No matter the size of your bathroom, one of the most critical aspects to consider is lighting. Bathroom lighting often goes overlooked, even though we spend quite a bit of our daily time in there. Proper lighting is key to getting the most out of your bathroom. The experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric have created this comprehensive guide for bathroom lighting design success.
From getting ready in the morning to relaxing in the bath or shower in the evening, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in our home. Bathroom lighting goes above functionality, it also enhances your daily routine. One of the key principles you should remember about lighting is that it should be done in layers. The first step in deciding on bathroom lighting is to formulate a solid plan of action. Sticking to your plan keeps you on track and budget. Your plan should consist of these three types of lighting:
Also known as general lighting, this is the most common type of bathroom lighting. This is usually your most often-used light as it covers most of the area. The purpose of ambient lighting is to make it safe to navigate your bathroom. Some of the most popular types of ambient lighting include chandeliers, flush mounts, and pendants.
This lighting is critical to illuminate specific things you do in the bathroom. At the sink, you need to make sure you have ample lighting to shave or apply makeup. Wall sconces, fixtures above the mirror, and lighted medicine cabinets are great options.
Above the shower or bathtub, you need to make sure you have ample lighting to safely bathe. As they are moist areas, recessed lighting is your safest option. If you have high clearance above your tub, you can consider chandeliers or track lighting. Always contact a professional electrical company like Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, for the safest options.
Do you have a certain point of interest in your bathroom that you would like to draw interest to? Proper accent lighting is a great way to highlight these features while also providing depth and dimension to the area. Another great reason to install accent lighting is to add ambiance and style. If you want to take a relaxing bath at the end of the day, turning on the accent lighting instead of ambient lighting can make your bathroom feel like an oasis.
The different types of bathroom lighting aren’t the only things to consider. Quality, location, and sizing are also critical to your plan.
The quality of the lighting is reported in lumens, kelvin, and wattage. Each of them defines a different aspect of the bulb. They include:
If you get lighting fixtures that are too large or too small for the space, it can make your bathroom look unbalanced. Measuring the area where you want to install lighting is critical to getting the right-sized fixtures. To achieve size balance, you should also choose designs that match the aesthetic of your bathroom and avoid visually heavy or overbearing designs.
As with any home renovation project, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. Because installing new lighting involves electricity, you should always contact a licensed electrician to guarantee the project is done correctly and safely.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring an electrician is they understand where to place wet or shower-rated fixtures and how to install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Proper installation is crucial to ensure your lighting can withstand humidity and moisture. Their skills reduce the risk of electrical failure and even fire.
The right lighting is a necessity to have in your bathroom as it helps to brighten up the space and set the right mood. Since 1983, Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric has been providing Boca homeowners with expertly installed bathroom lighting. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a service, call us at 1-561-391-1048 today!