and use of your bathing area to create an elegant, practical, and inviting retreat.
3. Consider dimmers for flexibility
Dimmer switches aren’t just for dining rooms. With a dimmer, you can easily change the ambiance between ‘wake-up-and-go’ to ‘slow-down-and-unwind’ at the flip of a switch. It’s a great way to shine a bright light and blast a full brightness when you need, and dim things down for a calming soak or a relaxing bedtime routine.
4. Mind the IP ratings
Since bathing areas are no stranger to moisture, steam, and splashes, you can’t just put in any light fixture. This is where IP code (Ingress Protection code) comes into play. It tells you how resistant a particular fixture is to water and dust. The closer the light is to a water source, like a tub or shower, the higher IP rating you should look for.
5. Remember that a mirror is a factor
Mirror, mirror, which light should I put in? Yes, the shape and size of a mirror impact the choice of lighting setup. For a single mirror with dual sinks, you may want a long horizontal fixture. For two-mirror setups, you could put in scones on either side of each. Backlit mirrors are also an elegant lighting solution that completely eliminates shadows.
6. Don’t sacrifice the style
Sure, functionally in a bathroom is key, but looks matter also. Lighting is part of the décor and one of the easiest ways to add personality to your bathroom. There is no point in a refined bathroom revamp if you don’t choose lighting fixtures that don’t complement your overall bathing area design. If your bathroom is sleek and minimalist, opt for clean lines and chrome or matte finishes. On the other hand, if you want a timeless, vintage look, antique solutions like globe lights and brass scones are a great option.
Who should I call for a high-class bathroom remodel in Montgomeryville, PA & the vicinity?
Whether you’re looking to shine a new light on your bathing area, embrace the investment potential of bathroom renovation, look into the benefits of underfloor heating, or you just need help picking the best toilet for your bathroom, professionals at Charles Weiler are always here to let you in on all the secrets of bathroom remodeling. With a carefully selected team of the leading specialists, we mold premium materials and brands into sophisticated bathing areas that will put a smile on your face with their beauty and functionality. Spend a relaxing afternoon with your loved ones at Gazebo Park while we do a survey of the location and start work on crafting a serene retreat for you and your family. Call us today!
