A bathroom with harsh overhead lighting that creates unflattering shadows is a reality for most households. But what if you could have a better lighting experience? The secret to this makeover lies not in a complete overhaul but in changing the way we think about addressing the topic of light itself.
The goal is to break away from the impulse to think of the ceiling light as one, isolated source and instead start building a lighting scheme in layers. This article explains why layering light in bathrooms is the secret to a space that serves perfectly for all activities and moods.
The First Layer – Clarity
The practical layer of lighting for specific tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or brushing your teeth is task lighting. It works to provide clear visibility in a room.
Stylish Bathroom Lights Make The Bathroom Inviting
The most common mistake is employing a single overhead light for all these tasks. Overhead light casts a shadow underneath your eyes, chin, and nose. Task light, on the other hand, does a better job of framing your face without casting shadows.
For the mirror, the best location is to place lights on either side. Two sconces that run vertically or one bar of light mounted on each side of the mirror will bathe your face with an even, shadow-free light. The perfect height you can go for is around eye level. When you use a large mirror, you can place a light over it as well, but never use a single overhead light. Don’t forget about other areas where some activities are done. A small, directed downlight in the shower will enhance your experience of relaxation and safety. This first layer is all about functionality and accuracy in the bathroom.
The Second Layer – Light to Feel Good
Once the functional requirements are met, we bring in ambiance, which is the layer that changes the mood. The soft light that permeates the entire bathroom space is referred to as ambient lighting. It is similar to your bathroom’s background music that is muffled and gentle.
Some great alternatives are recessed ceiling lights that have been placed with care, not necessarily central to the room. These lights can give a general pool of illumination and are practical with a dimmer switch. A pendant can also be utilized centrally. A semi-flush-mount or flush-mount fixture that is a decorative item will provide general light. LED strip lights concealed in covings or on the top of cabinets can produce a stunning soft, indirect light that is batted about from the ceiling. This gives a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere.
The actual magic of ambient lighting lies in your hands with the dimmer switch. You can have it brighter during the morning and dimmed low during the evening to calm your brain sensors.
The Third Layer: Finishing Touch
Accent lighting is the third tier that adds sophistication and personality to a space. It’s the design factor that determines what you love. It’s the art of creating short, fleeting moments of visual appeal. Have a stunning tile wall or painting? A small, dimmable spotlight or strategically placed wall washer can turn it into a room focal point.
Want to spend hours soaking in the bathtub? Two waterproof LED strip lights along the rim of the bathtub will have the whole tub looking like it’s a floating spa, as it adds a dramatic effect. Even the humble, scented candle on a shelf is an accent lighting because it gives a warm, living light. This is not the functional, utilitarian level but one that makes everything wonderful.
How to Make Everything Work
Creating a layered lighting system is much simpler than it is daunting. Start by planning out your work areas, such as the mirror, shower, and toilet. Then select your master source of ambient illumination. Perhaps some dimmable overhead lighting or can lights. To add to that personality, choose one or two locations for accent lighting. Be mindful that a nicely lit bathroom is more appealing than one that is merely functional. It is a sanctuary for morning ritual and reprieve after the working day. It is an area that showcases that there is a distinction between appearing good and feeling good.
Different people have unique needs for how they would want the lighting in their bathroom to look. Layering all these types of lighting requires unique skills and deliberate moves that don’t entail second-guessing. It’s in this deliberately tiered lighting that smart design meets personal wellbeing. Partnering with seasoned professionals like us at The Bathroom Solutions can help bring these ideas to reality.