Bathroom Lighting

Bathroom lighting tips, planning, fixtures and more

It's one of the busiest rooms in the house, but bathroom lighting isn't often on your list of priority home makeover projects. However, the right fixtures and smart placement can turn that ordinary bath into a personal retreat. A combination of new lighting options easily saves the time and cost of a complete remodeling job.

Old lighting

You've lived with the existing lighting so long that it's easy to overlook how it plays through the bath. That single overhead fixture creates more shadows than brightness. Vanity mirrors with outdated bulbs throw a harsh glare around a sink that deserves a warmer glow. L-shaped rooms tend to trap light in one area, and enclosed tubs and showers deserve their own illumination solutions. Pinpointing lighting problems makes it easier to choose the best options when you're ready to make changes. It's also an opportunity to decide if the makeover is a project for your DIY warrior or a professional contractor.

Planning

Replacing the existing fixtures with something fresh and stylish updates the look of your bath and often solves those illumination problems. An increase in wattage brightens up the room, and new bulb covers make a difference too. These strategies are affordable, and they make for an easy weekend project. However, if your plans include new outlets or specialty lighting, it's best to call in a professional installer. Consider it an investment in not short circuiting your home and personal safety. Save money by finishing up the detail work sanding and painting around new fixtures yourself.

New light fixtures

Once you've figured out the logistics, it's time to have fun and pick out beautiful new fixtures for the bath. Keep in mind that a balance of lighting options eliminates those problems that make the room dull. Recessed ceiling fixtures spread an even glow, but the downward direction of their luminosity creates shadows. Complement their radiance with soft mirror lights that brighten up the vanity and reflect around the room. Wall sconces are ideal for chasing the dark out of corners, and they work especially well in tight spaces. Multiple light sources open up your bath and give it inviting warmth.

Putting new light into the bathroom makes morning routines brighter and evening soaks more relaxing. With the addition of attractive switch plates and dimmer controls, you can customize any installation. Before you start pulling up floors and installing new cabinets, try throwing a different light on the bath. It makes an affordable and inviting difference.