Creating the right ambiance in the bathroom largely depends on the chosen lighting. Too bright light will seem harsh and unwelcoming, but too dim light is not a good idea either.
There are countless bathrooms where natural light is insufficient, and artificial light does not cover the need for light for daily activities – a poorly lit mirror or a ceiling fixture with insufficient light, positioned in the center of the ceiling are, unfortunately, frequent mistakes. Bathroom lighting, often ignored, needs the same attention as the rest of the spaces.
A suitable lighting plan for the bathroom involves layering lights – placing strong sources for washing, shaving, and makeup areas, and weaker sources for creating ambiance.
Recommended lighting zones are: lights for the bathtub and/or shower area, task lights around the mirror, and ambient lights (preferably dimmable) to create the atmosphere. You can use LEDs recessed into the floor or under the base of furniture to create a pleasant decor.
All light fixtures used in the bathroom must have a high degree of protection against moisture and humidity.
Lights should have separate switches to allow you to alternate them. Since this is a high-humidity area, all switches are placed on the exterior wall of the bathroom.
In the mirror area, avoid placing lights towards the mirror as they cast shadows on the face, complicating shaving, makeup, and makeup removal rituals. The best choice is light sources placed on both sides of the mirror, as they spread the light evenly on the face.
The shower or bathtub area needs special lighting in larger bathrooms, especially when separated by panels from the rest of the room. Ambient lighting is a substitute for natural light and can be obtained through wall sconces or a ceiling-mounted fixture.
A more creative and stylish option is a small chandelier or pendant light.
If you have paintings or decorative objects in the bathroom (or a piece of furniture with a sculptural shape), it's worth investing in accent lights pointed towards them to highlight them.
When choosing bulbs for the mirror area, keep in mind that white light tends to render the real skin tone more faithfully. Opt for dimmable lights (with a dimmer) to have complete control over the lighting and atmosphere created.
In addition, in a small space, using dimmable lights will avoid the need for multiple fixtures – dim light will serve as ambient light, while brighter light will be used for daily activities. Also, dimmers reduce electricity consumption.
